6 Month Update

I cannot believe that over 6 months have passed already since we brought Joshua home from St. Petersburg, Russia.  It has been a crazy wonderful whirlwind.  I think the most amazing thing for me is how natural it has felt for Joshua to be my son.  No one can predict how easily or difficult this transition is going to be.  For us, it has gone smoothly.  Joshua never has really had a period of grief or sadness, that I can see.  He has embraced our family fully.  And I can tell no difference of how I feel towards Joshua than how I feel toward my bio children.  Honestly, I don't think this happens right away for some people who adopt.  I think for lots of people this comes over a long period of time which I think is good and natural too.  Bonding happens differently for each unique situation.  But I must say, we just love him so much and don't know what we would do with out him.   He's funny, clever, loving and helpful.  He's also ornery, opinionated, strong-willed and excitable.  I think the biggest adjustment for Todd and myself has been just how busy we are.  There is not a lot of down time and my house is pretty consistently messy.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  

In fact, I absolutely love it.   

Here they are in all their cuteness:

The Terrific Threesome

While Colt and Joshua are really 3 1/2 years apart,

they are really the closest in height, weight and development.

They could pass as twins, I think.

My first cousin, McKenzie, comes several times a week to watch the kids and help me out with laundry or dishes,etc.  That has been such a tremendous help.  It gives me a break just to think or sometimes I run errands.  Lots of times, I am taking Joshua to therapy (speech or OT or PT).  It really works out well.  I have even squeezed in some photography classes so that I can actually use my camera that I bought to use in Russia. (Note to self:  next time take the classes BEFORE you go on the big trip(s) you plan to use it on)

I love to see how he is bonding with our bio kids.  I often say that I know that he is part of the family because he gets 'loved on' and 'told on' equally - just the same as the rest of the kids.  It's pretty awesome.

Joshua's adjustment has been amazing.  He has never looked back.  He loves life and loves our family.  He loves church and he loves school.  (Note: He probably loves the bus ride to and from school more passionately than anything else.)  He is most certainly opinionated.  And He is most certainly not a pushover ( you should see him wrestle).  He is quite clever and knows how to manipulate other adults and kids as good as any of my other typically developing children.  He is happiest if he is doing something with purpose.  Even if it doesn't always seem logical to me, if he is doing something productive he is loving it.  I hope to give some more specific updates on his speech, heart, and other areas in the future.

Love you, Joshua!!!