Tribute to Philippines Victims

Here is an awesome video on youtube. I can't figure out how to get the actual video on the blog. Here is the link, though. Please take a few moments and watch this video. The song is "You Raise Me Up" in Tagalog, though. It brought tears to my eyes...I can't imagine. My heart goes out to the Philippines.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pAwx6gPF54

Good Picks from the Local Library

I love the library. I have always loved reading. I love the smell of old books. I love writing. So, I frequent our local library a lot. Jay-R learned to use a computer at the local library with the tiny mouse that fit his little hand. Unfortunately, the library took some budget hits from our state budget cuts, but this recession seems to have affected just about everyone and every area.

Anyway, I was thinking the other day, how can I explain Halloween to Jay-R? It's a silly holiday that is hard to explain the purpose, meaning...it's just something fun we do every year. And every year, I look forward to when my daughter goes to bed, and I can swipe some chocolate...it's a mother's right isn't it? My daughter never minds sharing and doesn't care if I eat some of her chocolate and banana Laffy Taffy. Jay-R, he might be another story. He doesn't like to share his candy! I found some great Halloween DVDs at the library with his favorite characters. He watched the Dora DVD tonight and he has the "Trick or Treat" thing down already! I also found some fun Halloween stories. I think I'll do the same thing for Thanksgiving.

Also, another great find..."Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies." It's an international adoption story told through the eyes of a little boy. It doesn't follow Jay-R's story perfectly of course, but it's a pretty good book. He was interested in it. It talked about being scared of the new places. Since he is older and understands he is adopted, I'm always on the lookout for some great adoption stories to read with him. I recommend it!

Now, I can't wait to start the new books I checked out for me!

Pray for the Philippines

I never watch the news so I'm a little out of the loop with what is going on in the world, but I opened one of blogs I follow and she had posted about the floods in the Philippines.

Here is a link to an article. Say a prayer for all the people in the Philippines! We don't know how bad White Cross was affected or Mary Joy, the little girl we sponsor. We have friends we have made that live there and our hearts go out to these people. We wonder how they are doing and if they are okay? Please, please, say a prayer!

http://archive.gulfnews.com/world/Philippines/10352339.html

Adoption Update

I just opened my email, and I had an email from our social worker that the consent for Jay-R's adoption has been received from ICAB! Yay!!! Now, I just need to contact our lawyer and figure out the next steps that need to be done before we go to court to finalize the adoption to make Jay-R officially an Allison.

That was quick...we just had our last post placement visit the first Wednesday in September so wow, less than a month. That is the fastest thing that has happened the entire process of our adoption!

Soccer is Life...

I've seen the t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. with "Soccer is Life" expression on them. I have to say that right now, soccer is life for us! Tonight was our 11th day straight of either soccer game or practice between the two kids. Keeps us busy, but we love it! Everyone at work tells me to enjoy it now...it goes by fast!

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!

Tears

One of the things about goldfish, they don't usually live long.

We had a busy day filled with two soccer games, soccer pictures, a wedding (Jay-R's first), and a fun wedding reception. Jay-R came home excited and ready to feed his fish. Only, his Ate found the fish floating belly side up in the bowl. Not a good sign....

The tears flowed when I had to explain for the first time to Jay-R that something he loved had died. Another loss in his life....he cried and cried and cried. I comforted him, reassured him he had done a wonderful job taking care of and loving his fish. Poor little guy....

On a positive note, the wedding reception had mini goldfish bowls with goldfish sitting on all the tables. The children were allowed to take one home. Ashleigh had taken one home. So, we now are the proud owners of Butta, the goldfish number two.

Another life lesson learned.