A Few Firsts

We have been home about six weeks now and there is so much to remember about our first weeks together as a family. I want to write more about our transition but I feel like we are still in the middle of it so it seems premature to do any serious reflecting. Although, I do think that I am much more in tune with LB's needs and rhythms than I was a few weeks ago. That is a good feeling. My hope is that with each day he is attaching to us more and more. I also have to say that a lot of my thoughts as a new mom are things that other parents said to me before I was a parent that annoyed the heck out of me. Therefore, I am choosing not to annoy myself or anyone else out there that really wants to be a mom. That longing is still raw and fresh in my mind so I am sensitive to it.

However, I DO want to document several of LB's "firsts" since he came home. He is discovering so many new things and he continues to ooze personality. In just six weeks he has learned to clap, wave, sit up on his own and he knows to raise his arms when I say "so big!"

Here are some photos of a few of his "firsts.

LB was very serious on his first stroller ride. I don't think he cracked a smile the entire time, which is unusual for him. He is still subdued in the stroller but does seem to enjoy the time outside. I am exceedingly grateful that we came home during the late summer/early fall so that we could go on lots of walks and not feel cooped up at home.

This was one of the first times he ate solid foods from his highchair. When we were in Ethiopia he sucked prunes off D's fingers because he couldn't quite master the spoon. Six weeks later he gobbles down just about anything we give him, especially fruit. Although, he is not a fan of peas. There was some serious gagging action over peas.

This was his first time in the exer-saucer. LB loves this thing and you can tell from the photo it was love from the beginning. He jumps for joy and has figured out all the toy stations and I really think it has helped him develop some core and leg strength. Sadly, yesterday we had to raise the seat a level because he was getting too tall for the lowest one. So sad.

We love to Skype with Grandma Kathy. This was one of the first times he did it. I am not sure he knew what to think of the singing, clapping lady on the other end but we had fun. This will be a regular occurrence.

On September 10th LB had his first well child visit with his pediatrician. I LOVE our pediatrician. LOVE. She was recommended to us by some of the other adoptive families and I am so grateful she was accepting new patients. She explains things very clearly but isn't patronizing. LB did great at his check-up and our doc thought he looked great! I tend to agree. (I, on the other hand, look very sleepy.)

Almost a month ago, LB made his first appearance at our Ethiopian Adoptive Family Night. Tiru, the lovely lady on the left, prepares wonderful Ethiopian food for all the families each night and we are so lucky to have her as part of our little community.

Okay, so this photo is not a milestone photo but I just couldn't resist sharing. He was up really early that morning and it's like he can tell I wasn't pleased. My mom calls it his "time-out" face. How can I be mad at that face? Such a cutie!