Life at home Nov.13,2008

AJ is adjusting to our family. Our social worker (actually our friend) said that our oldest would fall in love with him first. He was the most hesitant about the adoption. He's 15 and into a lot of activities. What teenager wants to have his life disrupted by a 2 year old? Especially one with a funky arm as we call it. Well, let me say that AJ and Jared are forming a special bond. In fact, last night AJ was mad at Aron and me because we made him stay at the table to eat instead of wandering around and playing. AJ was crying "Gu Gu", which is "big brother" in Mandarin. He wanted Jared to rescue him. What a little smarty pants. I told Jared in no uncertain terms that he was not to give in to AJ. He needs to learn how to mind. Today in the cell phone store he threw a fit in my arms because he wanted to play with something breakable and I scooped him up to hold him. Well, he threw his head back and started to cry, very loudly, I might add. So I laid him down and let him cry and guess what? He was done in about 3 mins. He got up and took off his coat and started flirting with the sales lady. He's trying to figure out life, isn't he? His little mind must be whirling right now. Totally new family, house, rules, weather, food, bed, pets... You name it, it's different than he's ever known. I must say, we are very, very optimistic about the transition. AJ is very bright and he loves us. We can tell. I went to a baby shower a couple of nights ago and my husband said AJ stood at the door crying,"ma ma, ma ma" for what seemed the entire night. My husband did what any desperate dad would do, he fed him a popsicle. Aron said that AJ ate it like a piece of corn on the cob. He made a complete mess of himself. It worked though! He stopped crying. We are looking forward to the holidays this year. We are so thankful for our family and our relationships and all God's blessings. Take the time to tell those you love that they are important to you. Let them know how much you care. We are so grateful for all of you. Thank you for supporting us and loving us. We love you!