Getting Adjusted

Well, getting adjusted into a new home can be quite a challenge for a child. I know this well because Juli struggled for months when we first came home from Russia. I tried with everything in my power to prepare myself for the struggles that Elias might face when we came home from Ethiopia.

The funny part is that i didn't prepare myself with the proper perspective. It seems that I'm the one who has been doing all the adjusting this time around. Elias is and has pretty much since the day we stepped on the airplane been as happy as a clam. He just does not stop smiling, laughing, or trying to make someone else laugh.

Now don't get me wrong...he has had a couple of struggles. Mostly with not ever wanting to be away from me. But we have come to find great ways to combat that little love he carries for me. Hint, hint...he loves his bottle more!!! LOL

So the adjusting it seems has been a struggle on my end. I am just plain not used to 2 kids, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 fish. And go figure all Juli can talk about is when we can go to China for baby Aimee...I think to myself everytime she mentions it..."please Lord, not yet".

It is coming to me though, and i guess as i get older change just takes a bit longer. And isn't it funny how I could feel so overwhelmed by one child and now i look back and say what was i thinking... The days it is just Juli and I for whatever reason, we are super on the ball! Crazy, this life.

Elias though is making great strides in his new life with us. He has begun to say words such as "hi", "by Juli", "auntie" and "Daddy". And he took his first steps recently as well! I do have to hold his hands, but he takes about 4 steps at a time! It is so cute. He is so proud of himself. Juli tried to video tape it for me while i held his hands, but I'm afraid her perspective was not focused on his feet, rather his face, so you can't really see the steps being taken, just the celebration following. It was fun for the 2 of us to share in that. We were sad though that Eric was at work for such an event.

I think sometimes of how God sees us the way we see our children. Our spiritual journey is long and hard at times. But each little step we take makes Him so proud of us. He wants nothing more than for His children to grow and flourish in His image.

Well, Elias turned one year old on the 23rd of June and loved every minute of it. We sang to him with a little ice cream cake and then he and Juli dove right in face first. Here is the funny video.

Enjoy!