Six Months Home

February 28 marked six months since Michael and I arrived in the States together. It's hard to believe we've only known each other for eight months and we've only been together as a family of four for just six months. It feels like he's always been here. 

The last eight months have brought a lot of new, both for Mikey and for us. This was the moment Michael and I met for the first time, June 23. I was trying hard to hold back the tears so I didn't scare him. Didn't work. 

And the day I arrived back to Soroti to get Michael, after an agonizing three weeks back in the States without him. We were both so ready to be together forever.

And the day we left Uganda for the States, to finally be united with Dan and Max, who had been waiting for us for five weeks. 

Michael has gotten to know his little brother, Max, and they've become two inseparable peas in a pod. 

He's gone to the zoo for the first time and conquered his fear of animals. He's even getting his very own dog soon. I never would have imagined that six months ago! You should have heard the screaming when he saw pictures of animals!

 

He's experienced his first snow. He wasn't real sure what to think about it and still isn't. Don't worry, kid. I don't like it either.

He's grown 4.5 inches and gained nearly 8 pounds. He's begun physical therapy and gets stronger and stronger with each passing day. He can now lift his head off the floor and his head control is continually improving. He can even move his legs reciprocally now -- yes, he's learning to take steps!!

Mikey's discovered some likes and dislikes. He loves to paint with Max and I. Car rides are one of his favorite activities. And Mickey Mouse Clubhouse makes him squeal with delight each time it begins. 

But he HATES when Mickey is over.

And most recently, we celebrated Michael's birth and six months together with our friends and family, Mickey Mouse Road Rally style, combining his love of Mickey and cars. 

Each day when I kiss those cheeks and I see that gorgeous smile, I thank God I am the woman he bestowed the responsibility of raising Michael too. There are so many people who love him dearly and I don't know why it was me God picked, but the honor is not lost on me. 

I can't wait to see what the next six months hold for our family. We love you so much, Mikey!

Dear Birth Mother - Growing

There are many times when Max does something amazing, funny, or something that touches my heart and I immediately want to tell one person- his birth mom. Although we send regular updates to his birth parents, we don't as of yet have a face-to-face relationship with them, so many of the things that I would love to tell her go unsaid, so I am beginning this series to share what I wish I could say to her myself.

Please note that I am using "birthmother" to protect Max's birth mom's privacy, not because I don't know her name or don't want to address her personally.
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Dear Birthmother,

Every morning when I go to get him out of his bed he sits up, points to his face and says "nose."

We move onto eyes, ears, head, hair, hands, fingers, and toes. Some days he remembers to say "knee!", others he forgets or points to shin instead. He also loves to talk about belly buttons and gets frustrated when he's in a onesie or a romper and can't find his.

He's such an extraordinarily smart kid that it blows my mind. I know a lot of it is because I'm home with him to work on things like shapes and colors, but I have a hunch that you are the one he really gets his smarts from.

He talks all the time. A month or so ago I decided to count all the words he uses on a regular basis; I lost count after 30 or so, and he's added many since then. He says "up!" dozens of times a day, but my favorite to hear, of course, is "mama!"

He is such a strong-willed little boy, which I also have a hunch comes from you. There's no getting him to do something he doesn't want to and you will likely have a huge meltdown on your hands if you try. With his strong will also comes tenacity, though. He never gives up when he wants to accomplish something, a trait I hope he carries into adulthood.

Every day when I am holding our son, mine and yours, I think of you. I want you to know I don't take the gift you gave me for granted; it is my honor and privilege to be his mother, even during the times when I am exhausted and drained.

I want you to know, too, how much we love you. You, dear birthmother, are forever in our hearts.

Love always,

New series - Dear Birthmother





There are many times when Max does something amazing, funny, or something that touches my heart and I immediately want to tell one person- his birth mom. Although we send regular updates to his birth parents, we don't as of yet have a face-to-face relationship with them, so many of the things that I would love to tell her go unsaid, so I am beginning this series to share what I wish I could say to her myself.

Please note that I am using "birthmother" to protect Max's birth mom's privacy, not because I don't know her name or don't want to address her personally.
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Dear Birthmother,

I was taking pictures of our son, mine and yours, the other day. He has this precious dimple on his right cheek, gorgeous long lashes, and amazing almond-shaped brown eyes. I wonder when I look at him which one of you he got his beautiful features from (probably both!).

Max is so incredibly smart. Every day I am amazed with the things he knows and picks up on. I know that some of it is because I work with him on things like identifying shapes, sounds, and colors a lot each day, but I can tell there is so much natural ability in him. He astounds me every day and I know he's going to do amazing things in his life.

I know he doesn't understand yet, but I talk to him about you a lot. The other day while we were playing in his room he picked up a toy that Dan and I had bought while on vacation while you were still pregnant with Max.

I told him how we had been praying for a baby of our own and bought the toy in hopes that we would someday soon have a baby of our own to give it to. I told him that even though we didn't know about you and Max yet we prayed for you every day, prayed for safety, for wisdom, and that you would know how much we love and cherish both of you.

I told Max about how much you love him and how I know you think about him all the time, about how he has two moms who would do anything in the world for him.

I wish I could tell you face-to-face how much I love our beautiful son. You gave me the most amazing gift, Birthmother, and I wish I could explain how much it means to me. You are, and always will be, my hero.

All the love in the world,

Four months

Today Max is 4 months old. Time flies when you're having fun (and are sleep deprived).

 

 

What Max is like at 4 months:

• Oh so very chatty and squealy! I got dirty looks from people at the library yesterday because he's so talkative. I think his chattiness is adorable, though.
• He can almost turn from back to tummy. He keeps getting stuck on his arm mid-flip and needs a little extra help. 
• Smiles constantly at Dan and I, but is pretty slow to smile at others. He is very social though and thrives on activity. He loves to go out and be around people.
• He's completely fascinated by the doggy's tail.
• He is super wiggly and wants to be able to move independently. Max thinks it's dumb that he can't crawl yet.
• Loves to eat his fingers. We have to remind him that sticking his fingers down his throat may not be the best idea.
• Has a whole bin of fun toys, but prefers to play with a burp cloth instead. I'm making mental note of that while doing my Christmas shopping. :-P