Oh, The Excitement...

Kindergarten, here I come.

I found this in Joey's notebook.

He's just so excited about graduating!

My mind flashes back to just over 6 years ago when we discovered that God was growing a tiny miracle within me.  He had completely surprised us during a time of complete sadness and frustration in the quest to grow our family.  We've watched that tiny miracle learn to walk and talk and talk some more.  Now, fast forward to last Thursday.  That same sweet miracle walked across the stage at his preschool to graduate his last year at Sonshine Academy.  I didn't cry during the ceremony, although I did cry on the drive to the ceremony.  He walked up on that stage alongside little buddies.  And he immediately set out to do what he has done well for years...TALK.  He talked to his friend on the right.  He talked to his friend on the left.  He waved at us!  He mouthed something to us in the crowd.  And then, he proudly waltzed across that stage as his name was called.  We couldn't be more proud and excited for Joey.  I'll admit I've begged him not to graduate.  In fact, the reply I got from him graduation morning was "It's too late.  We're already having graduation today".  Clearly, he was convinced that Kindergarten was inevitable.  We actually had a kindergarten school meeting that same evening.  Joey's favorite part of the school on the tour was...the playground!  Oh, and he liked the stairs and the gym too!

Bugs and Chiggers and Spiders...Oh My!
Our first family camping trip was fun and itchy and memorable!  We loaded up in the 4Runner...or should I say "loaded down".  Once the 80 pound dog managed to scramble across the supplies in the floorboard and over the carseat, we were on our way.  Between the camping gear, 2 adults, 2 children, and 2 dogs (one of which is larger than both of our boys combined), I was convinced the tires would be flat before we ever backed out the driveway.  

If you're counting children, just know that Molly had 

the most uncomfortable seat in the car...my lap.

Poor Samuel was probably so confused.  We took him out of a comfortable, sterile, crowded home in China, brought him all the way to heat-infused Texas, and then moved him out to the wilderness.  Another way we know he recognizes family...he just rolls along, taking cues from the rest of us.  The tent was as exciting as usual.  Samuel didn't find it too difficult to go to sleep in the tent.  In fact, he was pretty comfortable to roll. A. LOT.  It reminded me of the airline announcement "items tend to shift during take off and landing..."  He shifted the whole night long all the while maintaining his deep sleep.  Gracie took advantage of his movement by taking over his portion of the air mattress.  Joey was just tossed about the tent anytime Gracie shifted her position.

The brothers giggled.  The brothers wrestled.  The brothers finally slept.

What in the world are we doing sleeping outside?

The boys entertained themselves with several friends at the campsite.  There was dancing and dirt and a large collection of rolly pollies captured.  The dogs lounged in the dirt.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  We were exhausted by the time we got home.  The boys napped and Russ and I got all the supplies unpacked.  And then...the itching began.  The chiggers had gotten us - gotten us good, but we didn't know the severity until we were back home.  Let's just say that Benadryl is making a fortune off of our family!  Making memories...

Our camping crew

Peek-A-Boo

Just had to throw this in.  Our Samuel is such a hoot now!  His morning and nap time routine has gone from screaming and climbing out of the crib to (just) incessant crying and on to happy chatter.  And now, he just happily lies in his bed until we come to get him up.  Before he even points to his clock and says "green" (even at nap time when the clock does not turn green), he grabs his soft blue blanket made by SuSu and pulls it over his head.  He think it's so funny.  He cracks himself up and that's what makes it so funny.  I'm somewhat convinced that he plays peek-a-boo even before we enter his room!  He's in no hurry to get out of his crib.  In fact, he just enjoys having an audience for his show.  It's cute!

Where's Samuel?

Peek-A-Boo!

Life is good!  The days may not be perfect, but sweet blessings abound just the same!

The Lord has done great things for us,

    and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

The Happenings at our Home

Four months since Samuel joined the family and we've been quite busy lately with sports, fun, learning, and life.

SOCCER STAR
Joey finished up his first ever organized soccer season.  The joys of soccer included picking flowers, kicking up dirt, and climbing trees (yes, while on the side lines during the game).  A lot of credit goes to his coaches who were all amazing, patient, and extremely encouraging of all the players.  We enjoyed watching him learn more about teamwork, soccer skills, and having fun with new friends.  His compassionate side showed up when his teammates were injured or upset.  And the dedication to his team was evident in his interest to defend the goal and run all over the field to help out his team.  Joey was slow to get in the middle of the crowd vying for the ball, but he seemed confident to take charge when it was coming straight for him.  He never hesitated to take a moment from his game focus to wave at Samuel from the field.  And he was consistent with staying on "his spot" when he was a "defender" near the goal.  It was great just watching him be part of a team!  Joey was a little sad to see the season end, so I suspect another season will be here soon.

The Defender

"Resting" on the sidelines

Celebrating a great first soccer season

CREATIVITY AT ITS FINEST
Face painting has taken over around here.  It's been quite entertaining, especially for those of us just watching and not wearing.  Joey has found a sidekick who is more than wiling to just sit and be transformed into many creations.  The torturing comes only when Joey scrubs Samuel's face with a dry paper towel in hopes of removing any and all paint.  Ouch!  We've worked on changing our methods and supplies.  Ha!  As for the art itself, Joey has mastered an "American nose", Tiger, Ghost, and making Samuel appear as though the's been beaten up.  If he asks you what you'd like to be, just say the "American nose".  Just do it.  Trust me!

Look at that concentration

Roar!

The "American Nose" combined with the beaten up look

Intriguing?

Ta-Da!

SAMUEL 
As for Samuel, I must admit that his sleep pattern (or lack of sleep pattern) was a frustration for me.  I love my sleep.  That was my biggest hurdle as a new mommy 5 years ago.  I require 12+ hours of sleep a day.  That may or may not be an exaggeration.  I've been spoiled with Joey's consistent sleep habits since he was an infant.  Plus, Samuel had been waking up crying and at times seemingly still tired.  Figuring out Samuel's need for rest was a challenge, while reminding myself that he previously slept in a room with 12+ other children.  I was skeptical whether we could "sleep train" or make any adjustments.  I think Russ may have questioned it more than he let on.  The Cry It Out method is discouraged in situations such as Samuel's when attachment is forming and the fear of abandonment is real.  We spent a lot of time "shooshing" and repeating the phrase "Lay down; It's still night-night."  A lot of time.  I realize Samuel's private bedroom and continued adjustment to his new life were obstacles as well.  After fighting him to sleep on multiple occasion and continuing to hear a thud as he climbed out of his crib in anger or fear, I was determined to make some improvements.  I was amazed that several hard falls from his crib did not deter him.  He's persistent.  He's hard-headed.  I am too.  So, I moved him to a pack-n-play.  My reasons: 1) to add a couple more inches for him to overcome should he continue to climb out and 2) to shave a few inches off his fall should he manage to get over the pack-n-play.  I'm happy to report that we've found success!   Not only is he staying in his pack-n-play, but he's pretty consistently sleeping all night and at nap times.  If he wakes, we often will hear a couple whimpers and then he's back to sleep.  AND he's beginning to recognize his clock's signal to wake-up.  For anyone who has not yet had the privilege of owning the Teach Me Time clock, it is wonderful.  You can set it to turn green at the time you've designated as wake-up time.  It's 7am at our house.  For the first time, Samuel told me this week "green" and pointed to his clock as I lifted him out of bed.  So, we're all sleeping better.  And that means there's a lot more peace and patience in the home.  Win-Win!  As a great friend reminded me, God is going to use that strong determination for something good for His glory.  And there's plenty of that determination to do lots of things!

Along with the improved sleep has come improved waking.  I've reminded him almost daily for the past 3 months "No crying; just say Mama".  Thankfully he's learning that there's no need to cry and get upset.  Someone will come to help him out of bed.  Samuel is now waking up happier and calmer, more rested and less frustrated.  Whew...it makes for a happier home all the way around!

A Man of Few Words...A Few More Words
Samuel is becoming more comfortable and confident to repeat words and talk a lot more.  Of course, there's a little friendly competition between the boys.  It consist of loud talking overshadowed by louder talking and still louder talking.  Car conversations could easily be overheard by those driving in the lane next to us!  

Monkey
Truck
Paw Paw
Shoes
Napkin
Airplane

He. Likes. To. Read. A LOT.
This kid could read all day.  It seems like the biggest attraction to reading is sitting in someone's lap.  He likes to be close at all times and this is one way to ensure that.  Samuel also repeats the words being read.  We've been reading number and color books quite a bit lately.  And you know how kids typically like to read the same books over and over?  Yep, he's no different.  Samuel knows where we keep the books in his room and he's quick to pull one off the shelf at bedtime.  The bedtime routine isn't the same without a book or 2 or 3 or 4...

Outside
Samuel just likes being outside.  No matter the weather or entertainment available.  If there's a rain puddle in the area, he will find it!  He will stomp!  He will giggle!  Chalk and bubbles are a favorite still.  He also loves the swing.  As we've "invented" some strange sign language of our own in the past, it has happened again.  Samuel was adamantly pointing to something on the counter while putting his hand over his eyes.  Sunglasses?  Salute?  What?  
Let's play Charades...

I cover his eyes when I spray the sunscreen.  And we put sunscreen on often when playing outside.  So, if you guessed sunscreen or "go outside", you are correct!  

Water
Of course, he loves the water table too and the pool out back.  Joey introduced the kiddie pool last week.  Our big dog, Gracie, was also intrigued with the pool.  We might have to buy a bigger one to accommodate the boys and the 80 lb. dog!  We took the boys to the local splash pad recently while our friends were in town.  We can tell that Samuel is extremely comfortable with water.  We've known this in part because he LOVES baths and getting his face wet.  Not only does he love to splash in the backyard, he is very interested in Big Joe and Su Su's (in ground) pool...a little too interested.  The gray hairs grew at lightening speed as I watched him confidently stand on the edge of the pool and lean over to wet his fingers.  Ahhhh, he might be permanently incased in a life jacket within a 10 mile radius of water!  No fear.  We'll gladly welcome that confidence and channel it towards learning to swim.  

Splish Splash!

The Rangers
We took Samuel to his first Rangers' game.  Between the dancing, music, food, food, and food, both boys thought it was pretty great!  Samuel never wants to miss a photo op, which I take full advantage of.  Samuel enjoyed meeting some new friends and soaking up the uninterrupted attention.  He can also go for extra attention!  And now that we know both boys can stay awake until almost 11pm with lights and loud sounds, we just might have a couple of party animals on our hands!

These boys have our hearts!

Mother's Day with 2 Kiddos

My handsome little guys and furry "dog-ters"

It was a special day to be reminded of the Lord's faithfulness and His great plans for our family.  We are grateful for both of our boys!  I count it a blessing to be able to hold and hug them each and every day!  

* Celebrating the special lady on the other side of the world who has our hearts too.   No doubt the magnitude of her unselfish decisions have made a priceless impact on our forever family.  Samuel's first mommy will always be remembered, always celebrated!