It's Been a Good Week

I can't believe that John and I have been home for over a week.  In some ways it seems like I just got home, but in other ways it seems like John has been with us for a long time.  For the most part, he seems to be adjusting very well.  He still is speaking in Russian, but is slowly adding English words like "bless you, thank you, hello, good-bye, more, all done".  Sometimes he calls me "mom" instead of "mama" from hearing what the other kids call me, which always makes me chuckle.  He also sings "Jesus Loves Me" several times a day and almost everytime when he is on our swing set.  We are glad he is sleeping through the night, but he only falls asleep if Paul or I lie down with him.  He is eating most of the food we put in front of him and he even had a few bites of pizza tonight.  He usually says "neeyet" (which means "no") and pushes the plate away, but after a few minutes he will pull it back and start eating.  He loves Chick-Fil-A, especially the fries, which we are going to visit often to put a few pounds on him.  We are having some challenges in getting him into the new routine, like changing his clothes in the morning or for bed.  When he doesn't get his way, he will say "neeyet", will turn away, fold his arms and pout.  We are ignoring this behavior and he usually changes his attitude in a few minutes.  He is affectionate and sweet and seems to be bonding to everyone in the family very well, including Sophie, our lab.  He checks on her throughout the day and gives her lots of hugs and kisses.  He likes taking her on walks and chasing her in the backyard.  Sophie has never gotten this much attention!

John can't wait for "Neecole", "Jeemmy", and "Scotch" to come home from school everyday.  He has met and played well with the kids in the neighborhood, but not for any long length of time.  I am trying to just hang out with him at home during the week so that he doesn't have to deal with more stress and changes in his life.  I did bring him to the pool last week, which he loved.  He asks me everyday if "Mama ee Vadeek sweem"?  There is a public pool in town that is very warm and shallow so he can splash around in it without my having to worry about him.  Thankfully he is trying to swim and is not afraid of the water.  He loves to wear his swim goggles around his neck everyday whether we are going to the pool or not.  I took him to the pediatrician last Wed. and he is in the 60th percentile for height and weight and doesn't seem to have any health problems.  He will also be entering a new program at Duke for internationally adopted children.  From what I understand, a specialist comes to your house for 10 sessions to help your new child and the family adjust to one another.  I go to Duke on Thurs. to have John evaluated and learn more about the program.  I am thrilled that he can participate in this and that it's covered by insurance:)  When I was hanging out with Nicole tonight, we talked about what adoption means and how God grafts us into his family tree.  Eventhough we are not in His lineage by birth, He, by grace, grafts us into his family tree and calls us His children.  We are so blessed!