Roman Leonard's date of birth is June 12, 2003. On that day, I was attempting to get through the last day of school with students. :)

He was born in the city of Pervouralsk, about 15 miles west of Ekaterinburg. This is also where he resides currently, in the orphanage there. He was placed there from the Children's Hospital on July 24, 2003. All tests negative. He had jaundice as a newborn, which quickly resolved. He weighed 7.7 pounds, and was about 21 inches long.

As of December 12, 2003, when he went onto the international adoption list (and we were at Doug's Christmas party!) he was 13.9 pounds and 26 inches long. He spent September 16 - November 10 in hospital for viral meningitis, which cleared normally; and then to get him over bronchitis, which Dr. J called "wheezing when he had a cold." Otherwise he has been totally healthy, and Dr. J. is relieved that his birth had no complications and his size and vitals were totally normal.

The caregivers at the orphanage give the following report:
Roman holds his head. He follows an object with his eyes. He recognizes the caretakers. He grasps and holds the toys. He puts the toys from one hand into the other. He rolls from his back to his stomach. He rolls from his stomach to his back. He rolls to the sides. He sits with support. He can eat from a spoon and drink from a sippy cup (my own slang). He laughs and pronounces separate sounds.
The child is generally happy and he is affectionate. He loves communication and attention.

I cannot wait to get my arms around him!