One Month Anniversary

That's right people, it's been exactly one month since we got home with Eli from China.  In fact, it's almost exactly one month, because we landed in Atlanta around this time a on February 20th!  So crazy to think about!  On the one hand, it feels like this month has flown by.  On the other hand, it feels like I've been watching the clock tick by as I spend each morning going "vrooom" with Eli and his cars.  I will not sit here and lie and say that this month has been easy.  It has probably been one of the hardest months of my life, but it has also been filled with many blessings too.  I am finding it completely necessary to take joy in the little glimpses I see each day of God's plan for our family.  I'll get back to Eli and how he is embracing his new life.  But first, I want to thank all of our friends and family for the way that you have each been part of these daily blessings for our family.  You've called, texted and emailed to let us know you are thinking of and praying for us, you've brought us delicious meals, you've sent sweet gifts (not just to Eli, but also Trip and Mady...and me), you've picked my "big" kids up from school, helped them with homework, carted them to activities, and just loved on them.  You've brought me lunch, joined Eli and I for walks, and made me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry.  We can really never say thank you enough to all of you!  On the hard days, when I can barely hold it together, you have been there for me and my family and that is all  I need to keep me going.  I thank God for each one of you every day, because he is using you to care for us, so that we can care for Eli and each other.
Now, back to Eli.  So, Eli is a 3 year old boy, that is emotionally more like a 2 year old boy...so we all know what that means...DOUBLE WHAMMY.  And, throw in the fact that he doesn't speak our language, and you've got one crazy combination.  Sometimes that crazy comes out screaming, face planting in the middle of the road and throwing food, making the rest of us want to run and hide.  Other times, that crazy comes out in silly, loud nonsense at the dinner table, making all of us laugh hysterically.  But, the best, is when that crazy comes out with huge smiles, hugs for everyone and big, wet smooches too!  So, let's focus on the good kinda crazy...its much more fun that way.  Here are a few of my favorite things about Eli:
**The way he says certain things in English, like airplane and bye bye, golf cart and the best is "I Love You."  He tries so hard to communicate with us, whether its with words or pointing or walking us over to what he needs.
**How he now calls any car, "Mater."  One day, after he sees the Cars movie 100 times, maybe he will understand that Mater is the redneck tow truck.
**  How excited he gets to pick up Trip and Mady at the bus stop!  He will slap me on the arm and yell, "Busey!"
**The way he will take an unfamiliar food and smell it before he will try it and then gives it either a "YUCKY!"  or "YUMMY!" rating.
**His sweet little hugs where he pats our backs like a grown up.
**The way he sticks out his lips like a monkey when he wants a kiss.
**The cute way he dances around when he is excited
**The amount of laughter I hear coming from the bathroom when TJ is giving him baths.
**When he gets tickled or a zerbert or a ride on TJ's shoulders, he wants the rest of us to get to take part in the fun too and will insist that TJ do the same to each one of us.  That's right, I am now getting regular shoulder rides on TJ.  Lucky TJ!  HA!
**The way he tries to say the blessing at dinner each night...especially how he waits for the big final, "AAAAAMEN!!!""

I could keep going, but these give you a good picture of his sweet spots.  And, even though, the next time you see me, I may look totally frazzled and my biological kids may tell you that I've lost it, I have not lost hope or sight of God's plans for our family and  I know Eli is learning that he is loved, that he is wanted and that he is special and that he has a family...FOREVER!  And, I am privileged to have a front row seat for that and to be surrounded by such an amazing community of support!

 

Eli one month ago at the Atlanta airport

Eli today (after an at-home haircut)