Tuesday, January 7, 2014

One Month Home!

This past month went by so fast, I can hardly believe it's January. I want this post to be completely honest, so that people considering adoption will know what it's like the first month. 

Truth here is that I think we have it very easy. Maks has been doing very well, and we have very minimal struggles with him. 

We are struggling with his lack of fluid intake (but he's not dehydrated somehow) and he is still throwing toys. A lot. It has been a challenge to haul his 30 lb self around when I have a 2 yr old and a 3 month old that also need to be hauled around sometimes. Getting in and out of the car has become a challenge (who knew a Suburban could be too small?). Going to the store is something I haven't attempted yet with all 6 kids. He very much puts himself on a schedule. Which is actually great, but difficult when I don't quite have dinner on the table at 5 pm and he's expecting to eat. I end up cooking with him at my feet fussing, or I put him in his booster seat and give him small snacks until dinner is done. He sleeps very well, but we have to put him in a pack n play for now, because he kept getting out of bed anytime he woke up at night. He chews his thumb a bit and so it's a little raw, but it seems to be getting better. His teeth need some work, and we will be seeing a dentist after we see his cardiologist. 

There are many things going well or easily, too. He was not eating much at first, but now he's doing great. He hates Chinese food, but will eat it anyway, I just get the look of betrayal all through meal time. It's adorable. ;) He wasn't too fond of taco night, either, until I gave it to him with sour cream. He was hitting a lot at first, and he still does, but it's at a normal toddler rate now, not constantly. He's also become very fond of Samuel, and Charlotte is his buddy. They hug and kiss constantly and it's adorable. The big girls like trying to speak Russian to him, and they love to push him around in the cozy coupe outside. He's bonding well with all of us, and is really understanding a lot of what we tell him already. His babbling has become more frequent and more sounds are coming, too. He is also trying to walk more, and can take 6 steps unassisted. 

The girls have obviously needed more attention because I was gone so long. My trip to Ukraine put a lot of things into perspective for me. I want to make that its own blog post, because I really do think it changed me. 

There are a lot of moments now that I have 3 kids on me at once. It's wonderful and exhausting at the same time. I don't handle stress all that well, so I have been working on that. Mornings are crazy, and I'm working on keeping calm. Same with dinner time and bedtime. My children are worth all of the hard work I can muster, and I'm trying very, very hard. 

That's all I can think of for now. Now I'm going to list his firsts via pictures. 

First airplane ride. 
First car seat ride
First Happy Meal
First very own bed
First trip to Target
First trip to Costco
First over-enthusiastic kiss from Charlotte 
First Oreo 
First haircut in America 

First Christmas with a family 
First sweater vest

Today he had his first trip to the park, but it don't have a picture because my phone died. :( he wasn't fond of it anyway. He was terrified of the swings, which I thought he'd like. 

Ok, sorry the post is a bit choppy. I'm tired today, readjusting to the back to school schedule. But I wanted to get this up today. He is such a loving little guy and we really are lucky to have him. 






8 comments:

  1. Love it! I'm glad your first month has gone pretty well.

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  2. Amazing! I cried a lot Evan's first month home, feeling exhausted and incredibly blessed at the same time. It looks and sounds like you all are doing fabulously !!♥♥♥

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  3. I love that "first sweater vest" made the cut. So cute! And I think you handle stress beautifully. To have done everything you've already done? Fuhgettaboutit!

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    1. Lol, thank you, but you haven't been witness to one of my meltdowns. :)

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  4. I am seriously in awe of you! If I am half the woman you are one day I will be satisfied. :)

    So happy Maks is doing so well!

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  5. I love that you included "first sweater vest". What a beautiful boy you have!

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"If you can't say somethin' nice... don't say nothin' at all..." ~Thumper