Half a year, half a world away

6 Months? Really? No way!
Has 6 months passed already?  

It's been half a year, y'all. 

Without looking at a calendar, I'd be slow to recognize this milestone in time.  I still remember that sleepless night, the one that was our last as a family of 3.  This little wooden hotel crib lay by our (rock hard) bed in the Garden Hotel.  Accompanying the jet lag and the super firm mattress, there was a nervous, anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach that hid sleep from me.  Though we had seen pictures and read a medical overview of Hui Cheng Zi, we longed to finally hold that little boy.  My mind whirled!

Hard to believe this was the same day he screamed for a full 

hour as he mourned the separation from his dear nanny. 

Samuel continues to grow and learn with such ease.  We had our 6 month follow-up with our social worker last week.  She said we are "boring"!  We'll take boring.  Life is just moving along and we're soaking in the moments.  

God continues to bond us together and to Him.  I stand by my initial evaluation that Joey has adjusted far better than the rest of us.  Not that it's been a terribly difficult adjustment, but Joey just seemed to fall into his big brother role rather easily.  As Russ says "they get a long well and they fight real well too".  Gradually, I've become more "used to" Samuel as our son.  Does that make sense?  I've known since last July that he was ours.  And I've loved him even before then.  For awhile, there were some days I felt like I was baby-sitting, wondering when his family would come pick him up.  Or maybe it was that I felt I was living a dream. Reality hadn't fully sunk in yet, I guess.  Obviously, I've known we are his parents and no one was going to pick him up and take him away.  I wouldn't want someone to.  Adjusting to a little person who walked into our lives carrying his own opinion, determination, and personality was a scenario I couldn't fully prepare for.  Only God's grace has gotten us through those trying days.  It's different than welcoming a newborn.  We've learned that adoption often comes with hard times, both for the adoptee and the parents.  It's wonderful, but still different.  We love this kiddo.  And he seems to love us too!

Happy 6 months together!

The Life of a Big Brother
He is the ring leader.  The joke teller.  The fort builder.  The corrector and teacher.  The tickler.  The spokesperson (for both boys).  The dancer.  The dessert initiator.  The best big brother around.

And he wants a wife.  A wife.  According to Joey "all the girls in this city have a ring" meaning they already have wedding rings.  It's such a heart breaking moment when he explains his loneliness and frustration.  And then we laugh with our faces turned and our mouths covered.  Once he goes into the scenario where his wife will stay in the guest room, it's pretty comical.  And that the problem only arises when Big Joe and Su Su visit because there won't be room for all 3 of them in the bed together.  So, Big Joe gets relocated to the floor...just during their stay.  Joey has it all figured out.  

I purchased school supplies for him this week without a single tear shed.  That's mainly do to the fact that I was too busy refereeing the crew to process what was occurring before my eyes.  Joey waved his supply list all the while shouting out various opinions of the notebooks chosen and markers purchased.  He made known that he needs several 24-packs of pencils because it's a contest and he wants to have more than anyone else.  Joey was thrilled that his scissors came with a cover for the blades as he is my safety conscious one.  He's really going to do it.  He's going to school this year!

A Wish Come True
Joey wanted someone to share the double grocery cart with.  He needed a little someone alongside to help conquer the world.  As the big brother would tell you, he wished and prayed for God to give him a little brother.  And He did!  

Just a few days after arriving back in Texas, the boys had to try out the 

double cart.  With this bad boy, it's easy to take out an entire end cap without much 

effort, but the boys...well, they act like they've arrived at Six Flags!

Conquering the world!

Between the muscles, power tools, and aquatic 

gear these 2 have it under control!

Super Samuel - an answer to prayer!

A Mommy Moment

When Clearance Isn't That Good of a Deal
Picture it.  Just strolling through the store after the 4th of July last year.   I spotted a shirt on clearance.  Liked it.  Bought it.  

"Daddy's little Hero" and "Dad's American Boy"

When I showed a picture of these shirts to my friend Amy, her comment was:

What in the world?  Who bought those for you?

Um, I did.  

Until July 29, 2013, we only knew that a precious someone 4 years old or younger would be joining our family  So, when I purchased the "Dad's American Boy" shirt for Joey, I truly had no other information about our next little one.  All I knew was that I'd have to wait until we were matched.  The wording on the shirt NEVER. CROSSED. MY. MIND!  Just like I don't think "Oh, I need to call my Chinese mother" or "Let's go visit my Chinese aunt".  Of course, Samuel became a US citizen on January 23, 2014 when we arrived back on American soil.  I'm just a little more sensitive about him feeling comfortable in his family and wanting him to "fit in".  Last year, I was proud of saving a few dollars.  After all, the 4th is Russ' favorite holiday.  This year, feeling silly.  Lesson learned.  Now, all I can do is laugh.  It hides the shade of embarrassment on my cheeks.

This year.  Picture it.  A wonderful super heroine suddenly appears out of nowhere, embroidery machine tucked under her arm and talent like no other.  That SuSu - she's a keeper!  SuSu has saved the day!  Thanks so her, we had super cute shirts that even matched cousin Cross'.  These handsome fellas wore their shirts with pride!

Three little guys celebrating a day of freedom!

We Must Hit the Pool
Samuel had experienced the lake when we went camping a few months ago.  Maybe it was the crowd or the fact that he couldn't see his own toes through the murky water that allowed the hesitation back then.  But, oh the interest in the swimming pool at Su Su and Big Joe's was like a moth to a flame.  Both boys love the water, which we are thankful for.  The littlest boy has not an ounce of fear, especially when leaning over the edge while fully dressed.  That encourages a wild growth of gray hairs on his momma's head.  The cautious boys were wearing more flotation devices than is allowed by law.  In fact, they were floating so much, they almost drifted up out of the water.  

Samuel's first time in a pool

Joey is still a little fish (as long as he has no less than 3 floatation devices attached)

The pool boys getting to work

Haven't We Met Before
We took Samuel to a Stell family reunion on the 4th.  He had never met 95% of the people there, but I guess we had forgotten to tell him that.  He walked in the place giving high-5's and hugging stranger's legs as if he had rehearsed the script.  That kid knows his family.  He just does.  And there was a swimming pool there too.  The bigger fish jumped in with no hesitation...once the proper floatation devices had covered almost ever inch of his body.  The smaller fish wasn't quiet sure.  Joey can be so gentle and encouraging at times.  He genuinely wants to help his little brother.  And it was sweet to watch Joey ease Samuel off the steps.  We could hardly see their little faces for all the floaties and rings and vests meshed together.  Then, there were glow sticks, sparklers, and fireworks.  Apart from the loud booms, they were captivated by the display of vivid colors and lights.  And so begins the interest in fireworks and interesting conversation on the way home...

Joey: "Next time can we get sparklers and light a napkin on fire?  That would be so cool."

OH MY!  There will be many many conversations about safety before next year!

They loved the sparklers!

 Glow stick or light saber...you be the judge!

Our little firecrackers have enjoyed the day celebrating our great country!  We are so grateful for the freedoms and endless possibilities protected by many hard working men and women.  For our littlest firecracker, he's spending this day on the opposite side of the world from where he was just 6 months ago enjoying freedoms he has never known before, and best of all - family.  And we are grateful for the freedom to praise our God who has allowed us front row seats as He writes our family's story! 

Father's Day and Fruit Pickin' Frenzy

 So, this is 5 months home?

Yep, this is what 5 months with a family looks like.  Can you believe it?  Samuel is a Webb through and through.  There are days that even I forget he wasn't born into our family.  God has done great things in this little guy's life!  

Some new words are:
hot dog
airplane
ice cream
dinosaur

Samuel is gradually talking more.  He's definitely not shy about repeating new words.  And he's slow to anger when we simply have no clue what he's trying to convey.  That's a good thing!  Most often in the confusion, he can be quickly pacified with a cracker or gum.  Yes, our 2 year old LOVES gum!  He continues to sleep well at night, although naps have been a bit challenging lately.  He had some minor surgery (is that an oxymoron?) a few weeks ago.  That seems to have thrown off his nap schedule, but I'll take a solid night's sleep any time!  

Samuel is quite the social butterfly.  He comes by it honestly...just look at his big brother.  If he sees a person, he waves.  If he sees a truck, he waves.  Even if he sees a dog, he waves.  And he's not that bothered if they don't wave back, which is especially good considering he waves at dogs!  His confidence is soaring in a good way.  He still keeps an eye on one of us at all times, but he's not shy to join in the fun.  In fact, anything Joey does, Samuel will try.  He is very comfortable with family and close friends.  Mostly he watches Joey to see if it's safe.  Thankfully for us, Joey is pretty cautious in new situations.  

Father's Day

These 3 guys bring joy to each day!  We were happy to celebrate Daddy with lunch and a scavenger hunt to his gifts.  Our boys are blessed to have a Daddy like him!  Last Father's Day we had no clue who would be joining or family or even when.  One year later and this is life.  Russ seems to have enjoyed his first Father's Day with 2 boys!

Fruit Pickin' Frenzy

Growing up in Arkansas, those hot summer mornings became much sweeter with a fresh juicy peach in hand.  And let's be honest, there was never just one peach...or even just 2.  Joey went for the first time a couple summers ago and has continued to talk about the orchard every year since.  Unfortunatley, there were no peaches to be had this year, but there were nectarines and blackberries.  What better way to introduce Samuel to nectarines than to let him pick his own.  Ok, so he didn't make it too far in the picking process, but he did eat...

And then he shared a bite or 2...

Food is rarely shared in our home, but with an entire orchard full, it seemed a little less threatening.  So, after tackling nectarines, we were off to the blackberry patch.  And since my aunt brought gloves to ward off the thorns, Joey and Samuel found it necessary to accessorize with a glove too.

Aunt Lucy showing Samuel how to pick out the sweetest berries.

Joey learned fast and then attempted to pick every berry in the patch.

These boys love time with Aunt Lucy.

They're thankful that Hoo Hoo introduced them to the orchard.

Story of an embarrassing outfit moment coming soon...

What They Failed to Mention

Things I've Learned from the Webb Boys

This momma has gained great wisdom over the past few years, especially the past 5 months with 2 boys at home.  Friends and family, perhaps you failed to mention these tiny bits of truth.  The "all-knowing" books omitted these parts as well.  Or maybe the exemptions were made to supply an element of surprise in the journey of parenthood.  And they have done just that!

1)  Trying to get the youngest son to repeats words might be a challenge, but if an older brother BURPS.  The little one musters up just enough pressure from within to mimic!

2)  I never knew I'd have the need to post a sign in our home saying:

And therefore, NO HITTING WITH GUNS AT THE TABLE. They will make guns out of anything.  Anything.  And we can't exactly take their hands/fingers away during meal times, can we?

3)  Trash only becomes treasure when it's in your brother's hand.  One could be holding a muddy sock or even a dead worm and in the moment that the other sees it, THEY MUST HAVE IT.  It's like a magnet.  And a war breaks out!  This is especially true if said treasure is one of those cheap, plastic toys from a fast food restaurant.  GIVE. IT. TO. ME.

4)  Words related to food - specifically sweets - are far more easily repeated than any others.
    Mommy: "Samuel, can you say popsicle?"
    Samuel: "No."

    Joey: "Samuel, do you want a cupcake?"
    Samuel: "Yeah!  Cupcake!"

    Mommy: "Samuel, say movie."
    Samuel: "...mummble, mumble..."

    Joey: "Samuel, do you like red velvet cake?"
    Samuel: "Yeah!  Red velvet cake...with cream cheese frosting...and a 
                   glass of milk."
* Maybe I'm remembering that scenario slightly different than it occurred.

5) These guys have enough combined energy to power a hospital generator FOR WEEKS!  They run and dance circles around me - literally.

6)  Bodily noises only become funnier with age (presumably with maturity).

7) Fertilizing the garden with food scraps and manure leads to the manly offer:
"Mommy, I can poop in the yard so I help our garden too."
Um, thanks....but no thanks!  Where's the offer to help clean the living room or take out the trash?  But when our garden needs anything at all, there's an immediate disgusting offer.

The boys working on the raised bed.

Samuel was concerned with helping in any way needed.

All finished!

They have such fun watering every day.

8)  Their volume buttons must be...

Where's the volume button on these things?  I've looked. ALMOST. DAILY. At least Samuel is honest about this his volume control.  When I ask if he can whisper, he answers with a deep, stern..."no"!  

9)   They really really love each other!  To see them chase each other across the park is confirmation of the bond that's forming.  We see them race to their "hiding spot" under the desk in Daddy's office.  Occasionally, we even catch them snuggled up on the couch together reading a book.  It's the tender moments together that give peace to my heart...and then there's a fist to the arm and a scream!

One of those rare moment

10)  Brotherhood is a full contact sport!  Every punch, kick, stinky-foot-to-the-face says "love".  

From Joey's pre-K journey (February)

This only-child momma has been fully introduced to the world of boys.  I know there are many many more life lessons yet to be learned.  Some will be unnecessary, but still informative.  Others will be plain ole embarrassing, yet entertaining.  Life with our boys is disgusting and hilarious!  I love it!  And why wouldn't I?  What's not to love?  I feel like I've been enlightened by 2 of the best.  

I must also throw in that these two rough and rowdy guys find a quiet moment in each day to give me a big squeeze and a kiss.  Samuel wakes up calling for "Da-E" while immediately running towards Joey's room to see if he's ready to play.  Yep, these 2 treasures are cool like that!

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!