Our little prince

Jack is doing so well! He's been home just under 4 weeks and he now knows his name- he never responded to his Ethiopian name. If I call his name he'll sit up and listen out for me again- I'll walk up to him and he'll grab my legs and pull himself up. He's sleeping better and he will play with us more. And he snuggles with us a lot more! So good things are happening.

We had our "re-adopt" court date yesterday. Jack had on his styling green sweater from our friend Annie. When Ella saw him that morning in his cute sweater Ella exclaimed "Momma, Jack looks like a prince!" So here you go- a new pic of our Prince Jack!

Life is sweet

Last night I walked into the living room and I heard Scott playing Claire De Lune on the piano and Ella was in her ballet dress dancing to the music. It was a lovely scene. It was a sweet moment. It was one of those moments that I realized this is my bliss- I love this life. So here are a few pics of our little ballerina.

New friends

Tallulah loves Jack and Jack loves a big kiss from Tallulah. They are going to be good friends. We're learning with each passing day that Jack understands much of what we say- if we ask if he wants a bottle, he'll stop what he's doing and start making his way to us. I'll ask if he wants to play patty cake and he'll make his way to me and put his hands up to me to clap. Each day he's making new strides- it's quite fun.

Progress and the Press

We're seeing progress in little man Jack- each day we see small gains. Last night I called him and he crawled to me and climbed in my lap. His skin is clearing up and he seems to feel better with each passing day. He has terrible two moments where he shares his opinion loudly! The boy is a screamer! But then he'll laugh and laugh and it makes us so happy to hear that little giggle.

This morning our local paper published a story about our adoption. If you'd like the read the article you by going here: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Editorial/60995/ . The writer Scott Shackelford came to our home before we left- he is such a nice guy and we enjoyed meeting him.

Today we're meeting with the early intervention team and we'll learn what steps we need to take next for our little guy.

Thanks for checking in...

Jack-Lag an update

We've been home a week today. And we're doing well- Scott and I are not suffering from jet lag at all- but we are suffering from "Jack-Lag" the poor little guy is suffering from jet lag- his little body clock is all out of whack. He wakes up at 2 am and stays awake until about 8 am. Scott and I split up the shifts- we've been passing out each evening about 8 pm.

We went to the doctor this week and we received an assortment of ointments and creams for his skin. The doctor also thinks his ear drums may have burst some time ago- poor little guy his ears were completely packed. She also said his 2 yr. molars are coming in- so she thinks he could be a little older. He continues to be very active and we're working on attachment activities with him- I'm carrying him in the hip hammock some each day and we're doing lots of rocking and bottle feeding.

This week we start the re-adoption process with a local attorney and we're meeting with an early intervention team to evaluate him and begin that process.

Ella is doing really well- she has her jealous moments but she's a trooper and she's a huge helper.

More pics of Jack

Jack is settling in nicely- except for his little body clock all is well. He's been waking up in the middle night for 4-5 hours- Scott and I've been splitting up the time. Little Jack has explored the house and he's having a great time with Tallulah. She's being so patient with him- while he crawls over her and tugs her ears. So here are some pics of day two at home with our little man. (the picture w/ Tallulah- he's making a motor boat sound with his lips- one of his favorite sounds.) He is a happy, happy boy.