One Year with the Boys- the Real Post

We have now been home with the boys one year and two days.  What a difference a year makes!  The boys have come so far.  I am very proud of them!


- The boys now go to the preschool class on Saturday nights at the church we are currently attending. Jacob still whines when first being dropped off at the class but he does have fun.  They have been going about six months now.

- They started in our county's preK program on March 3.  They have worked their way up to going everyday from 9:00-12:50.  Caleb loves going to school, Jacob does once he is there.  He has a difficult time with separation in the mornings.

-  In the last couple of weeks their language has taken off.  Jacob still says a lot more than Caleb but Caleb is really trying.

-  Jacob ran for the first time yesterday.  Still a baby run but nonetheless a run.  Not jumping yet but maybe that will be next.

-  Jacob walked on grass without holding someone's hand and without someone making him for the very first time last week.  He hesitated and thought about if for a few minutes then followed his siblings.

-  Jacob is still closest to Gracie and Caleb to Julia.

-  The boys are no longer scared of Alyssa.  She finally accepted the fact they weren't going anywhere and is nicer to them.

-  Both boys love the movie Frozen and can sing "Let it Go."  Of course not all the words but fill in with their own variation.

-  Jacob loves Mickey Mouse and always wants to see a Mickey Mouse movie.

-  Caleb is still the most affectionate.

-  Caleb loves coming into our room in the mornings without Jacob and saying "Jacob go to sleep." He is quite proud of himself and laughs.

-  When the boys wake up in the morning they come in our room with their pillows on top of their heads.

-   They still love the pool, beach, and playing outside.

-  Caleb still does not like to take a bath or shower.  He would choose to take a nap over a shower.

-  Still working on going potty.  Not quite there yet.

-  Still will not use blankets at all.

-

Contemplating walking on the grass

Talking his first walk on grass independently

                                                            Caleb, our little minion

                                                                            Caleb

                                           Jacob playing with sand, Caleb in the background

                                                   Jacob with girls playing in the background

                                                                           Brothers

                                                                            Family

               

One Year with the Boys

Lots of thoughts swarming through my head but for some reason just haven't felt like putting it in words on the blog.   A year ago today was our first day home.   We flew into RDU late on May 25.  What a year it has been.  I will write a post in the next couple of days.  For today I will leave you with a recent photo of the boys and a wedding photo.  Today Dallas and I celebrate our 24 year wedding anniversary.

Happy Easter!

He is risen, He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter!  We had a very nontraditional Easter.  Church was last night and this morning we had breakfast, enjoyed Easter baskets, dyed eggs, played outside, and picked up Kristopher for dinner at Dickie's BBQ.  I prefer the traditions I grew up with but this is what works for our family right now.

April 16, 2014

Two years ago in Nanchang, Jiangxi, China Alyssa officially became our daughter. There is no doubt that Alyssa added spice to the family. She can entertain herself for hours but will also entertain those around her if needed. Alyssa has strong opinions about just about everything and is not at all hesitant to let you know them. Life is more fun with her around. So glad God chose us to be her parents!

Thank you Show Hope!

Saturday morning I opened my email to find the most wonderful gift. It was the link to our boys' files and photos from 4 months old to 39 months old. Most times you receive very little information or photos of your child prior to adoption. We have no baby photos of our girls, no medical records and no weekly observations. To receive this gift from Show Hope is absolutely amazing! It is one that we will treasure and know that the boys will too one day. A huge thank you to Show Hope and its sponsors not only for this gift but for ensuring that our boys were well taken care of until they were united with their forever family. Introducing Caleb and Jacob at 4 months old. Every time I look at this photo it brings tears to my eyes.

Progress

Ten and a half months ago I  thought this day would never come.  Alyssa could not be left alone with either of the boys.  To say she didn't like them would be an understatement.

It has been slow but this little girl has come a long way.  She still has her moments but for the most part she likes the boys.  The other day we were on the elevator with Caleb.  She looks around and says "Where is the other boy?"  He had taken the stairs with Zachary.  

Happy Birthday Kristopher!

It is hard to believe it has been 22 years since our firstborn came into this world.  He is definitely our most unique child.  Unique in a good way, of course.