Sometimes I don't know how we got here. . parents of two. We found ourselves laughing at (I mean "with") each other often today. It really came to our attention when we looked at each other across the table at lunch just as Mark reminded Max for the infinity time to "get your hands out of your pants", while sporting a fresh black pen mark running down his face courtesy of Max. Meanwhile Lori tried to balance getting McKaden to take a bite of food and then would turn around and Max would have eaten a whole plate of food. Balancing trips to the bathroom, complete with the requisite challenges of Chinese facilities which often don't have a western toilet, while also serving as judge and jury in regards to whose turn it is to play with a tiny $.02 plastic animal, also trying to discipline/redirect a child who doesn't understand a word you say. . well, you get the picture. I'm sure we'll get better. .
Today we had an appointment at the police station to apply for Max's passport and did a quick shopping trip. Otherwise we were around the hotel or Shamian Island taking walks. We spent a lot of time in the playroom today and had a good time getting to meet some other adoptive families and hearing their stories. Max is definitely starting to feel like he can be himself. He likes to mimic McKaden and do what she does. Bless her heart, she is also trying to figure out her place in this new situation. Max laughed a lot today and also pushed the envelope a lot today. He definitely already wants to find out where the boundaries are.
Max is a fun kid and has a great laugh and smile. He speaks softly most of the time and really doesn't speak much. He is learning words like "daddy, Mama, Max" and will usually try to say what you ask him. He doesn't seem to understand "no" so well yet. He is an active kid who runs and jumps and likes to play a lot. He loves to try to dribble the ball. We found out at dinner last night he is terribly afraid of dogs. Mark saw a dog wandering through the outdoor restaurant we were in and brought it to Max's attention and Max went postal (can I say that?) He must have had a bad experience with a dog somewhere. He has some health concerns and it looks like at some time he took a bad fall on his front teeth. He has a chipped tooth, a dead tooth, and some very infected gums. He will be a great project for our dentist. Max is potty trained and is awesome about helping clean up, taking his clothes on and off, keeping things in order, etc. You can get frustrated with him, but his smile melts you. He loves it when all 4 of us are together and gets concerned when we're not.
The Lori health update: things are getting better. We're down to about 4 or 5 hours of coughing at night and got about 4 or 5 hours of sleep. She is feeling much better, but not out of the woods yet. Thanks for your prayers! Feel free to ask questions to us - we can see you comments and sometimes forget what you really want to know.
Now is the time of the night when we think we have this all down. The kids are both in bed. Another day complete.
6 comments:
Congratulations on your beautiful family! It is so much fun to be following your journey. Lori, I hope you are feeling much better soon!! I can tell your sense of humor is in good shape, which will help get you through these exciting, crazy first days.
We hope to be following in your footsteps soon...
traveling with our daughter, Claire to bring home our son, Jack (Mao Ai Kun) waiting in MaoMing. So, I'll be eager for any advice once you're back and settled.
Best wishes and happy travels!
Wendy Cater
Welcome to parenting a boy! Love reading the funny moments you're having. Good thing you don't have a dog I guess! Nana hopes you're feeding him lots of what he's used to eating (rice?) to keep his tummy from being upset by too many new foods. The Knutson family thinks your new bottomless pit is adorable and we look forward to many times of M, M, and G fighting over some $.02 toy together too! Love you all! Still praying for your health.
Linda, Jeff and Gunnar
While I realize Max is adjusting to a completely new language, I'm sure he will pick up the essentials quick! If you can, tell us when you are actually returning to the U.S.. It sounds like you are still just getting a few hours of sleep each night. I hope you continue to feel well Lori. When I had my cough/cold I tried a teaspoon of honey which is supposed to coat your throat and also stimulate your salivary glands to keep your throat from being so irritated. I love hearing about Max, his personality, his appetite and transition. It's good that you can laugh at the craziness. Look forward to your next update. Would you say Max is about 18-24 months to 2T in size?
Sounds like McKaden has a wonderful attitude about Max. I'm sure it is an adjustment for her as well.
-Marlys
Oh man, he sounds like a peach! And a normal 3-year-old. :) You guys are doing great and have a wonderful attitude and Max already loves his new family. LOVE those pics of your two beautiful children with arms around each other. You're bringing me to tears back here in Seattle! Hurry up and get back so we can meet him (and hopefully not overwhelm him!). The girls send their love to their new cousin! love missy & Bryce
You are doing a terrific job parenting two!! Max sounds like our boys(and Hannah too)! Wow, he is testing the boundaries already, well I think that just means he is already feeling comfortable with you. How precious that he wants all four of you to be together-his destiny has begun, as a Hein!
-Cheri :)
Very cool that McKaden has a brother. Welcome to the world of boys:) We hope Lori is feeling better and that the rest of you won't get sick. Can't wait to meet Max when you all get back!
Mamadodge
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