3 months update and a little glimspe into our world

WOW...3 months...we have cleared the 3 month mark. Gotta say, it is a big deal and a wonderful sigh of relief. We have worked so hard during these past months to do things so intentionally to help our boys adjust and bond and connect. That has been the biggest goal and I feel like it has been worth it.

We are starting to come out of our cocoon, slowly but surely. Easy does it and baby steps for sure. We are still co-sleeping with the boys and not sure we that now would be the best time to change that. I think we will continue that a little longer. The boys are still sleeping well and eating well. I haven't seen too many changes in that area of our lives. They both have adjusted to our menu here at home but also still enjoy Ethiopian foods.

I have gone back to working with the girls each day for school and the boys have done a great job of exploring the educational toys and activities that I have provided for them. Check out the family blog to see some of the things I have done to help them work on some basic skills.

Speaking of basic skills...their language has come so far. Tyce can understand about everything we say and we can understand 90% of what he is trying to communicate. Sometimes we have to be a little creative, but we get it done. Tate puts 3 words together often and still uses signs to aid in his communication.

We are still seeing signs of testing from both boys and they often get upset (either tantrums or pouting) when they don't get their way. We have been casual about nipping this but our plan is to begin working harder at more appropriate responses. I got the OK from our worker at AGCI to begin disciplining a bit more. She reminded me that boundaries and regulations and structure are all new to them. They have had a lack of parenting for so long that it will be a slow process but if we are consistent we should see some improvements.

Both boys have been to the dentist and we got the confirmation that Tyson is indeed 4. He had a great first visit and was able to get his teeth cleaned. We are thankful that we don't have major work that needs to be done. And Tatum was hesitant, but did finally let the dentist look in his mouth. No cleaning or anything this time, but at least it was a great first visit.We have seen huge improvements in so many areas and we are so thankful that our transition has continued to go so well. One of my prayers is that our situation would be a positive adoption story. There are enough negative ones, so it would be neat to be a positive testimony. I have also prayed that God would use our story to encourage others to follow God's lead in their own lives to adopt. To stretch their tent...to think outside the box...to follow where God leads.

I just don't have time these days for extras like blogging, but I do desire to keep it updated as much as I can. I wanted to share a little picture that Tyson drew of me. Each day during his rest time, he spends that time writing words or drawing pictures. He then brings them out to me to show me while I am teaching the girls their science. He likes me to guess what they are. This was one of my favorite pictures that he has drawn.


If you are fb friends with me you have already seen it. If you look closely, I have a smile. =)

Here is one of my favorite pictures from Mother's day. Oh how I love these sweet peas. They are precious. We are bonding...we are connecting...we are attaching. Praise God !!!