Six Months Together

Jay-R has been with us six months today! It is so hard to believe it's been six months since we were at White Cross in the Philippines half a world away in the heat meeting our little man for the first time. Here are some comparative pictures. This is our first family photo taken in front of White Cross probably about two hours after meeting each other. He had a death grip on me but his expression kind of says he's a little uncertain, a little afraid...

Late July....a family photo taken at McDonald's of all places but the expression is so different...it says I'm ornery, I'm happy, I love my family, and I know I'm loved and I belong here!

He posed for a picture while at a park in the Philippines. It's a half smile, one that is completely posed for the picture. Compare to...

Here's his smile that we all love with the two front teeth missing! Eating rice (still one of his favorite foods) and wearing his silly glasses!

Here's a picture at White Cross six months ago of an only child now with a five year old brother and a little boy now with an Ate Ashleigh. Both very unsure of the other, not sure how to interact with each other yet, but.....

A sister and brother who have grown to love each other very much! They play together, they argue together, but they are bonded for life!

In Six Months, Jay-R has grown in so many ways...

*his English is phenomenal! He speaks proficient English and is constantly adding new phrases to his language. The newest being..."I don't have time." (I asked him yesterday to put a book in his school book box, and he says, "Mom, I don't have time right now. I need to eat."

*He is now eating almost everything. He is still not crazy about pizza or cheese in general, though. He tries most every vegetable and even likes asparagus. His favorite food is peanut butter.

*He is Mr. Social. He makes friends easily, interacts easily, and loves to help his friends.

*He is doing so well at school and daycare. He listens well and wants to do a good job. I think I have another perfectionist just like big sis!

*Meltdowns when they do occur last shortly and he is easily re-directed and re-engaged with us.

*He can actually stay awake during the day without needing a nap but he needs the 8 pm bedtime because he is tired!

*And he's gained 5 pounds...he's up to 35 pounds. He can't wait to be as big as Daddy!

Areas we're still working on...

*Sleep...still dealing with night terrors-this week has been especially rough. He still struggles with feeling secure and comfortable falling asleep by himself in his room alone when he wakes up in the middle of the night.

It's hard to imagine life without Jay-R. I know there used to be a time when I did sleep through the night without being woke up. And I know Ashleigh would say she remembers a time when the house use to be quiet, well minus the dogs barking! But, nights like last Friday, where the kids played on the karaoke together, she would tell you she loves having her little brother. She used to tell Kory and I that we were "boring." So, even though he might get on her nerves at times, she loves her little brother. And, nothing cracks me up more than when he says, "Ashleigh" in this annoyed voice when she does something to annoy him!

One of Ashleigh's soccer coaches commented on how much Jay-R has changed from spring season to fall soccer season. He loves to run around on the field with Ashleigh's team, laughing, and interacting with them.

What a difference six months makes!