Saturday, July 12, 2008

Home Two Weeks...







Sam is carving out his niche in our family and our hearts. He continues to be a mostly happy/giggly little peanut, taking in new experiences with enthusiasm, taking in food with much the same enthusiasm.

This week we visited our friends who have a farm, and he and Zoe had a great time playing with the little chickens, kittens, and horse (did I mention it's a growing horse farm? How cool is that?) Our gracious hosts (thanks, Kathleen, Kate Marie, John!) let Sam play to his heart's content at the horse water trough. Poor little John ended the day on a really low note: ulna/radius fracture, courtesy of that skateboard. We're thinking about you, John, and I'm guessing it won't slow you down much, PLUS you'll be the coolest kid in school because you'll have a CAST.

Sam had his first medical checkup this week, and happily he passed with flying colors. We had a long wait in the waiting room (what is UP with doctors? ha) with spilled cheerios and two bored, restless kids, but we all survived and Sam left with a smile on his face because a lollipop was in his mouth, and the blood draw seemed to have left his memory.

Zoe is doing her best at adjusting, with frequent fluctuations between enthusiastic love for her brother and weeping about the "only child" status she has lost. It's hard on her: instant brother who can get into her stuff, has different rules than she has, etc. We are trying to give her lots of love and support, and for the most part she is enjoying the "big sis" role. Just making adjustments, just like we are.

The communication is still the challenge, obviously. Lots of pointing, attempts we're making at sign language, a few meltdowns (Sam and/or mine). He's got a few words down now (Mommy, ball, book, no, bye-bye), and hopefully in two more weeks, we'll add to the list. But we're doing oodles better than we expected, and feel terribly blessed to have this animated, precious little boy. We'll work out the kinks!

6 comments:

Teressa said...

Look’s like he is doing great! We will have the same older sister situation, so it is nice to hear that Zoe is handling it so well.
Teressa

Nicki said...

It sounds like you all are adjusting great! I hope it is the same for us when we get to go. Thanks also for the Zoe update.

Sam's smile is really contagious. I know you love him to pieces already.

Nicki

Anonymous said...

Sam looks soooo happy to be home! He's so beautiful and his smile lights up everything. Enjoy your son!!

Jen

ElizabethR said...

I've been so thinking about you guys. Sam is such a cutie. I LOVE the pictures. Glad to hear all is going well. Zoe was a real trooper in Vietnam and I know she is a wonderful big sis!!

Betsy-who really should figure out how to have a blog :)

Angei said...

Congratulations Shelley & Brian! He is SO adorable! I hope I get to meet him in October! And Zoe has turned into such a lovely young lady, I'm sure she'll get the hang of her new role as big sis. :)

Angei

Unknown said...

Hey Shelley,
Have followed your journey sporadically. We are home with Lewis 3 months. We live in Rockwall if your sister needs anything. :)
Jennifer
texastompkins@gmail.com