Friday, February 22, 2008

Wow…I can’t believe we have been home for three months already. In so many ways it seems like yesterday and in many ways it seems forever ago. One thing is for certain it was sure an awesome journey!!!

Jude is really adjusting well. Once we were home we really began to see him blossom. In fact, many of the behaviors he had while in China just simply disappeared. I think it would be safe to say that he really had his hardest adjustment time while we were in China. It’s amazing how much he has grown in just 3 months, both emotionally and physically.

In December we visited his craniofacial team and left with wonderful news that he would not require any more surgery. In fact, they were very impressed with how successful his cleft repair had been completed. The Dr. did mention that he may need some surgery when he was quite a bit older to build his gum line but that they would re-evaluate when the time was more appropriate. Overall, a healthy, busy boy!

Jude really enjoys playing with his big sister Nadia and is started to interact with Gabe a bit more. The once cuddly relationship that started in China with Ian has become a bit more real and Jude has resorted to the typical little brother tactics of pushing his big brothers buttons. In particular he likes explore Ian’s room looking for any electronical device with buttons or the “secret candy” stash hidden in his room. Needless to say we have had to put a baby lock on the door. But all joking aside they still have a great bond. Jude is very curious and has an unlimited energy supply! This boy likes to keep us on our toes no doubt about it! I am sure it is this same curiosity and drive that is helping him to achieve so many milestones so quickly. Just recently we have seen his sense of humor shine through. When you see his crooked smile you can be sure trouble has been had or is on it’s way. His emotions are easily discovered by his facial expressions and trust me he shows them all! His vocabulary is growing on a daily basis and he understands us with no problem. He has started Preschool/Daycare two days a week with great success. They are just amazed by this little guy. Despite the three year old energy he holds, he is also very lovable and huggable. He adores babies and will smother them with kisses if you let him. He still likes to be held a lot, and we are working on making sure he knows the appropriate times for it. He continues to struggle with sleeping, waking up a lot throughout the night. We are making progress but I am sure this will take a lot more time and devotion. Jared and I are continually amazed by this little boy, our son. When we look at Jude we truly see God’s plan at work. We have been blessed, and we are different people because he is in our lives, better people. We just love him to pieces!

The last couple of months have been full of ups and downs for us. In addition to the adjustments we have also had a lot of personal struggles to face. In early January, we lost one of our close family members to a tragic accident. This was very hard time for everyone as we mourned this loss. Because of this and we have learned a new faith, or perhaps grown our faith. Truthfully, at first I felt somewhat abandoned in my faith and I am sure I failed many tests through this time. But today I feel reassured that it is God’s entire plan that we live out not ours. I need to have more faith in him, and confidence that it will all be okay, even when I do not understand.