Bear is getting HUGE! I think he is starting to taper off in the VERY LARGE dept. but he is still growing FAST! He runs everywhere now when he is not climbing something, stationary or not (sorry Duke!) He loves to build forts with us and hide out in them (while bubby tears it down around him...little brothers... gotta love'em). He is a big time OUTDOORSMAN! If anyone heads for the door he grabs his keys and he's getting in your way to beat you to the punchline! We have been enjoying the nice weather lately. It has been in the mid to upper 70's and sunshiny! He has learned to throw balls (and whatever else is in his hands...nice move dad!) WE are working on distinguishing between good and bads to throw and when!
He can talk up a storm. Most things he will repeat that you say and some things he will just start saying. He can sign many different things and will let you know what he wants pretty promptly. He is his brother's best friend. Where there is one the other too will be! He likes to pretend Moe is a pony and tries to ride on his back quite frequently while Moe lies on the ground LAUGHING!!! I love it!
He has caught on to what we do when we leave. If someone is leaving he gets his shoes and grabs a pink fluffy toy purse (don't judge! :)) and his keys and is running for the door saying "bye-bye".
He has two wooden peg animal puzzles that he can name off the animals and make their sound as well as place the correct animal in the correct hole. He even goes as far as to try and switch out the animals from one puzzle to the other. Like there is a kitten on both puzzles... They are made from two different companies so they look different but he knows they are kitties and will trade out their places saying "mmmeeeeew" as he does it.
He has learned to drive his Jeep 4X4 "power wheels". It is hysterical. I think J took video of it but I think he says their names in it so I cannot post it... rough. I will have to get one that is blog friendly and post it so you all can have a laugh too. He looks backwards and just keeps driving, running over EVERYTHING! We take it outside during the day so he can drive uncautioned. Usually Moe likes crawling right behind him which is all fun-n-games until Bear decides to flip it in reverse and heads straight for his quick-but-not-that-quick little target of a brother! OR DUKE... whichever is closest!
Yesterday we were watching a movie and he wandered into the room where the movie was playing. There was a man playing his guitar and singing an old hymn (so beautiful) and Bear grabs the shoulder part of his sleeve and starts strumming his tummy with the other hand. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! J and I both looked at eachother in complete amazement! J plays guitar but WOW! He also loves to play the piano. I will have to get an edited video to let you hear him play! AMAZING!
He prays with us by clasping his little hands as we say "let's bless it" and at the end will look around and smile from ear to ear and say "maymen". He loves to play pat-a-cake and roll it and roll it and roll it..... He loves singing and dancing to worship music. We play worship music and when he hears it he comes in clapping his little hands and jumping and spinning! OH LORD LET HIM HAVE A HEART THAT PRAISES YOU IN EVERYTHING!!!
As of now we still do not have Bear adopted. We are waiting on a termination order to be filled out and signed by all the impo's (my new word for all the important people involved!) then from there the adoption agency as well as the foster care agency will come out and do the final placement. From that point on our monthly reimbursement will end and it is all us flying solo. At that time our attorney will set a date with the judge to have the adoption consummated. ON THAT DAY IT WILL BE FINAL!!! And we will party like it is 1999! (minus the stuff that I partied with back then!!!... Remember I am reformed now!)
J and I talked about that today... what he thought we would do when the adoption is finalized. We discussed several different options. The one I think will be pretty concrete is on the day of we will go out and celebrate just us as a FAMILY and then we will plan for a big party (like a b.day party) inviting all of our friends and family! You all will be invited too! Just leave us a comment and it will be given to him and added to his adoption book and also placed in his little build a bear that we are having made with his adoption papers and our letters and prayers inside! Thanks for being part of our lives and praying to see this day come to completion! It has been a rocky road and I never knew what God had in store but I LOVE HIS plans... don't you!
WE will announce it as it unfolds BELIEVE ME!!!
As for our sweet, sweet Moe. We have seen him come so far in the past 2 almost 3 months. He can stand alone for 10 seconds tops. He loves to do whatever bubby is doing. He can crawl like nobody's business... he's quick, very quick! He is very comical. He makes us laugh on a daily basis... numerous times throughout the day. He has a very dashing grin and can melt your heart with a bat of his big brown eyes! He is precious in many ways!
He can sign "Please, all-done, and more". He also prays with us by clasping his little hands as we say "let's bless it". When the prayer is over he screaches in delight "Aaheeem" (we have come to understand this as "AMEN" :)). So precious!
He is now saying Uh-oh and momma and da-da. When we are working with words for Bear he often chimes in with sounds that often times resemble exactly what we are saying! He is very bright and catches on super quick! He loves to play pat-a-cake. He claps his little hands and rolls 'em up, and rolls and rolls, and rolls... I think that is his favorite part, hmmmm just like Bubby.
He is completely off the bottle and has been for the past full month. It was a very smooth transition. He LOVES to eat all three meals just as we do. I cut it up into small bites and place his plate on his tray and in no time flat it is GONE! He can out eat any of us on any given day! AMAZING! He has gained so much weight since he has been here. It is a healthy weight and everyone is amazed at how much better he looks now. He is definitely taller than Bear and very noticeable when standing side by side!
His plan is coming to an end we do fear. His final court date is set for the 17th of this month. We are told that he could be leaving THAT day. I was torn! I know God sees all and knows what is to happen to Moe but my heart hates letting go of him again! I am in deep prayer for the mother (whom will be getting him back possibly) that she will have great patience as he transitions back into a different life, he can be VERY irritable! He is just now beginning to trust us again, laying his head on our shoulders and letting us comfort and console him, rock him and sing to him; it just breaks my heart to know that he is about to be ripped from security again and who knows if his schedule will be consistent like he needs. It is a good thing we believe in schedules around here. The children that will be coming in and out of our home in the future are going to thrive off of this schedule. It has helped Moe know security tremendously. I cannot think of the things that are not. I have to think of the things that God IS! HE IS GOOD! HE will take care of our MOE, wherever he is!
I am sure I am leaving some things out but I have got to stop because this list could go on all night long! I will post video's as I get them done.
Thank you all for all your prayers and support! We love you all and you do make a huge difference!
Our stylish Bear!
The boys at the zoo playing in the "Beaver den" looking at the crocodile.
Playing in the TeePees by the buffalo.
side by side... as always
Playing chase with daddy in the fort... Bubby's close on his trail!..."Oh look a ball!"
Playing on the couch now that all the cushions are piled on the floor.
Mommy lovin'
Our handsome little man.. playing in the fort!
EVERYONE'S source of entertainment in the mornings!!! (notice J in the owl tunnel entrance)
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