Here it is six months home. We had our first post placement with the lovely and talented D. Bradley MSW from Adoption HomeStudy Services last week. Bridger plopped down for a visit as soon as she arrived, while Paul and I got snacks for everybody. Gates sat down next to Bridger and nodded here and there. Mrs. Bradley was smitten with both of our boys and because she has a couple of little ones around their ages at home she knew just how to chat and encourage. You may think it risky to leave a loquacious five year old alone with your social worker in the next room but the first time they met, Bridger was two and Mrs. Bradley was here for our home study visit and first meeting together ever, Bridger reproached her as she reached for the strawberries on the fruit platter we put out, "Hey, my bewwies!" She liked us anyway. lol
Gates was hesitant to engage in conversation, but seemed glad that Brother was the center of attention rather than himself as he is still a little concerned that anyone with a briefcase is going to take him away from us. Anyway, it went well. Paul distracted the boys after we shared a bite so that we could go over some paperwork, dates and details. After a visit that always seems too short she was off to a begining home study visit east of Fort Myers.
Gates has recently exploded with vocabulary and humor that is often less than subtle but always enjoyed! He has decided along the way that rather than repeat everything his Brother says, verbatim, that he will pipe up with an enthusiastic, "Me too!" He and Bridger are becoming quite the side kicks, trading the responsibilities of comic and straight man constantly. We were in Lowes yesterday: Gates, "Mamma, I want to go. " Bridger says, "Hey there is a McDonalds in this parking lot over there, we could go over there." Gates raises both arms straight up, hands palms up and squeals, "That's a GREAT idea!" Paul looked at me, "I think we were set up."
Another funny at dinner time yesterday. Gates walks into the room. I say, "Dinner is on the table, let's sit down. " He replies, "I want to watch Kipper." (fave dvd). I said, "You cannot eat supper in your room. Kipper will wait. " Gates looks up at the ceiling, raises one finger and announces, "Oh, wait! That's okay, don't worry... I can eat a popsicle!" Our little problem solver.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Fun Days
Well, everybody else is back at work and Daddy has started his new job so we're going about settling into a new routine. Paul left for work at 4:30 am but he will be off by two o'clock and in his new position as a route sales produce delivery driver for a national food distributor we will be getting some groceries at a hefty discount which will be a good thing as we raise these Boys:-)
Bridger and Gates enjoyed an outing at the park just about every day this past week. The fresh air and riding/running around has helped them burn off a lot of energy and the house is calmer.
Gates likes the pay down i.e. play ground and is less likely to mow over a kid three times his size now that he and Daddy have rehearsed some playground etiquitte scenarios.
Mama likes the long walks alongside her Boys on bikes surrounded by green trees and other Moms who sound just as weird, "Please stay to the right. Remember where right is? Look out for the stroller. Don't run over the nice man." Yes, we do stay off of the main path. Gates has no concept of 'share the road'. The rental cycle surries should have a, Look out for Gates Rudd, symbol. There have been no wrecks involving him, but that is not due to his cooperation.
He is still just amazing on that little trike. He maneuvers so well it's almost like watching someone dance on a bicycle, he is so graceful... Barishnekof on training wheels. Even Bridger comments, "Mom look at how good he fits that bike through there. That's amazing." His legs don't always cooperate with both feet on the ground, his balance and pivoting skills are still developing at a fast run, but he can soar on that bike!
Gates is very enthusiastic about other bikes too. Whenever we go to a department store where bikes are stored on the ceiling he must stand under them to check if any new ones have been added. As I am typing this, He just ran in here to me with his bike helmet on and a question on his tiny lips, "Mamma can I ride bike awound da couch?" Hands clasped together in desperate, pleading posture, "Please?" Daddy had to take the bikes out of the van so they are in the house today and it's more than Gates-y can stand. Yeah. He's riding around the couch in the living room. He just loves it so much, I cannot deny it for him. He would eat at the table on that seat if he could. He may be the next Shaun White of bike riding? Gates Rudd, trick bike riding olympic hopeful.
Bridger just loves riding over the hills and valleys on a dirt track for bikes at the park, he of course is more interested in jumping with a dirt bike (cause anything else wouldn't turn Mom and Daddy as gray). He's five. I told him he should keep 'training' because you can't say, practicing about sports, that's one of his rules. So, he is getting quite good at going down and not wiping out in the gravel at the base of the hills. He walks the bike up the bigger hills because the road tires don't get enough traction. Bridger Rocks... as always.
Bridger and Gates enjoyed an outing at the park just about every day this past week. The fresh air and riding/running around has helped them burn off a lot of energy and the house is calmer.
Gates likes the pay down i.e. play ground and is less likely to mow over a kid three times his size now that he and Daddy have rehearsed some playground etiquitte scenarios.
Mama likes the long walks alongside her Boys on bikes surrounded by green trees and other Moms who sound just as weird, "Please stay to the right. Remember where right is? Look out for the stroller. Don't run over the nice man." Yes, we do stay off of the main path. Gates has no concept of 'share the road'. The rental cycle surries should have a, Look out for Gates Rudd, symbol. There have been no wrecks involving him, but that is not due to his cooperation.
He is still just amazing on that little trike. He maneuvers so well it's almost like watching someone dance on a bicycle, he is so graceful... Barishnekof on training wheels. Even Bridger comments, "Mom look at how good he fits that bike through there. That's amazing." His legs don't always cooperate with both feet on the ground, his balance and pivoting skills are still developing at a fast run, but he can soar on that bike!
Gates is very enthusiastic about other bikes too. Whenever we go to a department store where bikes are stored on the ceiling he must stand under them to check if any new ones have been added. As I am typing this, He just ran in here to me with his bike helmet on and a question on his tiny lips, "Mamma can I ride bike awound da couch?" Hands clasped together in desperate, pleading posture, "Please?" Daddy had to take the bikes out of the van so they are in the house today and it's more than Gates-y can stand. Yeah. He's riding around the couch in the living room. He just loves it so much, I cannot deny it for him. He would eat at the table on that seat if he could. He may be the next Shaun White of bike riding? Gates Rudd, trick bike riding olympic hopeful.
Bridger just loves riding over the hills and valleys on a dirt track for bikes at the park, he of course is more interested in jumping with a dirt bike (cause anything else wouldn't turn Mom and Daddy as gray). He's five. I told him he should keep 'training' because you can't say, practicing about sports, that's one of his rules. So, he is getting quite good at going down and not wiping out in the gravel at the base of the hills. He walks the bike up the bigger hills because the road tires don't get enough traction. Bridger Rocks... as always.
Friday, January 1, 2010
This Year...
It's early in the morning on the first day of 2010. I was just reading through the beautiful book of James, Aimee and the Boys are still sleeping and their Dad is out cold with pillows over his head lest any crack of morning get around the shades before He's ready.
Although I know many people are tackling this day head on, at the moment I'm feeling more like Paul... I really want to pull the covers over my head and ease in a little at a time. Looking at a year in front of us is harder than looking at just a day... today.
My heart groans with the longing for resolutions but not like the lofty goals of tradition: such as getting better about Thank You cards (which I must do) or having a perfectly organized house (the ever elusive endeavor). The resolutions that are hammering away on my heart are the ones still yet to come:
Little Marie's visa extension is up in just days... to return to Haiti will mean great suffering, when will the agony of her fate be resloved? Will she receive yet another extension? Will her adoring US foster family finally be named guardians? She is so happy and signs with her little friends at school, giggling and sharing that brilliant smile of hers. I still remember vividly when she first arrived from Haiti, the way she kept her face buried into the crease of the sofa and rocked back and forth unable to connect. I was with her day to day as she opened up to the world of hope that her missionary hosts released in their love. We need a resolution.
Too many children are dying without homes and without hope. We need a resolution.
I must reflect on God's infinite understanding for more than a moment. He has known the end from the begining and the end is good in every way that the world is bad and then some. I have been given the awesome opportunity to rescue and adore two beautiful boys who needed me almost as much as I needed them. The Lord knows that Paul and I have hearts wide open to welcome more children as we have seen the difference between life and death for thousands of kids like Gates who are losing their will to live every day... is a loving family. At this point in our lives we do not see another adoption on the horizon but we advocate and encourage and support at every opportunity. Our agency has contacted Paul and I about becoming Family Ambassadors for waiting children. Until the resolution comes, "Even now Lord Jesus?" we will be a part of God's plan to love one another this year... and next year too. Happy New Year. Change the World Instead of Yourself... it's doable:-)
Although I know many people are tackling this day head on, at the moment I'm feeling more like Paul... I really want to pull the covers over my head and ease in a little at a time. Looking at a year in front of us is harder than looking at just a day... today.
My heart groans with the longing for resolutions but not like the lofty goals of tradition: such as getting better about Thank You cards (which I must do) or having a perfectly organized house (the ever elusive endeavor). The resolutions that are hammering away on my heart are the ones still yet to come:
Little Marie's visa extension is up in just days... to return to Haiti will mean great suffering, when will the agony of her fate be resloved? Will she receive yet another extension? Will her adoring US foster family finally be named guardians? She is so happy and signs with her little friends at school, giggling and sharing that brilliant smile of hers. I still remember vividly when she first arrived from Haiti, the way she kept her face buried into the crease of the sofa and rocked back and forth unable to connect. I was with her day to day as she opened up to the world of hope that her missionary hosts released in their love. We need a resolution.
Too many children are dying without homes and without hope. We need a resolution.
I must reflect on God's infinite understanding for more than a moment. He has known the end from the begining and the end is good in every way that the world is bad and then some. I have been given the awesome opportunity to rescue and adore two beautiful boys who needed me almost as much as I needed them. The Lord knows that Paul and I have hearts wide open to welcome more children as we have seen the difference between life and death for thousands of kids like Gates who are losing their will to live every day... is a loving family. At this point in our lives we do not see another adoption on the horizon but we advocate and encourage and support at every opportunity. Our agency has contacted Paul and I about becoming Family Ambassadors for waiting children. Until the resolution comes, "Even now Lord Jesus?" we will be a part of God's plan to love one another this year... and next year too. Happy New Year. Change the World Instead of Yourself... it's doable:-)
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