New Motto: One day at a time!

Well, with each day, things are getting a little smoother. It has taken me a while to find my way back to the computer but I actually found some time tonight. Never mind the kitchen, messy house and piles of laundry! Not only is Jake adjusting to his new life, we all are. He is a very sweet boy and is warming up a little more each day. He is so attached to Rick it has taken him a while to want to go to anyone else. Considering his past, he simply doesn't know who is truly "forever" and he doesn't want to let go of what he knows he loves and needs (to him it is his daddy). However, last night I was able to put him to bed and I was successful tonight too....not that it happened quickly...but it happened and with less tears tonight. He is even giving me hugs and kisses! Although I knew to expect this, it is harder for me than I expected. It was wonderful tonight when Rick was sitting in the same room and he came to me for something and didn't even seem to notice Rick! We were both thrilled! He loves his sisters and brother. It is taking everyone some adjusting to the fact that we can't just "get up and go" anymore...we have a new schedule and needs to be met. I must say the kids have been incredibly patient and understanding. We do know that with a lot of love, hugs and kisses.....oh and a lot of patience, things will continue to get better every day.

Jake is still off his schedule. He did so good sleeping in Vietnam but at home he thinks day is night and night is day. He has sat up in bed two nights now singing lullabies in Vietnamese and clapping his hands until 4:30 am. Needless to say, mommy has dark circles under her eyes and has worn sweat pants for two days! The sweetest moment was when I opened my eyes one night and he was staring at me and he said "ma ma"! He melted my heart.

Considering that he has grown up in an orphanage for the first 18 months of his life, we think he is doing great. There are a lot of things he must "relearn" but we are already working on them. Children in orphanages must learn to be "fighters" to survive....they have to fight to keep their toys, to get attention and some for nourishment. Jake is learning that he gets to keep his toys...no one is taking them away, to share other's toys (without hitting or yanking away) and that there is always food to eat....he sometimes will crawl under the table and eat crumbs off the floor even with a full tummy. He always cleans his plate and sometimes what is left on the other kid's plates! He still hides some of his new toys in "Jake piles" b/c he is afraid someone might take them. However, we can see that he is slowly beginning to trust us. And for those who have been following the blog....he now brushes his teeth! Yes, he will even show them to Rick and give him a big teeth smile!

Today was his first ride around town to get use to his carseat.....he hates being restrained! He doesn't like carseats or highchairs ...BUT....today we were successful with both....no tears in either seat! HOORAY! This was a big accomplishment for all of us! I know it sounds silly but we have learned that the littlest accomplishments mean soooo much to all of us. There are just so many things you have to deal with when you adopt a child who is a toddler and has been raised in an orphanage their whole life. However, I will tell you , with all the tears shed and lack of sleep....it is all worth it. He is such a blessing and he is a very happy little boy.

Jake is use to being the center of attention at the orphanage after being the "favorite" and he has had to learn that his siblings are important too. One thing he loved at the orphanage is the director would have Jake stand in the middle of a circle with all the other children and adults surrounding him and they would jump up and down with their hands in the air and shout "SON SON SON SON SON"! Jake would jump in the center and scream with excitement...it meant that he was being celebrated, exciting time, joy! Each evening we circle him and we all jump up and down and shout "JAKE JAKE JAKE JAKE" .....he starts jumping up and down, screaming and clapping...he gets so excited. We want him to know he is special to all of us too. He has a great belly laugh and the most beautiful smile and he shares it with us most of the day. His excitement for life and his new family is so pure and it truly melts our hearts. Rick looked at me the other night, totally exhausted, and with his sweet sleepy eyes he was looking at Jake and said, "All he wants in life is to be loved". We promise to love him our entire lives and it was our mission when we decided to adopt that if we could make the difference in even one child's life to let them know we believe it is so important to feel loved and to know God's love, then we have served our purpose. Please continue to pray for each of us as we adjust to our new life as a family of 6. For those of you who missed CBS news special on Jake's arrival home you can click on the link below. I haven't been able to get a link to the ABC story.


Family Gets Long Awaited Christmas Present
http://www.kfsm.com/Global/story.asp?s=7537489

or
http://www.kfsm.com

Oh, and to all the mother's of internationally adopted children that I have met through Children's Hope International who have been writing me, thank you for words of encouragement and advice. You have made each day so much easier for us. I have reread many of your letters over and over. You are an incredible source of support!