Neurosurgeon Appointment and Beach Photos

The boys' appointment with the neurosurgeon was today.  Caleb has complete absence of the corpus collosum and Jacob has partial absence of the corpus callosum.  We really don't know what this means for the boys.  We just wait and see how they develop.   Caleb's does have fluid on the ventricles but we found out this is perfectly normal with his absence of the corpus callosum.  Best news is there no need for any surgery.

Now for the long awaited beach photos.

              The boys walking on the beach.  Their balance wasn't good on the sand.

                                    Jacob was more of an observer.

                                        Caleb loved playing in the sand.

                                       Bye Bye Beach!  Hope to visit again soon.

Two Months

Two months ago today the boys became US citizens in San Francisco. Two months ago they met their Dad, Kristopher, Nicholas, Julia, Grace, and Alyssa for the first time.

Since my post a couple of weeks ago the boys have had some new experiences. I am going to use bullets again just because I like them.

- First overnight trip since China. They both did okay. Sleeping was interesting since there were 10 of us.

- First trip to Ikea. They weren't that impressed.

- First trip to the beach. We just went late in the afternoon for a few hours. Neither walked well on the beach. Dallas likes to say they walk like old men. I think this is due to their brain issues. It can cause problems with balance. Caleb took to the beach much quicker than Jacob. No surprise there. Jacob sat on a boogie board checking things out for a long time. All in all they had a good time. Looking forward to our longer trip to the beach in August.

I'll add some photos tomorrow.  Too tired tonight.

Boys' First Haircut

A couple of weeks ago the boys got their first haircut.  I had other things I needed to get done so Dallas, Kristopher, and Zachary took them.  We really didn't think they would do well.  They still get nervous about new things and places.  So we were quite surprised that they did great!  When they got home they were so excited to see me and show me their haircuts.  They were so funny.

                                                                     Before

   

                                                                     After

My Three 3 Year Olds

Our Red Thread Session

Click on Red Thread Session to see the video of some of our photos.

Two Months Ago

On May 13, 2013 we met the boys for the first time. I started writing this on the two month mark but didn't get it posted.  So very blessed to have them home and that they are are sons.

The boys have adapted to their new home very well.  Still some things we are working on but I am so proud of them.

On July 13, 2013 we had a  Red Thread Session with Shelli Craig Photography.  We had always wanted to do one but it just never happened.  It was an awesome experience and we can't wait to see all the photos.  The little boys weren't very smiley but hoping Shelli was still able to get some good photos.  I know the more people you have the more difficult it is.  We were so fortunate the rain held off long enough to get some photos.  Up until the very last minute we thought we were going to have to cancel.

Some tidbits about the boys:
- Still absolutely do not like blankets of any kind anywhere near them
- Jacob can now walk up the 3 garage stairs into the house by himself
- Knows everyone's name in our immediate family even if they can't pronounce it correctly
- Finally tried ice cream for the first time the other night at Cold Stone Creamery.  Once we convinced   them to try it they both loved it.  They ate my flavor of choice-Mint Chocolate Chip.
- Went to Chick-fil-A for the first time on Cow Appreciation Day(today), they loved it.
- Caleb prefers meats and Jacob prefers breads
- Took 1 nap that was longer than 30 minutes
- Can point to ears, eyes, mouth, nose, hands, feet, hair, and head with 95% accuracy
- Love hugs and kisses
- Clap and laugh in celebration every time I am gone and come home
- Will not sleep past 6:15 a.m.
- Still have to lay on the floor of their room until they fall asleep, at naptime Nicholas often lays with them and it takes about 30 minutes for them to fall asleep.  At bedtime it usually takes a 45- 60 minutes.
- Caleb has a favorite chair in our family room and gets upset if he can't sit there
- They are still fairly picky about their food.  Jacob will not eat any vegetables and the only fruit they will eat is bananas.
- They enjoy playing with some toys now.  Big legos are their favorite.
- Jacob flips out anytime he has to walk on grass.  Definitely not his thing.
- Jacob is still quite the singer.  He has picked up quite a few songs.  Caleb sings too but you really can't understand him.
- We still have many parades during the day.  If Dallas or I get up both boys will follow us everywhere we go.  Occasionally they do the same to the girls.
- Jacob is no longer scared of Alyssa but he doesn't interact much with her either.
- Both boys still have 1 bottle at bedtime.
- We are gradually clearing out our stockpile of cereal.  The boys love almost any flavor.
- The boys would eat all day long if you let them.
- They like to listen to music when they are going to sleep.  They have a  Chinese Lullaby CD and a kids' worship CD that are their favorites.
- We still get the shaking of the hand and "bitta, bitta" when they don't like something.  Thankfully this doesn't happen near as often.

I may add a few more bullets if I think of anything else.  It seems like it has been so much longer than two months since they walked into the civil affairs office in Zhengzhou, Henan.  They are treasures!

Some days....

are better than others. Not complaining just saying.