Update on Nathan

Nathan completed his first two weeks in the two-year-old room at daycare. I was informed this morning (why so late, I don't know) that he has been getting angry and throwing his cup and bowl at the teacher. I was horrified. I don't know how to correct the problem when I don't see him for so long after it happens. He doesn't dare do that at home.

He still isn't trying to talk much but he is imitating sounds more. He has begun to nod "yes" and shake his head "no" when we ask him questions. It's a HUGE help to get even this little communication from him. He continues to sign as well.

Last night we had to sit in the hallways for an hour because of the tornado sirens. Nathan actually did pretty well. He seemed to think it was funny being crammed in there with the four cats and four dogs. I can't believe this winter. It has been so ridiculous everywhere in the US.

Highlights From Our DisneyWorld Trip

Jammin Junior

A video from The Animal Kingdom at DisneyWorld. He started off using Daddy's head as a drum.

Meeting Mickey Mouse!

We have dozens of pictures of our trip to DisneyWorld but I haven't sorted through them yet. Here are the ones of Nathan meeting Mickey. Above is his first impression. Then after he investigates Mickey's nose, bowtie, and shoes, he decides that Mickey is okay and gives him a big hug.








Nathan can say "Mickey". It sounds like "INH-EEH" when he says it but we know what he means.

First Warm Day

Today we got outside for the first time this year. It only lasted for a day but we were grateful for the warmth. I realized at the end of the video I have to be quicker around my toddler.

Two-and-a-Half Years Old!!!

Our little guy is 2.5 years tomorrow! Those half birthdays are important at his age. Here are some pics of him playing with his Daddy. What are the odds of Nathan NOT growing up to be a sports nut like Ron?

Decisions, Decisions

We are starting the arduous task of researching agencies and information for our next adoption. There are so many decisions to make. The hard part about adoption is that you have to project two to three years down the road what will be best for your family. So much can change in that time period that it is hard to lock into some decisions.

So far we are certain of this -- we want to stay with a China program. It will be better for Nathan and his new sibling if they have a shared heritage. We also know that we want this next child to be younger than Nathan by at least a year. Beyond that, there are many possibilities.

We are hoping for 2009 and that is ambitious of us. I'm pretty sure we will go the Special Needs route again although we are looking into Taiwan as a possibility as well. We are leaning toward a girl although that can change as well. The important thing is that Nathan is ready to share his parents with a new sibling who potentially could need as much extra care as he did. Because of this, we are willing to wait until he is older if necessary.

I asked Nathan today, "Would you like a little brother or sister?" to which he answered, "MILK!" My Mom was asking about our plans so I had to ask her what she thought Nathan would do if we disappeared for a couple of weeks and brought home another toddler. Oyvey! I really think we are going to need to wait until he can understand the concept of siblings and sharing parents.

So, if you would say a prayer for us that we would be led to the right decisions for our family, we would appreciate you! We'll keep you updated!

Nathan's Progress

Nathan is really enjoying learning to sign. Once in a while he has a set-back day where he decides he doesn't want to sign and wants to whine so I can play "guess what's wrong" with him. His speech therapist said it was good to make him sign and not let him fall back into whining so we've been trying not to let him lapse.

He's been very fussy and clingy all week. From the moment I walk into the house if I'm not carrying him, he bawls and throws himself in the floor. I've taken to sneaking into the house and trying to get my gear off before he sees that I'm home. I have to sneak up the stairs or into the bathroom when he is not looking or he has a meltdown. It's wearing on us, but its kind of cute too. I taught him to sign "please" when he wants to be picked up so every time he sees me he rubs his chest furiously. When I'm in the shower he stands outside the glass whining and signing "please" so I usually let him shower with me if he is awake. I don't know how people with several small children ever get to take a shower.

He decided he will eat NOTHING if it's not on bread or a cracker.

He learned where his elbow and his knee are. If you ask if you can kiss his ear, elbow, foot, whatever he will stick that body part in your face for a kiss.

He also decided he likes to kiss dogs and cats now. The dogs look a little startled when he grabs them and kisses their faces but then they kiss him back. The cats don't care for it much and look annoyed or just run when they see him coming.

It was bitterly cold all week so we've been cooped up. I'm so ready for spring! We are planning a trip to DisneyWorld next month and I'm looking forward to it so much.

Christmas Pictures!

We went to my Mom's house for a quiet dinner on Christmas Eve.








My sister, Jennell, and her sons, Daniel and James.






From the time we first brought Nathan home, he has gravitated toward James. They are so cute together.







Nana (Mom) and her grandchildren.



At home on Christmas morning. My favorite part of our Christmas was everyone staying in pajamas all day watching Nathan play with his new toys.