Well, believe it or not I am back again. Here is some info. on our James, the big brother extrodinaire.
James is in 5th grade. Jerry and I aren't really sure how that happened. Last thing we remember we were walking him into his first day of kindergarten. It seems we both blinked and our 1st baby is now BIG! This school year is off to a fantastic start. James is going above and beyond with his school work. He is just so darn smart! We are in awe of him.
Currently James has the highest reading level in school. That is mind-boggling. He took 5th grade Math last year, so this year they are doing all of these challenging and unique Math experiences with him. He really loves the challenge. He has read something like 12-14 books this first quarter in school. He generally has two books going at once... one at school and one at home. Our school has the Reading Counts program. James has earned over 400 points on this thing. His high points have earned him everything from trips to the library treasure chest to book fair gift certificates to lunch with the principal. His academic abilities are something we are just so overwhelmed by. (Jerry and I think intelligence skips a generation. Both of our fathers - super smart, Jerry and I - we get by.. James - super, duper smart.)
James also auditioned for Chorus at school and made it! He was in Chorus last year and really liked it. He also ran for Student Council and was elected as the representative for his class. Very cool! James is playing on a soccer team, too. He has decided to stop going to karate after 2 years. We are respecting his decision since he is just so busy with other activities right now.
Some other developments for James are causing his parents some sleepless nights. James is really growing and maturing. He is now 5'1" at 10 years old. He weighs right at 100lbs. His voice is starting to change, too. We noticed a few hairs above his upper lip. Jerry and I are NOT ready for James to be reaching puberty. James is handling it much better than his parents.
James is still a great big brother. He loves to take care of his siblings. He wishes Riley would give him more kisses, but Riley is Riley and will kiss no one on demand. James will change Madeline's diaper and give her a bath, just to take care of her. He is so very kind, caring and loving with everyone.
It is strange watching his interests grow and change. Last year he really didn't care one way or another about football, now he watches all weekend long... in between reading a quick chapter in his latest book. He wants a cell phone... not sure what we are going to do with that one. He has finally moved into his new room and LOVES it! He picked out everything in the room and it looks fantastic. He doesn't mind having Riley and Madeline IN his room as long as they stay off his bed. That is funny since Riley and Madeline want to climb all over his bed any chance they get!
James is one of those miracles you just can't believe you are fortunate enough to have in your life. He is the child Science said was virtually impossible to have. I spent my first trimester in bed with him. He was an only child for almost 8 years, yet took to being a big brother without hesitation. Jerry and I aren't really sure how we were so blessed with this big guy but we love every minute of our lives with him.
Happy Early Birthday, James! You have made the last almost 11 years amazing!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Update #2 - Riley
Well, I am doing my best to try to get updates posted on all of my miracles. Now it is Riley's turn.
Riley has had an interesting start to Kindergarten. He has been going to school since he turned three. He has had the Developmentally delayed label and Speech/Language impaired. The DD was due to coming home from China at 2 and a half years old and just being so far behind. He couldn't even pull his socks off of his feet! School was just what he needed! Starting Kindergarten should have been no big deal. WRONG! Riley cried and begged to stay with me for the first few weeks of school. I started walking him to class. This continued until last week. It took an entire quarter of the school year before Riley would go voluntarily to class. This was not fun. Riley is doing VERY well in school. We think that maybe the larger class size and higher work load just stressed him out.
Riley's articulation has improved TREMENDOUSLY since school started. His Speech Pathologist is outstanding. He works like a trooper for her. He now willingly practices at home. His confidence in social settings is skyrocketing. He needed this.
Riley is still going to Gymnastics classes on Saturdays. This is the highlight of his week. He loves to jump, flip, walk on the balance beam and do anything his instructors ask of him. He is super flexible and strong. We really think that if we increased his time in the gym he would excel. He is a dare devil. He has also started playing soccer. He enjoys the outside run and play time alot.... though the gym is his favorite place to be. Riley is just so naturally athletic. He takes to new outdoor physical activities like a fish to water. He is now riding a bigger bike. He loves to do all sorts of tricks on his bike which give me heart failure.
Riley is starting to read some. He knows all of his letters and sounds and wants to be read to constantly. I think Jerry, James and I all read to him most days... sometimes twice. He has his favorite books but really will pick all different books each day.
Riley is quite artistic. He loves to color, paint, make collages and sculpt things with clay and Play Doh. He will glue, cut and color for hours on end. For a child who is so active, it is amazing to see his calm determination when he is creating a new masterpiece. He has such a unique eye. He does like coloring pictures, but prefers creating new and more abstract pieces of artwork. Our refrigerator is covered from top to bottom with original artwork. We are always looking for a new medium to introduce to him. This summer we started doing Shrinky Dinks as another creative outlet. He loves it!
Well, I know I could go on and on about Riley and all of his gifts and talents. Once I post this I am sure I will think of several other things I wish I had added.
Sometimes Jerry and I are overcome watching Riley. He is so completely different from the scared little boy we brought home from China. It took him such a very long time to trust, to feel safe and secure, to understand his place in our family. Riley struggled for a very long time. He carried a lot of "baggage" for a very long time. He isn't struggling now. We really believe his trip to China last December to bring his sister home put so much into perspective for him. We think he now understands his "story" more. He now sees himself as Chinese. He sees that other Asian people look like him. He just is more secure in himself.
All of our children are miracles... but Riley is just different. Everything about him is different. Nothing comes to Riley without work and perserverence. He is a miracle, blessing, gift and so much more.
Riley has had an interesting start to Kindergarten. He has been going to school since he turned three. He has had the Developmentally delayed label and Speech/Language impaired. The DD was due to coming home from China at 2 and a half years old and just being so far behind. He couldn't even pull his socks off of his feet! School was just what he needed! Starting Kindergarten should have been no big deal. WRONG! Riley cried and begged to stay with me for the first few weeks of school. I started walking him to class. This continued until last week. It took an entire quarter of the school year before Riley would go voluntarily to class. This was not fun. Riley is doing VERY well in school. We think that maybe the larger class size and higher work load just stressed him out.
Riley's articulation has improved TREMENDOUSLY since school started. His Speech Pathologist is outstanding. He works like a trooper for her. He now willingly practices at home. His confidence in social settings is skyrocketing. He needed this.
Riley is still going to Gymnastics classes on Saturdays. This is the highlight of his week. He loves to jump, flip, walk on the balance beam and do anything his instructors ask of him. He is super flexible and strong. We really think that if we increased his time in the gym he would excel. He is a dare devil. He has also started playing soccer. He enjoys the outside run and play time alot.... though the gym is his favorite place to be. Riley is just so naturally athletic. He takes to new outdoor physical activities like a fish to water. He is now riding a bigger bike. He loves to do all sorts of tricks on his bike which give me heart failure.
Riley is starting to read some. He knows all of his letters and sounds and wants to be read to constantly. I think Jerry, James and I all read to him most days... sometimes twice. He has his favorite books but really will pick all different books each day.
Riley is quite artistic. He loves to color, paint, make collages and sculpt things with clay and Play Doh. He will glue, cut and color for hours on end. For a child who is so active, it is amazing to see his calm determination when he is creating a new masterpiece. He has such a unique eye. He does like coloring pictures, but prefers creating new and more abstract pieces of artwork. Our refrigerator is covered from top to bottom with original artwork. We are always looking for a new medium to introduce to him. This summer we started doing Shrinky Dinks as another creative outlet. He loves it!
Well, I know I could go on and on about Riley and all of his gifts and talents. Once I post this I am sure I will think of several other things I wish I had added.
Sometimes Jerry and I are overcome watching Riley. He is so completely different from the scared little boy we brought home from China. It took him such a very long time to trust, to feel safe and secure, to understand his place in our family. Riley struggled for a very long time. He carried a lot of "baggage" for a very long time. He isn't struggling now. We really believe his trip to China last December to bring his sister home put so much into perspective for him. We think he now understands his "story" more. He now sees himself as Chinese. He sees that other Asian people look like him. He just is more secure in himself.
All of our children are miracles... but Riley is just different. Everything about him is different. Nothing comes to Riley without work and perserverence. He is a miracle, blessing, gift and so much more.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Update #1 - Madeline
I thought I would do updates by family member. It has been unbelievably crazy here.
Madeline is now 23 months old. She is really starting to say so many things. She is loud and boisterous and just full of fun. She loves to sing songs and play games. Madeline is in love with shoes and socks. She loves to pick out clothes from her dresser and closet. This is just so different from the boys!
Madeline has been battling a few issues the past month or so, as well. First, she has been having a terrible time sleeping. She has been up about 4 nights a week. No tears... just screaming for me. I go in and soothe her. If she is just calling for me, but not out of control, I don't say a word of pick her up. When she is really losing it I will hold her and rock her until she calms down. I never put her down asleep because I don't want to trick her.
Madeline has also been battling some crazy bumpy rash on her arms and legs. We have been to the doctor, tried medicines to no avail. We go back to the doctor today and will be sent to a dermatologist. While at the doctor today we will also go ahead and have her two year old check up. She will be getting some immunizations, so that should be fun. (NOT!)
We are also in the process of changing daycare providers. Madeline has been bit... are you ready for this???.... 7 times since school started. I can't even believe I am typing it. It seems so surreal. We had been very happy with the daycare provider last year, but geesh, this is just not acceptable. Believe it or not, she was actually bit three times in two days by the same child. My stomach hurts just thinking about it. She will start at the new place on Monday. It just has to be better. I feel terrible about having to work already.... and then to have her hurt repeatedly just kills me.
We took Madeline for her first real haircut a few weeks ago. Previously I had just trimmed her bangs. Her hair is now thick enough to need real haircuts. The kicker is... she HATES it. She yelled the entire time. We even took her to one of those cool kid places where they sit in the little cars and such. She wanted nothing to do with the haircut. She loved the little car, but when the lady came towards her with the scissors... ummm.. that was less than pleasant. I am crossing my fingers that she will outgrow this stage quickly since she has this head full of beautiful hair! (She also hates to have her fingernails cut. She doesn't mind her toenails... just the fingernails. She doesn't sleep deep enough for me to cut them when she is snoozing. So it takes a full day of one finger here, one finger there to get her nails cut. Big fun. HA!)
We are in the process of getting Madeline's US passport. The difficult part of this process is that she HATES having her picture taken. We have, thus far, been unsuccessful in getting a shot that will be acceptable. This is a problem because we are going out of the country in December. If anyone has any hints on how to pull this off, please let me know. Bribes don't work with Miss M.
Madeline came home in January wearing 9 month sized clothing. Now, she is almost exclusively in 24 month size. It is unreal how my girl has grown! She is just amazing. We really think she will be taller than Riley when they are adults. At 28 months old, 18 month sized clothing was falling off of him. I can't wait to see how tall and how much she weighs at the doctor today!
Madeline LOVES to play outside, ride on her riding toys, ride on the little scooter, kick or throw a ball.. and try to catch it too. She thinks washing dishes is a blast! She is terrified of the vacuum cleaner and the lawn mower. She enjoys playing with her brothers and ordering them around. She has them right where she wants them! Any time Madeline thinks she may have a boo boo, everyone MUST kiss it. Some of us are more accommodating than others. She persists until all kisses have been administered.
It is hard to believe we are coming up on one year since referral. In some ways it feels like she has been home forever. In other ways it feels like she has been in my arms mere seconds. Everyone who meets her instantly is captivated by her cuteness and personality. She just has a way of drawing people in. Charismatic is an understatement!
I am sure there are many other things I am not remembering since she is such a dynamic gal. We love her so much. She has put such a smile on our collective faces. Our days are richer because of her.
More to come.........
Madeline is now 23 months old. She is really starting to say so many things. She is loud and boisterous and just full of fun. She loves to sing songs and play games. Madeline is in love with shoes and socks. She loves to pick out clothes from her dresser and closet. This is just so different from the boys!
Madeline has been battling a few issues the past month or so, as well. First, she has been having a terrible time sleeping. She has been up about 4 nights a week. No tears... just screaming for me. I go in and soothe her. If she is just calling for me, but not out of control, I don't say a word of pick her up. When she is really losing it I will hold her and rock her until she calms down. I never put her down asleep because I don't want to trick her.
Madeline has also been battling some crazy bumpy rash on her arms and legs. We have been to the doctor, tried medicines to no avail. We go back to the doctor today and will be sent to a dermatologist. While at the doctor today we will also go ahead and have her two year old check up. She will be getting some immunizations, so that should be fun. (NOT!)
We are also in the process of changing daycare providers. Madeline has been bit... are you ready for this???.... 7 times since school started. I can't even believe I am typing it. It seems so surreal. We had been very happy with the daycare provider last year, but geesh, this is just not acceptable. Believe it or not, she was actually bit three times in two days by the same child. My stomach hurts just thinking about it. She will start at the new place on Monday. It just has to be better. I feel terrible about having to work already.... and then to have her hurt repeatedly just kills me.
We took Madeline for her first real haircut a few weeks ago. Previously I had just trimmed her bangs. Her hair is now thick enough to need real haircuts. The kicker is... she HATES it. She yelled the entire time. We even took her to one of those cool kid places where they sit in the little cars and such. She wanted nothing to do with the haircut. She loved the little car, but when the lady came towards her with the scissors... ummm.. that was less than pleasant. I am crossing my fingers that she will outgrow this stage quickly since she has this head full of beautiful hair! (She also hates to have her fingernails cut. She doesn't mind her toenails... just the fingernails. She doesn't sleep deep enough for me to cut them when she is snoozing. So it takes a full day of one finger here, one finger there to get her nails cut. Big fun. HA!)
We are in the process of getting Madeline's US passport. The difficult part of this process is that she HATES having her picture taken. We have, thus far, been unsuccessful in getting a shot that will be acceptable. This is a problem because we are going out of the country in December. If anyone has any hints on how to pull this off, please let me know. Bribes don't work with Miss M.
Madeline came home in January wearing 9 month sized clothing. Now, she is almost exclusively in 24 month size. It is unreal how my girl has grown! She is just amazing. We really think she will be taller than Riley when they are adults. At 28 months old, 18 month sized clothing was falling off of him. I can't wait to see how tall and how much she weighs at the doctor today!
Madeline LOVES to play outside, ride on her riding toys, ride on the little scooter, kick or throw a ball.. and try to catch it too. She thinks washing dishes is a blast! She is terrified of the vacuum cleaner and the lawn mower. She enjoys playing with her brothers and ordering them around. She has them right where she wants them! Any time Madeline thinks she may have a boo boo, everyone MUST kiss it. Some of us are more accommodating than others. She persists until all kisses have been administered.
It is hard to believe we are coming up on one year since referral. In some ways it feels like she has been home forever. In other ways it feels like she has been in my arms mere seconds. Everyone who meets her instantly is captivated by her cuteness and personality. She just has a way of drawing people in. Charismatic is an understatement!
I am sure there are many other things I am not remembering since she is such a dynamic gal. We love her so much. She has put such a smile on our collective faces. Our days are richer because of her.
More to come.........
Saturday, October 06, 2007
A Quick Update
Well, I have been a very bad blogger the past month or so. Life has just been..... a lot. It seems we are going nonstop. We have had work, activities, illness, birthdays, invites and more. Life has been chaotic, but good. So much has happened. I am going to try to post a few updates in the next few days to try to do a catch up of sorts. It is amazing how life can take off without notice and you can feel like you are running to keep up. That is where I am right now. -doggie paddling like crazy trying to keep my head above water.
The kids are great, but on a non stop cycle of fun and frivolity.
DH is working like a wild man. That can be good and not so good.
I am busier than I have ever been in my life... and that is not including everything with the kids.
Update coming soon.
The kids are great, but on a non stop cycle of fun and frivolity.
DH is working like a wild man. That can be good and not so good.
I am busier than I have ever been in my life... and that is not including everything with the kids.
Update coming soon.
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