I can't believe that it has almost been 2 months since I updated our blog. I am finding that since returning from Ethiopia, I have had a difficult time putting my thoughts into words that everyone can read. I have never been a writer so it is amazing that our journey was documented like it was.
So, I am sure that the question you all have is how is Noah doing. He is amazing, beautiful, a joy, and a delight. I really do not believe there are enough adjectives to describe him. All that to say that some days have been difficult but the good days far outweigh the bad. This past week we were in Chicago to meet up with some moms and friends of his from the IAN care center. We had a blast except for a trip to the local ER. As I watched all of the children, I was once again undone by how perfect Noah fits into our family. It also was cool to see how the other kids fit so well into their families. It reminded me that God is in the business of placing the lonely in families!!
We have been home four months and the changes in Noah are amazing. We have not had the huge growth changes that others have had. Since our referral in December, he has grown 7 inches and gained 8 pounds. He is in the 90th percentile for height and weight. We have had two appointments with the IA doctor. We do believe that he is about six months older than his paper birth date. We have decided to keep his birthdate the same because it will only help him in the long run to be older in school rather than younger. Plus it means that I get to keep him with me for two years:) He is doing great with his English. He is now speaking in three and four word sentences. His attachment is coming along great. We are still pretty limiting in what we do with him and I don't regret it for a minute. Our family and friends have been very helpful and understanding. Last night before bed Doug sat down on the floor. Noah got up from where he was sitting and moved so that he could sit next to his Ababa. This totally melted my heart. It has been fun to see Faith and Noah begin interacting as siblings. Faith is a great big sister but does get annoyed by her little brother at times. I remember being so excited the first time the argued.
One highlight from the past month is that we readopted Noah. We had the pleasure of sharing our journey with an amazing judge. After the hearing, we had to wait to get some paperwork from the clerk. She told us that she had never seen the judge so moved. She said that our boy stole a piece of the judge's heart. This was great to hear and we once again are humbled by how just taking the steps of obedience has brought God glory.
Here are a few pictures of what has been happening the past two months:
