More pumpkins!

We spent a lovely day at the arboretum with my college roommate and her two children (ages 1 and 3.) The gardens were adorned with hundreds of warm, golden pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Noah moved excitedly among the pumpkin displays pointing and saying "pum-kin, pum-kin!" He was really cute!

Noah did exceptionally well interacting with the other children. He especially liked the three year old boy and followed him everywhere as the two of them investigated dirt, acorns, plants, bark, you name it! He walked and enjoyed his surroundings with very few behavioral incidents. As Mark said, "Praise God!"

I have been sick this past week with a sinus infection and some asthma-like symptoms. So it was very nice to get out and a have a wonderful day!

Avocado

Isn't it funny?

No, no, no.

First Visit to the Dentist

Look at me!

Say "ah!"

How many teeth does Noah have?

Noah had a great first visit to the dentist today. His teeth look good with no cavities! He did exceptionally well following the dentist's instructions. He opened his mouth, said "ah," and stuck out his tongue. They were able to clean his front teeth and give him a fluoride treatment. Pretty good for a kid who never even had his teeth brushed up until a few months ago!

Rock-A-Bye Baby

I don't know if you recall but a couple of months ago we went through quite a struggle with Noah regarding bedtime rocking. The struggle? He didn't want it. He did not tolerate being held, sitting on a lap, being sung to, or being physically close. We, however, thought it important to the bonding process for him to experience these things. His response? Screaming, scratching, crying, pinching. We decided to lay low regarding rocking and to try to find other ways to promote attachment.

Well, guess what? Noah has asked to be rocked the past few nights! This is a major breakthrough! He rocks his little body and points to the rocking chair. (He hasn't quite figured out how to say "rock" yet.) Tonight he cuddled up in my arms with his blanket wrapped around him and we rocked. We rocked and I sang. He touched my face. He smiled at me. I sang "Jesus Loves Me," This Little Light of Mine," "Oh How I Love Jesus," and "Rock-A-Bye Baby." When I left him in his crib he cried. He wanted more. His cry pricked my ears as the cry of abandonment. So I returned. I wiped his tears, assured him of my love, and we rocked and sang some more.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"

Potty Training

We are on a road we did not expect this soon - potty training! It is Noah-led. I would have thought it too difficult given all the adjustment associated with the adoption. But Noah is ready now!

Noah has been telling us when he goes for a couple of months. A few weeks ago he had success on the potty. He is so proud of himself! And he gets lots of affirmation from all of us!

I am not counting on Noah being out of diapers anytime soon but I will definitely continue to follow his lead on the matter. Hurray for Noah!

Reunited!

Noah and Sydney in China

Tonight we had dinner with a family we met four months ago in China. We toured together in Bejing, met our children together for the first time in Nanning, and completed the adoption process together in Guangzhou. Amazingly, they live just a short drive from us! How blessed we are that God saw fit to put us in a travel group with a wonderful family so close to home. It was good to see them and catch-up!

A Visit to the State Fair!

We made our annual visit to the State Fair at the end of this week. Nana and Pop joined us and we had a wonderful time despite some protest from Noah on missing his nap!

C. won a trophy in the Pee Wee Stampede, E. got "shot" out of a canon in the Backyard Circus (Mark miraculously caught him!), all three kids worked at Little Hands on the Farm, and the big kids, Mark and Nana rode the ferris wheel while Pop, Noah and I explored the Butterfly Garden. We sampled free ice cream cones and ate Corny Dogs (yes, I ate one - it's the fair!) We were happily exhausted as we exited the fair grounds!