Can you believe these 2 sweet peas have been with us for 6 months??

I know, I know...I am breaking the cardinal rule of blogging (post a pic of your little ones in the tub). But seriously, does it get any cuter than this? Melt my heart. It is so hard to get a picture where Tate is looking at the camera and these photos represent such a happy moment for the boys. I filled the big tub and let them both play in the water one night. Water was everywhere but so were the giggles. These two boys have such a precious bond and I want them to someday know what a deep connection they have to each other.


These 2 sweet peas have brought such JOY into our lives in the last 6 months. Each day, we laugh together over such adorable moments. I can hardly believe 6 months have already passed. For the days seem long, but when you lump them all together it really has gone by quickly. And being home 6 months is HUGE to the adoptive family. A mile stone of sorts. We are halfway done with our first year. Everyone says the first year is just full of adjustments. And we have adjusted really very well.

• It takes us longer to get ready to go places.

• We fill out the van and don't have room for extra riders.

• Tally and Tissy have become experts in buckling the car seat.

• Tyce will now respond with "yes ma'am" if you ask him something (remember, we live in the south where that is appropriate).

• Tate is sleeping in his own crib (still co-sleeping with mom in the same room).

• Tate is almost dry every night and is fully potty trained in the day (even naps).

• Tate can play independently with toys, books, balls.

• Tate continues with his own made up language for some words. (bobo - paper or coloring, day - music, yaya - hands for washing or holding his hand, bidah - sit down...)

• Tyce has started his MDO program and had a great first day.

• Tyce doesn't like when other kids don't follow the rules or do what's right.

• Tyce is doing better with structure and close supervision when we are at stimulating events though we still are opting to stay home and not bring the boys to many things.
  

• Tate still doesn't go to the nursery at church and we haven't left the boys with anyone as a sitter.

• Tyce is starting the blend in with his behavior and appear to be more acclimated.

• Tate still will shut down for meals or eating when we are around others and go on a food strike.

• When we are outside of our routine, it continues to be a challenge.

• Tyce still doesn't enjoy toys. He continues to struggle with finding things to do and ways to play when he has free time.

• The tantrums continue to be less frequent. Though, both boys do not like when their behavior is curbed by either Chuck or I.

• When my attention is diverted from the boys (like visiting with someone), Tate can last about 30 - 45 min until he starts demanding my attention with his behavior.

• I am able to come up with quick meals for dinner each night and am able to keep a better handle on my house keeping chores.

• Tyce still struggles with impulse control and getting really wild and silly when it is time to settle down (like at night time tuck ins).

• Tyce is starting to make friends and seems to be playing well with others.

• Tyce doesn't seem to be trying to control each and every situation as much.
  

• The girls have learned to "hold their own" with the boys. They both have gained some much needed confidence in the conflict resolution department.

Like I said...these 2 sweet boys have brought much JOY into our lives. I keep these lists here so I can see how far we have come and hopefully be an encouragement to others. The transition is slow. The progress is slow. But...oh...look how far we have come. We have seen great strides in the boys attaching and bonding with us. God has been good. He has given us the grace that we have needed in each and every moment. We have all grown and hopefully, become more like Christ in the process.