It amazes us to look back at our family day pictures. Reading this post really brings me back to how terrified all three of us were those first few days. Milo because he didn't know who the heck we were and us because we had no idea what we were doing!
In these six months Milo has:
-Learned English! Milo's first words were mama, da, bark bark and meow and he stuck with those for several months after coming home. This summer his language exploded (we think mostly thanks to spending time with his chatty Alaska cousins!) He now has about 40 words that he uses consistently and we feel like every day he picks up something new. He often repeats us (whether we want him to or not!) and is starting to learn his ABCs (he's particularly good at O and Z).
-Started daycare/school! At first it was awful, he cried at drop off and cried when we picked him up (we think because he was so relieved we actually came back). However, as of last week he is no longer crying at drop off or pick up! It is such a huge improvement and we are so proud of him. He goes 3 days a week and we know that the socialization and activities are really helping him catch up to other kids his age. He also gets to hang out with his grandparents once a week and we think that one on one time is so special and important. We are so thankful to live close to both sets of grandparents (and great grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins!) and have even enjoyed a few afternoons out thanks to these always willing babysitters!
-Learned to run! Milo's motor skills have improved amazingly. Milo's muscles were so weak and he was so regressed those first few days in China that he couldn't walk or crawl. Now he is RUNNING and thinks being chased is hilarious. He's even climbing into his highchair on his own, which is both impressive and scary!
-Developed personality! The best part about Milo becoming more comfortable with us is getting to know his personality. He's still a little quiet in new situations or around strangers and prefers to sit back and observe before joining in or getting to know someone new. He is incredibly sweet and loving. He LOVES to give kisses to us, the pets, his toys, basically anything that will sit still long enough. He loves to dance and jump around to any music, but especially the songs in Sesame Street (we all actually enjoy Sesame Street, such a good show!). He's trying to learn to pedal his tricycle, but really likes to drive around in his Bronco-mobile. He always stops dead in his tracks when he hears an airplane or a train and wants to find where they are. He loves being read to and can't sleep without being snuggled and rocked, which we sigh about sometimes but deep down we both enjoy because we know this stage will go by so fast.
-Gained 6 pounds, grown 4 inches and 2 shoe sizes!
-Got a tooth! We were shocked one day to see a tooth coming in where his alveolar cleft is! That is great news as it means that there will most likely be an adult tooth that grows in after his bone graft and he won't have to have an implant.
-Traveled to the San Juan Islands, Washington and Glenwood Springs and Estes Park, Colorado! Milo was a rock star on the flights to and from Washington and he loved meeting his Alaska family and throwing rocks into the ocean.
And so much more.....
Let me tell you guys, this kid? He's amazing. We are constantly humbled by the fact that we were lucky enough chosen to be his parents. Yesterday we celebrated 7 years of marriage and we can honestly say this was one of the toughest and best years we have had yet.
We can't wait to see what the future holds for our little family!
