1 Month Ago Yesterday

Decorating the Christmas Tree!
I love the snow.(seenoooo) kind of cold though!

Hanging out with my buddies- I suppose I'll watch Hannah if I can be with you!

What a fun party...a choo choo on a cake and I can eat the frosting off it??

My First trip to the park cool!

It's hard to believe it was a month ago when James came into our family. We have come a long way and we have a ways to go. I read yesterday that you can expect it will take as many years as they were in the orphanage to adjust and attach to your family. I am believing it will be shorter than three years! It has only been a month so when at times I feel a little discouraged, I remember that it will take some time! We are still working on anger/tantrum issues. I read yesterday that the aggression seen may have been a defense against older kids or even mimicking of behavior seen in the orphanage, so I know it will take time to develop new behaviors and ways for James to deal with being told no, or not getting something he wants. One day at a time...

Another party for James...It was so nice to spend some time with family and friends celebrating James. We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity and love of our family and friends. A party surrounded by special people with prayers, blessings, more stuff for James, and even a choo choo on a cake-it continually overwhelms us to feel so loved.

It has been hard to say goodbye to his buddies in the morning, but he has come to realize they come back! He understands they are all at "spool". It is so neat to see his thrill and excitement when they come through the door. I wish I had the video camera when dad came home the first few days. WOW what a greeting he got-James went running toward the door "Oh Baba Baba Baba!"with such excitement! It was the absolute cutest thing!

I may need to get a lock for the pantry and refrigerator...James enjoys pulling stuff out and doing various things with the food (sometimes eating it). Mike reminds me that we had a hook on the pantry in our other house for Caroline when she was climbing the shelves! We decorated the tree and that was fun for James. I think he thought it was odd though-having a tree in the house and putting toys on it. But he joined in after he saw us putting ornaments (toys!) on the tree. Now if I can help him understand the "balls" are not balls but glass ornaments! He really is a boy in many ways...and that is new for me having three girls! I feel like I am always trying to keep him from getting hurt, as he is wild at times! I also forgot about all the spills and such of a toddler. Wow this house is kind of a mess...oh well got to let that go!

This little boy has had us laughing so hard we cry! He is such a riot and was so meant to be in our family. I love how God does that so perfectly. This is why when we filled out the paperwork for our referral we checked off boy or girl, we wanted to put this child in God's hands in every way. We were expecting to receive a girl, but we are so totally blessed by a son and brother! It has been so fun for us to experience a little boy in our house. I always loved the beautiful relationship my mom and brother had. I also cherish the close relationship I share with my brother Joe and know the same will be true for myself and our girls! Thank you God!