ONE YEAR HOME!

THEN

NOW

HOME SWEET HOME, ONE YEAR

It's been one year since this picture.  The moment I heard his squeaky shoes coming and saw him turn the corner.....

My Objectives: entice him with his two favorite things, balloons and suckers...

This was my experience of "Gotcha Day".  Drew and Anna received Judah in China and he was our family long before that.  But when he's placed in your arms, somehow you feel like you've melted together and never known a moment apart.  So, that happened for Drew and Anna while they were in China.  For me, though, these moments captured it all.  The waiting, the anticipation, it all came together.  Our family, all together, finally.  

So thankful for those who stood by us, present in the airport and present through cheers and prayers states away.  Those who encouraged us as we grew our family- to bring our Judah home. 

UPDATE ON OUR BOY SINCE COMING HOME:

*He has gained about 7 pounds and nearly 5 inches.

*He has gained probably 100 words and putting two words together frequently.

*He is still a great eater.

*Still wakes through the night crying at least once, but goes back to sleep.

*Still a thumb sucker but only when he lays down in his bed to sleep.

*He can say everyone in the family's name now, or a version of it.

*Refers to himself as "you"

*Loves swimming and splashing in the water, without fear.

*Is still super active and busy.

*Has begun to enjoy books, pointing, naming things, turning pages. 

*He attends preschool.

*He is still Evan's shadow. 

*He's still very inquisitive and tenacious.

*He loves to identify colors and shapes and sing children's songs.

*He has started to count.

*He wants to be doing everything Levi and Elizabeth are up to.

*He started a screaming phase when he doesn't get something he wants or can't express his needs. 

PSALM 92:4

"You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done."