Gates Wit.

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.