Week THREE Update

Parenting is hard work!  

It's not all happiness and hugs ... there are hurdles and there is heartache ... even for the experienced parent.

Being the child is hard work too ... especially when parent and child didn't start out together from the beginning.

I've learned that this past week ... we have had a lot of misunderstandings as we have worked with getting to know one another and functioning as a family.

misunderstood intentions.misunderstood actions.misunderstood communication.

Misunderstandings have probably been the root of all our issues so we are just continuing to work though each day trying to build up the communication and to be easy on the body language and facial expressions.

We know our photos appear to show that all is well and there are no issues and some have even commented as such.  My response to that has been, "I don't usually take photos of the moments that are filled with tantrums, obstinance, frustration, testing, raised voices, sibling rivalry, ... misunderstandings ... but those moments do happen, multiple times a day, sometimes with greater intensity, sometimes less.  We get through it ... and we try to move on.

There's obviously still so much that we do not know about these two little boys who have joined our family so bravely.  Each day we hopefully learn something new ... it's definitely a better view when you view the world through the eyes of a child and it is a special treat to gain new perspective on even the simplest things that we have, for so long, taken for granted.

I can tell you that these boys like to be active, engaged and very helpful.  They are always eager to get right in the mix of whatever we are doing and help us to get the job done.  If this characteristic sticks, once they've learned to exercise self-control, it could be very advantageous for us all!!  

If not, we will have to help to nurture and develop it ... because the world NEEDS MORE HELPERS!

They couldn't wait to take the vacuum away from me and give it a try!

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner was a wonderful activity for them as there were so many different foods for them to help prepare.  

("What?"  ... what do you mean I should be handling this BIG knife??" ) 

Each of them were SO INSISTENT about helping ...

Chopping ...

Peeling ...

Carving ...

& Taste-Testing ...

You NAME it!  They wanted to be a part of it!

Even when Baba changed the oil of our vehicle ...

... the boys were right in there ...

Doing what needed to be done AND organizing TOO!!!

Decorating the Christmas tree was no exception and there were lots of "Ooos" and "Ahhhs" as they admired the twinkling and sparkling of the lights and shiny ornaments.

Of course, this little guy enjoys snacking while he works!!

And, of course, I had to get a photo of the boys holding up their very own ornaments to celebrate their becoming citizens of the USA in 2015!!   

The B-E-S-T Christmas Tree yet!

This blessed holiday season should prove to be even more 'joyful and triumphant' than ever!!!

Stay Tuned: 3D CT Scans are this week!!