Our Good Will Ambassador

Owen seems to be doing very well bonding with us. I am the one he is stuck to like glue, but he is warming up to Jim as well. He now knows how to do "cheers" with his sippy cup, and give high fives, thanks to Jim.

Aside from being thrilled that he is doing so well, Jim and I are just...I think the best word would be drained. Mentally and physically exhausted. It rained for a day and a half, and being stuck in a tiny hotel room with about 4 toys that we've played with forever, was making us go stir crazy. Finally, the rain stopped for a while and we did get out for some walks, and out to eat.

Owen apparently was not taught in the orphanage that you don't look anyone in the eye or wave at strangers. It's just not a Russian thing to do. Jim and I are so over that now, and the unfriendly vibe doesn't bother us like it did at first. But Owen...oh Owen...in his little red stroller...is waving at everyone he meets. In restaurants, on the street. He is out there trying to work the crowds. For the most part, he is ignored on the streets. But in restaurants, it is harder. He has actually made some Russians smile and wave. And in restaurants with non-Russians, oh my gosh. At the Hard Rock Cafe he had the whole room waving back at him, and one woman (from Greece) came over and asked if she could hold him, and then proceeded to take him back to her table to show him off. He didn't last too long being that far away from us, but then proceeded to flirt with her the rest of the meal across the room.

The best part though, was at McDonald's (can you tell our eating habits yet?). A lone Russian man, probably in his 50s, sat next to us. Owen waved and pointed to the man's fries. So the man gave him one, over our protests. This led to a whole meal of Owen waving at the man and grunting for more fries. And finally, this Russian man tried to talk to us in Russian, and when we said we only speak English, he told us, "A boy like that - life will be easy." Then as Owen wanted more food, he laughed and said, "He is Russian at heart!" We just smiled and nodded. Then this man seemed to realize why we were here, and he asked, "Was he born here?" We said yes, and he just said, "Oh. I see." He remained friendly, and waved goodbye when we left. I am probably imagining things, but he seemed perhaps a little sad. I would be sad too, to see such a handsome, friendly, smart little boy leave the country.

I keep saying, just wait until you are in the US, Owen, you will be able to charm everyone you meet.