Language

Well I think one of the problems is definitely the milk.  We had switched to lactose-free milk when we stopped the formula after 4-5 months home, but over Christmas we ran out of lactose-free milk.  Today Jake had nothing but juice and then some of, as he says, "my kind" of milk.  He knew something just wasn't right about the milk and so last night I just told him that we would get some that wouldn't hurt his tummy.  So today when getting ready to drink it he said "my kind?".  It was precious. 

He's also sitting still a lot longer to listen to me read to him at nighttime.  After we read a few books, I sing to him.  Of course, I sing Jesus Loves Me, and so a couple of nights ago, I started each line but left off the last word...which he then filled in.  Cracked me up how much he knew.  The only mistake he makes is that he wants to say "they are strong (instead of weak), but He is strong".  Hmmmm....very telling of us all isn't it?  We just think that we're stronger than we really are.  But yet we are so weak.  We desperately need Him.  The last number of months has shown me more and more how much I need the grace that comes from and through Christ.  Without Him, there is no hope.  But with Him, all things are possible.  I'll try to record Jake singing this and post soon.

The other thing that Jake is saying right now is "mean".  Everything is "mean".  He's just a reflection of us it seems at times and I certainly have heard a number of us say things like "don't do that; it's mean".  But he is saying it about everything and then laughing and laughing.  He thinks it's hysterical.  Kind of like when he first got home he was fixed on "Bop it" which was "Stop it".  I must have said that a lot.

All in all his language skills amaze me!  He is starting to speak in short, but full sentences.  Please pray that I will use my words to encourage him and the others and that I will be always mindful of the power of words. 

My little man's not feeling well

I am so sorry for not posting as I said I would a few weeks ago.  Last night I sat down and typed and typed, but still no post.  I don't know what the Lord wants me to say.  It's the strangest feeling.  I have so much to say about adoption, but I just don't feel fully released to share my thoughts just yet.  I will say that it definitely ranks right up there as the hardest thing that we've ever done (right alongside watching my oldest struggle medically for nearly 2 years) but it is also one of the best decisions that we've ever made.  It is changing us!!  By the way, have I ever mentioned that I am married to one of the best men ever?  I know many of you would say the same, but I just can't say enough good things about my husband right now.  He is my rock!  And it is so neat to see God doing so many things in and through him.  I am so grateful that God blessed me with him.  I have so much to say about my man and especially about his relationship with Jake and Andrew, but that is the subject of another post I'm afraid. 

For now, if you're reading this, please pray for my little Jake.  In many ways I feel like a first time mom.  Things are the same as with my others, but in many ways they are so different.  A couple of weeks ago Jake started blinking especially hard.  He's continued to do that.  With his slightly abnormal CT and diagnosis of CP (and with my background in clinical research on epilepsy), it has been a little concerning to me.  The last couple of days though I think it may be more allergy related or pink eye or something like that.  I'm just not sure.  He also just doesn't seem to feel real well....cries a lot throughout the day and then is awake off and on through the night.  Andrew did have a really bad stomach virus on Christmas Day so maybe Jake has a touch of that.  I don't know.  I'm just tired and thought if you feel led, you might pray for my sweet little guy.  I also think he might have an issue with milk. 

Merry Christmas to you all!

Distracted

Please, if you have been following along and are either praying for us, curious about adoption, considering adoption, please stay tuned.  I have so much to blog about.  I apologize for leaving you hanging but I have been terribly distracted.  Please forgive me and check back for an update either tomorrow or Wednesday.