Two weeks home

Yesterday marked our second week of being home together as a family.

Here are some of Kenyon Belachew's accomplishments his first two weeks home:

-Went to the ER and the doctor. Had every bodily functioned checked and cleared

-Met both sets of grandparents and 3 out of 4 of his cousins

-Went to the park, had a playdate, and went to the pool twice (he spent the first 15 minutes at the pool crying, but after getting in the water, he realized that he likes the pool)

-Learned to enjoy baths. We were told in Ethiopia that he does not like baths. He has cried a few times here when we tried to bath him, but the last few times he has a had a bath, he has loved it and couldn't rip his clothes off fast enough to jump in.

Things we are still working on:

-Expanding his food interests- he loves yogos (fruit snacks covered in yogurt) and would eat only these if we allowed him (he is on a two pack a day limit). He has ventured out and tried pretzel sticks, burritos, and tortellini, and has liked all of these

-His relationship with our dog. He is still not sure of her, but seems to get a bit more comfortable daily

-Getting him on a sleep schedule. He was on a good schedule in Ethiopia, but he has been staying up later, which means sleeping in later, which means a later nap, which repeats the whole cycle.

-Communication. He still communicates with us primarily in Amharic and by pointing to things. We hope he starts picking up English soon.

All of these things said, we realize that he has only been here for two weeks, and the first week he was pretty sick. We are trying to be patient with him and with one another. We are so impressed with how well Kenyon Belachew has handled the transition. We definitely have frustrating moments, but when we remember all of the changes he has experienced in his little life, it reminds us of how resilient and amazing he is. We have had some really fun moments with him this week- he likes music and asks us to turn it on so he can dance. He loves to ride in the car and sings songs the whole time about the things he sees. He gives kisses and high 5's and loves to make people laugh. Last night as I watched him sleep, I was reminded that even in the frustrating moments of parenting a clingy toddler, to remember what a great blessing and gift Kenyon is and that we have been entrusted with. I want to always be thankful for the gift of his life.