Carmen

I was emailed pictures today from a family that just came home forever. It turns out their son has the same foster mom as Jayden. Her name is Carmen and she took wonderful care of Jayden and loved him. Seeing the pictures of another baby coming home were amazing and it brought back a lot of memories about what a wonderful, dedicated and loving woman Carmen is.

She is genuinely attached to the kids she's entrusted with.

How do you thank or even express what she and her family have done for Jayden?

We think and pray for Carmen often.

Oh so boy...

The "boy" is starting to show in my boy.

I pull out dinner tonight which involves pasta wheels, leftovers that he inhaled last night. Today, however, coming out of the fridge they are cold. I popped one in his mouth and he gave me that "you just gave me vinegar look" but proceeded to chew on it. He walked/crawled over to his highchair and spit it on in tiny bits on the floor. Not atypical for my little man, but the surprise came when he decided to step in it and grind it into the floor. I had no idea he knew how to do that.

I picked him up, set him in his highchair and pulled his shoes off. I showed him the soles of each...one was full of bits of pasta and apparently very funny. I have a deepening suspicision that it's only just beginning what I'll find in the soles of his shoes.

Allegiance

What do you get when you have a sick day, a banana tree, an inflatable boat and several toys... ahh the mind goes wild and we stage the opening scene to Allegiance.

Sick day...

Yesterday we were a little under the weather. Here we are enjoying Jonah the movie, laying low until we feel better.

Fingerpainting

Jayden finger painted (or handpainted as is really the case) for the first time yesterday at daycare. Of course, we'll be framing the masterpieces he made.

I must admit I completely shocked there is no green on his face or in his teeth...

Wisdom from Willie...and Mama too...

Some of you may remember the days of Wisdom from Willie. I still learn tidbits from my four-legged buddy. He's such a great dog and I dread the day he passes away. Since we have 14 year minimum agreements with all pets in our home, I've got some more time before I have to worry.
He is 13 1/2 now. He's lost his hearing but still has that same gentle, loyal spirit who just wants to be with you and please you. Right now he is at my feet. There is no more singing to Jeopardy, but in a stroke of irony Jeopardy is a favorite of Jayden's. I have no idea why he likes the show but he loves to clap with everyone.

Jayden loves Willie. They have a mutually beneficial relationship (at least that's how they would describe it). Since Jayden has started eating, Willie has gained 4 pounds. 4 pounds he really didn't need. In return, Willie is very patient as he is being wrestled by Jayden.

The white one is Mama...she's the greyhound (and came with that name). She enjoys Jayden too but tends to leave the room when he comes to close and wants to climb on her. She's a little less rugged in terms of the climbing but brings great joy to Jayden as he watches her race around the yard. She raced a pretty amazing career and running brings her great joy... yes, she actually smiles - a nice teethy smile. That's another picture and post...it's a little scary looking if you don't see the tail wagging full speed at the same time.

There's a lot of chaos in the home, but none of us would have it any other way.

15 Months Today

Our Last Swim of the Season

This was a couple week's ago at a friend's second birthday party. Jayden won't be able to go swimming for a while as he got tubes put in his ears last week. I don't think he'll be too disappointed. He is not a big fan of water in the face.

Daycare

Jayden loves going to "school" (okay daycare, but we call it school). It's a Spanish immersion so he hears Spanish all day every day. Gloria and Rodrigo are wonderful to him. They really enjoy him and he is very attached to Rodrigo. It's been a real blessing as he is one of five kids and two others are Guatemala adoptees.

It's been good for me too. I am slowly picking up more Spanish.

Jayden is genuinely happy to go and I know he is learning a lot and having a good time. He is getting a gift that I could not give him there...he's learning the Spanish language and will be able to develop a love for Latin culture.