Family Stories - China

The Gordon Family, TN

Grace with her Dad after being home 11 years!

The Sloan Family, TN

  Saturday (3/17/07) is our 4^th year anniversary of Gotcha Day (the day the orphanage
director put Savannah in my arms).  She’ll be 5 next month, can you believe it?

The Sanderson Family, TN

The sweet and scary Sanderson brothers!

The Mayhan Family, AL

Life is GREAT here in Huntsville and Anthony is adapting very well. We've had a busy couple of weeks since we've been back from China with a visit from my sister and a visit to my parent's home in Montgomery.    He knows this is his home and was happy when we returned from my parents.  Anthony is learning English very fast and will imitate anything you say.  He knows the names of his dogs (both of which he was scared at first, but now seem to be his best buddies) and all the names of his relatives.  He is such a joy to be with and I am very blessed to have him in my life. 

The Trombo Family, TN

 We are home now...and wow what a wild ride. The whole experience was incredible and the new adjustment to having a little one quite a challenge, however I truly believe we have the most perfect, wonderful child ever. She is highly intelligent, bright, and funny (Sarah is 15 months and walking and running!) FYI Sarah seems to be adjusting to our household quite quickly, even with our dogs! And she laughs a lot too.

 

The White Family, TN

I thought I would send you a fresh picture.The Girls love fishing, Emili caught this one.Thanks for all you do and the CHI for helping make our lives better than we ever thought it could be.

The Smith Family, GA

Alyssa is such a cutie!

The Hewitt Family, TX

Here’s some pictures of Grace and Halli! A double blessing!!

The Harpst Family, AL

We've never sent a picture of Danna Faith, so we thought her first kindergarten picture would be very appropriate.  This is of her first day going to K-2.

God has used CHI to bless our lives with this little miracle beyond anything we could have imagined.  HE is getting ready to bless us again next year, since we are LIDed for another miracle. Danna Faith is getting excited about going to get her little sister soon, Sarah Catherine.

Thanks to you, Brenda, and all your staff for letting God use you to bring us these little miracles.  Who could ever imagine what they do for our lives - she just blows us away daily.

The Chartier Family, LA

I am just sending an updated photo of Matalyne.   She is such a joy and blessing to us.  She has grown and changed so much in what seems like such a short time, Dec.5^th 2004 to now.  She will be three in November, but most people think she is older.   She is so smart and so well spoken for a child that knew only Chinese for the first year of her life.   She is taking Mandarin classes, she is in swimming lessons and has advanced to the “progressed 3 to 5 year old class,” she knows the pledge of allegiance by heart…..  oh well, do I sound like a proud mamma……indeed we are so lucky and so blessed.   We cannot thank Children’s Hope enough for our whole experience.  We are a family, we have made lifelong friends, and gained treasured memories from our adoption experience.   Thanks for everything.  

The Martin Family, TN

 One year ago today, I met Margot Yun Qian in Changsha at the adoption center.  A few short hours later, I became the luckiest mommy in the world!!!   This year has been nothing short of amazing.  I have posted some pictures of Margot from A-Day and thru this first year together on her blog  www.martinmunchkin.blogspot.com  Also this past weekend I was lucky enough to see eight of the other families who shared that magical and amazing time in the Hunan province.  We gathered for a reunion here in Nashville.  All those little babies have grown into toddlers!  I posted the mommy pictures from the White Swan and from this past Sunday on Margot's blog, too.  I am so grateful for my travel group.  It is hard to believe that such a diverse group of people from across the country can mesh so well.  We picked up almost like it was just yesterday that we were in China.  Of course, it feels like it was just yesterday!  

The Bonnema Family, SC

Our summer has been busily spent traveling to see family and friends and introduce many of them to our little Tessa Min Yong for the first time.  So many people accompanied us on the journey through adoption to bring her home, and we have been excited to share her with them in the eight months since we have returned from China.

Tessa spent her first 4^th of July as an American in Williamsburg, VA, surrounded by much of our country’s wonderful history.  Although she wasn’t extremely impressed by the events and festivities of that special day, she loved the chocolate animal crackers that we found in the historical district.  We are sure that someday she will appreciate the freedoms that she now has as an American.

While waiting for a flight during one of our trips, I met a man who turned out to be a pastor of a local church.   He asked me if we had prayed for our “own” children (no offense was taken at this question, since none was meant).  I told him yes, and we were given Tessa.  She is the child for whom we prayed for so long!  

We have truly been very blessed with our precious little girl and greatly appreciate all those at CHI who were part of this wonderful event in our life!

 

The Brasher Family, LA

We had a wonderful experience.  Guangzho was our favorite city.  Tatum was wonderful from the beginning.  I am so glad our daughter Briley was there.  She and Tatum have such an incredible bond.  Everyone we met were so kind.  The hotels were excellent.  Transportation was good.  Service was incredible.  Thank you all at Children's Hope for everything you did.  We feel so blessed to have had this opportunity.

THE REDDING FAMILY, TN (Vietnam & China)

Sisters Celebrating the 4^th of July!

SEELY (17 months, China) and DARBY (5.5, Vietnam)

The Longcrier Family, TX

Oh What a Blessing our daughter, Koi Li Page is !!!  We adopted her from Wuhan China. 

We began our adoption journey almost 2 years before Koi came into our family.  We had known we were to adopt but didn't know when, where and how.  The Lord gave us a verse Isaiah 54:2 in the summer of 2003.  We began talking with our children. (we have 4 biological children) We really felt God wanted us to pursue adoption at this point in our lives.  So we did.  China would be the land from which we would adopt.  Many people were surprised that we would want to pursue adoption with the cost and the fact that we already had 4 children.  But if God had placed it on our hearts, we could not stop.  We are so grateful to God for what he has done.  God provided the resources, the acceptance, and the GRACE.  Thank you so much to Children's Hope and their vision, care, and love for orphans. 

We have been home from China about 7 months.  It has been an awesome journey.  Koi is doing well and the blend of 5 is incredible.  We feel that we are the most blessed family.  Koi is running, talking, and eating everything.  It is so fun to watch her grow.

The Davidson Family, TX

Madeleine is looking pretty as a picture!

The Morrin Family, TX

Sydney Ann ...
Too Cute for Words!

THE HICKS FAMILY, TN

Emma Grace is growing so much every day.  She "sings" and "talks" all the time.  We have begun potty training. We are hoping to be potty trained by the time she turns 2 in October.  She is such a joy!!  She is so funny at this age now!   She is always sharing her food and drink with her "babies".

THE FLANNERY FAMILY, TN

Elle Rose GanPoYu Flannery was adopted on December 11, 2005 from the Jianxin Social Welfare Institute in Jiangxi, China. 

Our trip was a lot different then expected.  We had prepared ourselves in many ways for this day.  Throughout the wait, we had our ups and downs of excitement.  One day, I would be so excited I couldn't seem to get anything done.  I stayed on the internet looking at pictures of other Chinese baby girls and chatting with other waiting parents.  The next day, I felt like the day I would have her was never going to come and sometimes wondered if it would ever truly happen.  It just seemed too good to be true.

When the day actually came that I received her picture, it was my late mother's birthday.  That was really special to me because my mother used to sit and watch the television broadcast of starving children in other countries.  She wanted so badly to save them all.  My sisters and I weren't starving, but we were adopted. 

Over the years of our adopted lives, we, as most kids do, didn't know that we had it good.  My mother and father were of average income and we by far were not rich.  We didn't have the best name brand clothes, or my parents didn't buy the junk food we all eat now.  They were just average people that didn't need material things to make their family work.  I expect it will probably take Elle much time to appreciate the blessings she will be given as well.

When my sister, myself and my youngest son went to China, we experienced a whole new world.  I experienced something that I could never fully explain to anyone that had not been adopted.  I realized at the moment Gan Po Yu was put into my arms how blessed I was to have been adopted. I looked at the face of this little Chinese girl and saw myself in so many ways.  There was a huge sadness I felt for her, but yet an enormous amount of happiness too.

It was on this trip that I realized what my adopted Mother and Father had actually done for me.

The sadness I feel for these children overwhelms my heart, but, I feel an enormous amount of happiness for these little girls that so many of us Americans impatiently waited and are waiting for.

I have read so many books with stories about China.  I have to admit, I felt angry about what was going on with these children.  But going there, made me realize that I also feel a fondness for our little girl's mother country.  These people live without the luxuries of life that America allows us.  Most of these people walk where they want to go, heavily labor with their hands and feet and some do business and live without electricity.  It was amazing to me.

I decided after this trip, I would definitely raise my little girl with nothing but positive thoughts about her biological parents.  The negative aspect of China and the rules and regulations will be there for her to read.  But since she will probably never know her story of abandonment, the story I will influence will be of love. 

On December 11th, this little girl was actually put into my hands.   The emotion that was running through me was so amazing.  My mind was so jumbled and I was in a total state of shock.  She barely cried and was everything I was trying not to expect.  She is a blessing from God!  God knew this was going to be my child and I knew that the moment she was put into my arms!  This little girl is definitely mine on loan from God and I intend on doing the best I can for her throughout her life.

We have a special bond with China and intend on going back someday.  God Bless all of you who take this amazing journey!

THE BERGER FAMILY, GA

We adopted San Wen Jing on Nov 21 (gotcha day in Sanshui) - special needs cleft lip. We named her Lucia Dominique and she has been the joy of our lives. She was almost 16 month at adoption and could not walk. She walked within 2 weeks, is now cruising through the house, has taken ownership of her new family, is loving, cuddly, active. She looks so different with her repaired lip - she looked like a different child when I saw her in the recovery room.

THE REGISTER FAMILY, FL

Mikayla is doing awesome!  She is crawling now well and has begun to pull up and cruise.  She will be walking before long.  She has attached beautifully to all of us.  She adores her brothers and the feeling is mutual.  We are all doing well.  Busy, but happy...and very blessed!  She is a true joy and blessing.  Thank you for helping us make this journey.

THE DUDLEY FAMILY, TN

We had Lauren dedicated yesterday at church, in the white dress we brought back from China. I think she's the most beautiful baby in the world but that's just her proud mama talking. :)

THE AGEE FAMILY, TN

The Children's Hope people in China could not have been better. They made everything so smooth and enjoyable. The woman that was with our group for the whole trip, Wendy, was so pleasant and helpful, above and far beyond what was necessary.

THE THIERAUF FAMILY, TN

Without your agency, and your supportive staff, regardless of who was that particular social worker or specialist at the time, we wouldn't have been able to make Natalie a part of our family.  I can't believe how much I love her and how unknowingly, unfulfilled my life would have been without her. 

Every time I'm tired or busy, I can now keep that in check, because I think of her cute giggles or big bright eyes and it makes everything a little better, everyday.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY, FORMERLY TN

10 years ago…

We're close to our 10-year anniversary of becoming a family. I thought you might like to know how Tessa is doing, since you played such an important role in her life a decade ago. She had her adolescent growth spurt last year (already) and constantly gets mistaken for a teenager -- which is to say that she gets funny looks when she asks for a kid's menu at restaurants or asks for an under-12  ticket price at the movies. It's not just that she's over five feet tall, she's not at all gangly like other girls her age.

She swims competitively (in the summer) and plays basketball (in the winter), draws, and loves analysis of any kind. Show her a masterpiece in a museum and she'll make a list of the different colors used and how many times they show up in different parts of the painting. I caught her rearranging my kitchen drawers the other day into a more logical order.

Yes, she loves math and science...reading she can do without, even though she's in the advanced reading group at school. Her two favorite things are her cat Charley and her iPod. She has friends at school, church and swim team -- no one special yet, but her teacher says that she has the ability to mix and match in any social group and setting. She's so easygoing and confident that it amazes me -- May the good stuff last all through adolescence!

Thank you for all you did to bring this amazing girl into our lives, and for creating our family.

THE STOVER FAMILY, VA

Avery has been a blessing to us, and we hope to adopt again.  

THE LYONS FAMILY, FL

Not knowing a soul who has experienced foreign adoption we started surfing the internet and came across CHI.  Shortly after contacting CHI the information started pouring in.  With the suggestion from a church member, we also contacted the local branch of FCC (families with children from china) and were soon surrounded by dozens of beautiful Chinese children and their loving adopted "Forever Families".   We began to truly believe that we could someday be one of these families.

The "paper-chase" sounds awful at times but was actually a fun experience running to the post office before it closed to meet an emergency overnight deadline then enjoying a victory dinner out while waiting with anticipation the next stage & becoming DTC.

Even upon arriving in China, CHI had their China coordinator (Sabrina - WE LOVE YOU SABRINA) and local guides (Judy & Mary) who met us at the airport.  These super people remained nearby with the transportation, paperwork and contacts for everything we needed.

We now have our Michaela Elizabeth home and couldn't be happier.  We have become one of those "Forever Families".

Thank You to Mrs. Brenda Barker and everyone who worked with us and for us.

Randy, Renee and Michaela Lyons 

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to kawliga13@aol.com.

THE McHENRY FAMILY, FL

We are so blessed to have Meisi Li (Lei Qing Yue) as part of our forever family. She is such a beautiful and happy baby.  She has already made such great progress in just one week: from starting to crawl, eat from a spoon, and becoming acquainted with our dog and cat. From the moment we saw her precious eyes and heard her little laugh, we knew that this little girl would make a dramatic impact on our lives and the lives of our family and friends. We would like to thank God, CHI, and the coordinators in China who made the trip most memorable and enjoyable. Our hearts go out to those children left behind who may never have a forever family, especially those in China.  Our one prayer is that other loving families consider international adoption to complete their forever families. We are more than willing to answer any questions of those families who are considering international adoption, in the process of adoption, or would like to hear more about our journey to China to adopt our daughter.

For more information on the McHenry’s adoption, go to www.brianmchenry.com/meisi 

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to bmchenry@tampabay.rr.com

THE STATON FAMILY, FL

Nicolette (Yi Wen Luo), is great, she's 18 months old, and very healthy.  So far all her medical stuff is turning out perfect, and she is adjusting well.  It couldn't be going any better.

She sleeps all night, takes a nap, eats solid foods, says a few English words, and is potty trained.  She does have her moments, but seems mostly related to just being a toddler.

THE RILEY FAMILY, TN

We are doing really well. The trip was great and everything went off without a hitch. Our group in Nanchang was large (20 families!) but we made some good friends. Our CHI guides were great and we felt they sincerely cared for all of us and our new daughters. Settling in to life in Nashville has been an adjustment but compared to others in our travel group, I think we are lucky. It only took Sarah about a week to adjust to this time zone and she has been sleeping (most of the time) through the night. She eats really well, in fact, I am absolutely amazed at how much she eats in a day. She gained 3/4 pound in 10 days, bringing her up to a whopping 15 pounds (she's 10 months old, it's not on the growth chart yet).  

We really are enjoying parenthood and are so thankful for everything you all did to get us here.

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to kristen.riley@vanderbilt.edu

THE MERRITT FAMILY, TN

Our little Megan Grace is a true blessing.  She is so sweet and so good!! 
We are so thankful for her.  She was definitely worth the wait!!

Of course the pictures don't do her justice.  She is absolutely beautiful!! 

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send
an e-mail to kissandmel@aol.com

THE McAFEE FAMILY, TN

Our journey to China was a long one. Not the airplane ride, though that seemed endless, but the whole process from start to finish for us as a family. We are a blended family with 6 bio children from our previous marriages. These children's ages range from 15-21, that means three in college and three teenagers. Whew! Why would we want to add another mouth to feed, another child to add to the family payroll? So many people have asked us that- aren't we tired? Sure, some days we are tired, but family and parenting are what keeps us alive. We thrive on our children and their very different personalities and characters. But we knew our family wasn't complete yet.

Two years ago we started researching Children's Hope International as a possible agency to go through to adopt our daughter. Frankly, I didn't feel the need to look much further as the staff and programs they offered seemed to fit our needs.

The next year we submitted our application and were accepted as a potential adoptive family. We knew positively we wanted a daughter, but from China, or Russia? Our hearts kept calling us to China.  After plugging away at what seemed like endless paper chasing, we were closing in on completing the required paperwork for the home study. I started researching special needs and spent more than enough time on the computer joining several related adoption groups. Something kept tugging at my heartstrings to look into the special needs of these children on waiting lists. Could we handle a "special need" daughter? I surfed the web and "chatted" online with other moms of waiting children. My husband Rick was suddenly on board to consider a minor or correctable need of one of these children.

 In January 2004, I knew that CHI would have a new group of waiting children listed. I was glued to my computer that day it finally came up. I clicked on several faces, but kept coming back to one child whose eyes seemed to be calling to me. It was a girl, born in 2002 with a cleft lip and palate. Her lip was repaired, and she was gorgeous. I nervously called Brenda Barker to inquire about her. She called Tina in St. Louis for me and called back to say, "She's yours!!". What? I had a daughter???? I was so excited-but realized my husband was unaware of my "acceptance" of this child! I e-mailed him her picture and asked  what he thought of her. He said, "she's wonderful!" and we called our entire family that night. Our hearts were full of anticipation, hope, and wonder. Never once did we question our decision.

Months later, on July 9, 2004, we left for Kunming, China in the Yunnan Province to get our daughter. Kate was brought to us at the Civil Affairs office three hours after our plane landed. I was a nervous wreck, but once we saw Kate, we knew she was our daughter. That long wait was over.

Kate has attached to both of us as her new mama and baba despite having been in a foster family in China. She must have been very loved for she gives and receives affection quickly. She is very generous, full of sparkle, and truly a bright child. She loves to imitate all of us, and has learned pretty fast how to communicate her needs. There is always someone around to pick her up, feed her, play with her, and watch in awe as she conquers her new world.

It is without a doubt that this child was meant to be ours, and we are humbled that God chose us to be her parents. We also give much appreciation to the staff at Children's Hope both in Brentwood and St. Louis. We are forever grateful for their full attention to our family for helping us to be granted the referral of Katherine Jiao Merritt McAfee, known as Kate, into our lives.

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to hhalumna@yahoo.com

THE WYGLE FAMILY, TX

We are having a great time and Kira has been sleeping through the night for 4 nights now.  She slept 12 hours last night. Kira is an absolute sweetheart and Noah loves her.  I am attaching a photo of her getting her teeth brushed while Noah is hanging out with us.  We are so blessed to have the family we do.  Thank you and everyone else at CHI for making this possible!

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can
send an e-mail to wygle@integity.com

THE PARKER FAMILY, AL

We heard Zoe laugh for the first time about a week after we were home. Such a lovely sound. She is a joy and great fun, unless she is mad. She is a strong and strong-willed child. And of course, we think she is very smart.

Thanks for helping us get our adorable daughter.

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to lgwparker@aol.com

THE KEENUM FAMILY, TX

Chloe is incredible.  Every single prayer we prayed for her was answered.  An amazing testimony to our wonderful Lord.  I could just tell you story after story of how great it is going.  She is bonding with us and came right to us.  She is sleeping 12 hours each night, eating tons of food, is happy, loves to play and loves her brother & sister.   She seems to know I am Mommy and right now prefers me above all else.  :)  Just love that part.  It's back to the business of trying to cook, do laundry, and bathe other children all while holding Chloe!  Oh, the joys of motherhood.  (Did notice that my right hip has begun to stick out all the time even when I'm not holding her.) This has been an incredible experience.  Thanks for all the help.  Anna was wonderful in China.  What a sweet spirit.  So loving and gentle.  I cried when we left and she was crying too!     

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to mkeenum@prodigy.net

THE KING FAMILY, TN

We made it to China safely.  Amelia is a beautiful little girl.  She is very healthy and seems to be developmentally on track.  She is walking and they said she can climb stairs.  Although she hasn't wanted to show off her skills, as she wants to be held all the time.  We had a couple of rough days with her crying a lot.  She must have been really attached to her caregiver.  She has started to come out of her shell.  This morning at breakfast she was waving to everyone that walked by.  She has quite a personality and is truly amazing.

It is so amazing to be here in China.  The hotel we are in is wonderful and our guides have taken care of everything for us. We have visited Yuelu Academe, an embroidery factory, a village - and actually walked through the rice patties, Orange Island, and a primary school.  Changsha is a very interesting city. 

 If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to thekings1997@yahoo.com

THE McGARY FAMILY, KY

Thank you all for your support and guidance through the adoption process! Just wanted to send you a few pictures of Ali Zhen!  She is a doll!  She is adjusting tremendously - better than I could ever have imagined!  Thanks again for all you have done - I totally love this little girl! 

Kellie McGary

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send
an e-mail to kellie_mcgary@mindspring.com

THE DWYER FAMILY, TN

Kelsey had her ear tubes put in on Monday of this week.  While we had a miserable experience preoperatively she is doing very well and bounced back right away.  She is really beginning to talk up a storm - hopefully with her improved hearing and speech she will get caught up in no time.  She is now 20 months old and weighs in at a whopping 22 lbs [still hanging on to the 10%ile in weight]. 

Katrina's last soccer game was today - her team won again!  She won't start up again until mid-March and will play on the same team as she did this Fall.  She enjoys it and man she is in good shape!!  Katrina is 6 yrs 4 months old, 44 lbs and 45 inches tall now and she loves first grade!

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to dwyerka@comcast.net

THE BRYSON FAMILY, KY

It's Anna on her first birthday.  She had a big time.  I don't know but I think she might be a ham.

Love,
Rachel

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to rnrna@wmconnect.com

THE NISTAD FAMILY, TN

On this day seven years ago, We got our beautiful China Doll. Thought you might like to share in our joy!!!!!!!

 Dreams come true, thanks to everybody for all the help in making such a wonderful gift from God!!! 

Mel, Frank and of course Tylee Xian Marie Nistad

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to halfcrk@dtccom.net  

THE BUTLER FAMILY, TX

These are our daughters Kylie (3 1/2) and Jacy (18 mos). Kylie was brought into our family on Aug. 18, 2002 and Jacy on Feb. 28, 2005. They are both from Hunan Province (two "Chili Pepper Babies"!). Both girls adjusted beautifully to us and to each other. China definitely worked overtime in the matching room for us - both times!!! The girls are great friends and life-long sisters! Thanks to CHI for everything!

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can
send an e-mail to rkkjbutler@msn.com

THE RYBZYCK FAMILY, TN

Sunday, we flew to Xian, where we were to arrive around 1:00 and then meet our children at the hotel around 3:30.  As fate would have it, our plane was late, so at 3:00 we were all sitting in the lobby of the hotel waiting to check in......AND all of these women walked through the front door of the hotel with babies in their hands.  Needless to say, everyone went kind of crazy to rush over and find the baby that was meant to be ours.  10 Asian infants when you are highly adrenalized basically just make your head spin.  I did not have any trouble with seeing Jake, and when I went over to him to say "hi," he looked right at me and smiled very big.  What a welcome.   We all rushed upstairs, threw our stuff in the room, and then hurried to a meeting room where a small ceremony took place in about half hour's time.  We then left there with Jake in hand, and my heart in my throat.  It was the most amazing whirlwind of activity that culminated in a major life-changing event that you can even imagine.  

Jake didn't sleep too much last night.  NOT because he was crying - he just wanted to play and look around and have me walk him around.  If I put him in the crib and left him alone, he would start to cry.  Otherwise, we had a blast.   So, the final tally was about 2.5 hours of sleep.  Today, we went downtown to complete registrar and notary paperwork that is part of the legal process.  This involved a lot of sitting in a waiting room; the time in which Jake caught up on all of the sleep he missed last night - and the part where I became really tired, but so thrilled by the feel of his breath on my neck as he slept so peacefully.

 Things are going SO much better than I ever thought they would.  Jake and I have connected so much - and Nini (grandmother in Chinese) keeps him laughing constantly!  We are having a lot of fun.  We have gotten him to say "dada" even though he doesn't know why he is saying it.   

This morning as I was running around getting ready, I kept hearing echoes of the voices of many of you who have said, "you will never be on time for anything again."  Oh my gosh, you were right!  There is so much to do just to get out the front door.  I hope I get better at it as time goes on. 

I have learned a few things myself: 

a) Never, never, NEVER wear a beige shirt after feeding Jake - carrots are particularly hideous after being regurgitated.  In fact, I think I am going to burn all of my beige shirts immediately upon return to Nashville.

b) I might as well get laser eye surgery now, because my glasses are a temptation that cannot be resisted his little hands.

c)  Sometimes, I can forget the expensive toys - the free cardboard insert inside of the latest shirt that we bought provides almost as much entertainment  - although without the educational value. 

Oh my goodness, he gets sweeter and cuter every day.  I had bathed him before (obviously), but last night I decided to try a different plan - to get him in the tub early when he was full of energy and wanting to play instead of when he was winding down.  Well, I can tell you that paid off.   We had so much fun - there was water EVERYWHERE as he learned to splash himself and splash Daddy - he didn't care that his face was all wet, either.  As long as he could continue the flurry of activity, he was happy.  He was cracking me up - my Mom got some video footage, so I can look back on it in days to come.   

So, what to tell you about Jake?  We continue to have so much fun as we learn about each other and discover what makes each other laugh.   After he sneezes, I always say, "God Bless Jake" and he just giggles so much.  Then, I will fake a sneeze, and that makes him laugh more.  He loves peek-a-boo, and he loves to be really active.  Throwing him up in the air or spinning him around on the bed while he is lying down are big hits.  He hates waking up in the morning (like his Daddy), and he gets really fussy when he is hungry (like his Daddy again).  He doesn't say any words yet, but it is clear that he has a sharp mind - he remembers games that we play, is learning to respond to his name, and can easily anticipate things he doesn't like - such as a kleenex headed towards his runny nose.  

Jake is a playful boy and smiles a lot.  He doesn't crawl or walk but sits up just fine and seems to have a lot of strength.  He has two little teeth in the bottom center front of his mouth that he uses a lot - to bite me or whatever might be close.  He babbles a little - I can tell he wants to talk more than he can.  He communicates a lot, though - he knows how to push something away if he doesn't like it without a doubt.  He will pick up anything in site to explore it, and is ticklish.  He actually reached his arms up to me today to pick him up.  At that point, I would have given him the world if it were mine.  So, bottom line is - we are getting along great.  Our bonding is going so much better than I imagined it would - he is pretty friendly to everyone, but I am slowly seeing that he is starting to prefer me - as he should.  He is cute, fun, funny, interesting, curious, and all of the things that make little boys adorable.  I love him so much already.

If you are interested in contacting this family, you can send an e-mail to krybczyk@comcast.net

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