Exactly one year ago today I woke up in a Russian hotel, put on my suit and tie and nervously made my way into a Russian courtroom to convince a judge that Caroline & I would be good parents for Christopher.  For a blow by blow description check out the post from last year – It’s Official.

Little did I know that this little boy, who didn’t want to have anything to do with me the first time he saw me, who rarely said a word when we visited him, would turn into the most outgoing and chatty member of our family - with a larger than life personality.

 So here are ten things you should know about Chris.

1.  He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES cars and trucks.

2.  He is a grazer when he eats,  he will walk away from his plate several times during a meal but always returns and will eventually clean his plate

3.  He is usually the first one up in the morning.

4.  He HATES fire on his food…aka Birthday Candles and S’mores

5.  He is super tough and has the bumps & bruises to prove it -most inflicted by older brother and resident Husky

6.  He LOVES his mommy

7.  He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES cars and trucks (worth stating twice)

8.  His favorite stuffed animal is a Polar Bear

9.  When he sings rain rain go away – the rain actually goes away! Creepy

10.  He is now the most interesting member of our family – important fact to know if you are ever at a party with us and want to know who to hang out with.

So today we will not only celebrate our countries independence – we will also be celebrating the addition of Christoper Sergei Braley to our family.

Happy 4th of July!