One Year Ago

It was one year ago today that we met our son for the first time. It was an amazing, whirlwind experience. We were led through a series of halls and passed who we thought was Jack. Our hearts leaped! We went into a playroom and started talking with the doctor and facilitator when they brought in this little boy and placed him on top of the pool of balls. It was hard to pay attention to the adults when this adorable little one who was wearing little girl clothes that were too big for him was now in the room. He was full of life, curiosity and spunk and we fell in love with him immediately.
It's amazing how time flies and how blessed we are and how far we've all come. Jack now has a forever family and a hope. God is incredibly awesome and faithful. Here he is one year later!

New Wheels

My parents and sister came over for dinner last night and my mom brought over a yard sale find for Jack. It was this adorable little tricycle for THREE bucks! It is the Roadmaster! It's metal and a little rusty but who cares! He immediately wanted to see what it did and so we brought it to the back porch. He knew exactly what to do on it! Amazing! David and my dad took him to the front driveway so he would have some more room and I think he did really well.
My mom also noted how our home has now become Jack's. What I mean is, she noticed that Jack has taken ownership. He opens the backdoor as if it were his. (I should buy stock in windex.) He walks through the house as if it were his. He entertains people when they come over as if he were the host. For about the last month he's been role playing a ton as well. He makes his toys and animals play drums, or drink out of a cup, or he pretends with things like little plastic food. If I remember right, all these things are awesome signs of attachment. We are sooo happy things are progressing as they are. God has been extremely gracious towards us.

One of his molars has finally shown itself. I wonder when the next ones will show and I wish they'd hurry up. Seems like he's not getting as much sleep as he needs. He wakes up early from his naps and gets up early in the mornings. As Jack would say.. nah nice!

Life with a two year old is tough, especially an extremely busy one like Jack, but I'm loving it more every day! He cracks me up with his antics, his funny faces and crazy things he tries, something I wasn't sure would ever happen at the beginning of this transition. Thank you, Jesus!

Marker time

Tried the coloring thing again. Put a smock on Jack this time. He did better than the last time with not putting the marker in his mouth until about 5 minutes into the 'session'. Then his curiosity took over and he had to see what happens when you push down on the marker end and how the colors tasted. So, we'll wait a little while and try again soon.

Sand and Sun

David took a vacation day today and we decided to take Jack to the beach. He hasn't been since way back in April. It was cool to see how he changed. In April he was fearful, didn't know how to play in the sand, wouldn't really get in the water and just wasn't very comfortable. Today he was a completely different child! He actually ran into the water, played well with his bucket and shovel and just had a great time!!! We all did! Not that he has slowed down much... It's been amazing to see Jack's transformation over the last 5 months. We are so grateful that God has been our strength, support and guide!

When he got sand on the top of his feet he would say 'uh no' - several times

Dentist time!

Jack has been teething and his gums have been bleeding again, not as bad as when we were in Moscow, but we still didn't like it. Most parents we've talked to said their child didn't bleed and all the research I've done said there could be some bleeding but it seemed Jack was an extreme (go figure). Some dentists suggest children have an office visit when their first tooth comes in but most advise a visit at the age of 2. So, between the bleeding and turning 2, we though it was time for Jack to go.

When chose a Pediatric Dentist since I figured they might be able to handle Jack's temperament a little better. Good choice! The office was friendly, understanding, and did really well keeping him occupied, though they couldn't get him to sit still. Jack was his typical curious self in that he tried to touch everything, wasn't afraid of anything, and didn't want to sit for any long length of time. The doctor was great, and here's a picture of her and Jack. When it was time, Jack sat in my lap facing me, my knees were butted up to the dentist's knees and Jack was lowered back into her lap with the top of his head up against her. That's how she examined his teeth, but Jack didn't like being constrained. His gums bled pretty easily and the doctor said it was just a touch of gingivitis. She said that we were brushing his teeth well but needed to get higher to reach more of his gums. She said the bleeding should stop once we do this and gave us some great examples of how. Whew! Once Jack was back sitting up again he was his giggly self and the office loved him. All in all, it went well and there wasn't really any trauma!
After the dentist I took Jack to a nearby park for some fun. It was very bright so he kept squinting. These pictures are an example of Jack's usual personality... busy, no fear, touchy, fun, did I say busy. Our hands are full... and we love it!

BUSY

NO FEAR

Curious
Loves music but won't stand still for long! Too many other fun things to do!