4+ Months Home...

And things just seem so normal, that it feels weird to be writing an update. Asa's adjustment has been miraculous, considering the dramatic way in which his life has changed; he has remained a relatively mellow, happy and go-with-the-flow kind of kiddo. There are areas in which we remain vigilant, just to insure that he is bonding properly, but most days pass without any major surprises. His English just blows us away and he communicates effortlessly. Asa does (occasionally) test boundaries but responds well when we explain rules and model good behavior. He's now sleeping through the night (YES!!) and naps really well every day. There's been a little bit of regression with the potty (just as a heads up for other adoptive parents - I've heard it's common) but it's not too big of a deal.

Here's a little rundown of what's been going on this summer:

We were SO blessed, over Father's Day weekend, so see my brother, sister-in-law and nephew, Grayson. They moved to Amsterdam last fall and we thought that we wouldn't be seeing them until their furlough, sometime next year. But they were able to make a quick trip the the States and came to Florida to see us!! This was really special because they got to meet Asa for the first time. We did a lot of swimming and the kids had fun playing with little Grayson. I didn't have the foresight to get a picture of all the grandkids together before Allyson left for church camp (bummer). But I did get this one of the littles together....


Asa got to experience his first week of Vacation Bible School. He was so excited about getting up every morning and dressing in the theme color for each day. I helped teach the three year old class, so he wasn't apart from me at all, but it was good to see him participate and interact with other children his age (he's still staying with us for church every Sunday). He did pretty well, overall, but it's clear that he enjoys being a little bit of a class clown.

Asa can swim now. Really and truly swim: underwater, above water, treading water, etc.... All without any floaty devices. It was my goal to have him swimming by the end of summer but he totally took to it with no fear and a very strong desire to do what the other kids were doing. The cutest thing is to look at him underwater while he swims - he has his eyes wide open and sticks his little tongue out while he does a unique, froggy-style stroke!

What's so funny is how Asa just knows how things work around here. If he has a snack at the table and needs to make a quick potty break, he pushes his plate to the middle of the table so a particular golden retriever won't walk by and swipe it. He even says "Mama, watch my food. Henry, don't get Asa's food," (yes, he's still mostly referring to himself in third person but is starting to say "I" and "me" occasionally). When he hears the garage door open, he's always the first one to say "Daddy's home!" and runs to the door to greet him. He knows all the family members with whom we skype and even asks to talk to them, by name. He plays so nicely and always cleans up after himself. His favorites toys right now are: Tinker Toys, Legos, and Matchbox cars. He knows exactly what things annoy each of his siblings and makes sure to do those things at least once a day. He tattles (both funny and annoying).



Tomorrow, we're off for a week on the beach. I'll definitely be back with pictures!