My Maks

In honor of Mother's Day I want to pay tribute to these amazing little creatures who have made me a mama.

Maks-Joseph, Maks, Maky, Makadoo, Makadoodle, Makaroni, our Mak-attack..

This kid is amazing. I admire him so much. I think of that first visit in Murmansk, when he was pale, sick, and scared, yet him let us hold him, he started to open himself up to us. What a brave little man. What a brave and amazing little soul, who left all he ever knew (not by choice) and travel thousands of miles away to a new home with people who were complete strangers. Despite having to spend a week in the hosptial with a woman who he barely knew, he was brave and he fought and he allowed himself to be loved and to eventually love us. It still amazes me how resilient he was and still is. It brings tears to my eyes when I put myself in his shoes and imagine all he was feeling and how scarey it must have all been for him. While he clung to Kevin quickly, he took his time with me. It was hard for me, who was used to being the mama bear to Alek and Alek always running to me first. I love having mama's boys. I look back during Maks' first surgical procedure when post op he wanted no parts of me, I tried all my tricks to soothe him, but he only settled once he was in daddy's arms. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, in recovery after surgery, he only wanted mommy and settled in my arms. I made it all better. I am mom.

I love his resilence, his fight, his stubborness, his curiosity, his laugh, his giggle and his smile. His face will light up your day, his glare will leave you shaking. His laugh is contagious and his smile wil melt your heart. In seconds he can have you laughing only to have tp send him to time-out. He knows how to push all your buttons, yet can wrap you around his little finger.

He had the greatest, raspiest, deep voice and now he has this high pitched voice, it just sounds so foreign and silly to me. I miss his voice.

I love how everyday he says, Mom, you're my best. He loves high fives, fist pump fireworks, hugs and kisses. He always says, Mom, can I kiss your cheek?

He loves riding his bike and his scooter. He loves puzzles and legos and Matchbox cars. He loves superheros and monsters. He loves swinging as high as he can and rolling down grassy hills. He loves digging in the dirt, finding worms and bugs and feeding them to the fish.

He loves the beach, the water, the sand. He loves his family and his friends. He loves life.

Maks is an amazing little man, who I am so blessed and grateful to have call me mommy.