Sunday, March 2, 2008

Okay, so it has been a while!

Wow, it has been a long time since I last posted. Sorry to the loyal followers of our blog. Life is busy and it never seems I have time to sit and post anymore. Rick is on call tonight and I got all the kids in bed early, lunches made and laundry caught up so I thought I would make myself sit and download some photos!

Jake is doing great! He is so comfortable with his new life and routine that it is just natural for him to go with the flow. I don't think he would know anything different at this point. He is learning so many new words and understands everything we say. He and Luke have become very close buddies and love to pester their sisters. Wow...it is double trouble for the girls these days. Luke can do almost anything and put Jake into absolute giggles (he has the BEST laugh!). He thinks Luke is hilarious. Luke can just turn his head a funny way and make a silly noise and Jake goes to his knees cracking up and then tries to mock him. The first month I would constantly tell him how much I loved him and he would tell me if I asked him. Now he comes up to me on his own and kisses me, hugs my leg or tells me he loves momma. It melts my heart!!! It means so much coming from him on his own. Can you believe how well he is doing in barely over two months? Amazing!

He loved going to Nadia's basketball games, going to church and now soccer. So long as there are snacks around...he is happy wherever he is! We rarely have any fits or anger issues anymore....anything he does is just typical 20 month old stuff. He knows we love him, what is acceptable behavior and the yes's and no's at home! We worked hard every day to make the boundaries clear to him so that he would know his limitations and it has been well worth the effort. It may seem too "strict" for him being new but he is so smart and he wanted and needed to know. Now that it is all clear to him he is so much happier.

I know I sound like a "bragging mother" but he is sooooo smart. Everything comes to him so naturally. His determination to learn and understand things amazes Rick and I. I have never seen a child his age want to learn things so bad. He communicates beautifully....if he can't say it he is able to take us to a location and sign or show us exactly what he wants. He loves books and wants to go over them every night and works hard to say the words in the picture books. It seems like he understands most everything we tell him and if he doesn't the first time you can rest assured knowing he will figure it out quickly. His strong will comes in handy during this time...but can be interesting at other times! I am telling you .... this kid is smart! AND...he is soooo happy and affectionate. Okay...enough of my typing. I have lots of pictures to share. Hope you enjoy them. Have a wonderful week! Natalie

Rick and Natalie V-day 2008
Nadia performing at half-time UCA Homecoming Basketball 2008
Nadia and Friends
Mia with her friends before half-time performance
Mia and Jake riding the gator
Luke, Jake and Mia playing outside in Feb
Rick, Luke and Jake working at the pond in Feb
Boys working at the pond
Jake at the Dr
Jake at Dr appt
Jake with daddy at the dr