Look what we got today! School pictures! (probably shouldn't have scanned it, but I couldn't resist letting you have a peek!)

There was a time, when I thought that Iliya was doing SO well. And you know what? He was. Given everything that we put him through to bring him home, he did considerably well. He smiled, and he laughed, and he engaged us, and he allowed us to engage him.

But in comparing some recent pictures & video with some older footage, I have noticed how different his eyes are now...it is hard to explain, but I guess the easiest way to say it is that his smile completely, and totally reaches his eyes now. And his actions are so genuine. I wonder if those of you - who know Iliya in person, or who have been following this blog for any length of time - have noticed what I'm talking about.

Months ago, when he looked at - and interacted with - us, (what I didn't realize then is that) it was more with curiosity...sort of wondering how we would react to him. And if I dare project, it was almost as if he was hoping we would react in a positive way to him. But now, he looks at us...knowing that we will respond - expecting a response. He never minded us holding him or snuggling with him - but he didn't initiate hugs and other physical contact with the absolute gusto that he does now. We are more predictable for him, now, as his parents, than we were 9 months ago, as strangers...and even 3-4 months ago as psuedo-strangers.

There is a confidence in this child that totally blows me away - and for me, it can all be seen in his eyes and in the way he moves. And I wonder, in another 6 months, will I look back at this post and think on how well I thought he was doing today? Even though he will always be my baby - he's just not a baby anymore. And as much as it kills me, it also makes me so proud for his progress - progress that has been made in small steps here & there that add up to great strides. Just look at his eyes. You'll see it there.