I am pleased to report that AIDEN IS POTTY TRAINING! After 3 long years, our oldest son Aiden (who just turned 3) is finally using the potty like a big boy. Last Tuesday we woke Aiden up in the morning and had a little "graduation" party for him. We gave him a present to open...a small box stuffed with undies. Undies of every variety including Diego, Spiderman, Sports, etc. Aiden was so exicted. Then we told him that he "graduated" and that he would no longer be wearing diapers. Over the last 10 days, he has only had a few accidents. If you have kids, I am sure you understand how exciting it is. It is such a great feeling not having two children in diapers.
YAY AIDEN!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Aiden's 3rd Birthday
It is hard to believe that just 3 years ago Aiden was hanging on to life by a prayer. He entered the world at a tiny 2 pounds with a little heart that wasn't even beating. Aiden's birthday always floods us with memories of one of the most difficult times in our lives. But praise God for miracles! Thanks to the dedication of some extremely talented medical professionals and the grace of an Awesome God, after 3 months in the hospital and 4 surgeries Aiden is very much a normal little boy.
Happy Birthday Aiden!
Happy Birthday Aiden!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
“Hasta La Way To Go!”???
We just completed a week long family vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Wow, what a wonderful time we had. Chaunta and I both agree that this was our best vacation ever. The boys both had a wonderful time, and it was great to be together as a family for an entire week.
We stayed at a resort that catered entirely to families with children. It featured a water park with multiple pools and slides for kids of all ages. The boys thought they were in heaven. Each morning we awoke and enjoyed a family breakfast and then headed to the pool. We usually spent about 2-3 hours swimming every day. Then lunch, and nap time. And by nap time, I mean we all took naps (it was great). The resort also provided child care as long as parents stayed on the property. It took us a few days to warm up to the idea, but it was absolutely wonderful. We would spend the whole day with the kids, and then enjoy a nice dinner just the two of us. The child care was amazing with lots of activities and games. The child to adult ration was about 3/1…WOW! We felt so comfortable leaving them…and it was great to have some time alone to connect with one another. After dinner, we gathered the kids up for a walk on the beach and finished each day out by watching the nightly fireworks. I know that this sounds like a commercial, but I can’t begin to describe what an amazing vacation we had.
That was pretty much our daily routine except for one day we went on a cruise on a pirate ship and show. It was cool, but it was Aiden’s favorite part. He made friends with one of the pirates, and he still talks about him. This pirate was one of the main characters and Aiden was so worried when they made him “walk the plank.” He kept asking if his friend was alright. We reassured him. Chaunta was selected for one of the contests as part of the show and won Aiden a pirate hat. He was so excited…he hasn’t taken it off since. : )
Liam is quite the little swimmer and not afraid of anything. He would go down the waterslides all by himself with little coaxing. Aiden on the other hand, took some time to warm up to them. Both boys are quite tanned, but thankfully didn’t get burned. Liam has such a beautiful complexion and is so dark from his time in the sun.
On the last day of our trip (yesterday), we celebrated Aiden’s 3rd birthday. We gave him a few small gifts in Mexico which he loved. He got a baseball bat, glove and ball. He has been wearing the glove ever since (quite a site with his pirate hat and baseball glove on). When we got home last night around 6:00 he got his Spiderman Bike which he has been wanting for months. Tonight we will have a little party for him a Chuck E. Cheese’s.
Both the boys have flown many times now…but this was the first time Aiden really knew what was going on. He was so excited and talked about it for the entire week. Liam was great on the plane…he slept half the trip (both ways).
You might be wondering about the title of this post “Hasta La WAY TO GO!” The boys were practicing their Spanish that they have learned from their good friends Dora and Diego all week. Both boys have mastered “Hola,” “Adios,” and “Gracias”… But we were trying to teach them to say “Hasta la wego”… and Aiden began to proudly use this new Spanish phrase to say goodbye…and so he told the various people he came in to contact with “Hasta la WAY TO GO!” each time he said good by.
One last note…today (May 31st), Liam officially became a Davis. We went to court today and his adoption was recognized by the state of Missouri and his name was changed. We are proud to “officially” introduce our son as Liam Van Lai Davis.
So I will sign off this entry with … HASTA LA WAY TO GO!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mothers Day
Time for a quick update on our family...
Both boys are doing well and keeping us very busy! Aiden will turn 3 in a few weeks and he continually reminds us that he wants a "Spiderman bike and helmet". He is starting to potty train and uses the potty about one to two times a day. We yearn for the day when he is completely potty trained. Liam is developing quite well. He learning things so much faster than we expected...I guess that is due to his older brother who teaches him all sorts of awnry behaviors. : ) Liam is "mommy's boy" mostly, but he loves daddy too (just not a much). He wants to do everything that his big brother does. It really frustrates Aiden because Liam is always "tagging along."
Out adoption is going much more quickly than we originally planned. We officially filed one month ago (this Monday), and have already completed our homestudy visits and dossier. We should be officially on the waiting list soon. The wait for a referral of an infant girl will be approximately 4-6 months, and then it will be another 4-6 months before we travel. So we are expecting to travel somewhere between 9-12 months from now. We are getting really excited...
Now for the photos...
Both boys are doing well and keeping us very busy! Aiden will turn 3 in a few weeks and he continually reminds us that he wants a "Spiderman bike and helmet". He is starting to potty train and uses the potty about one to two times a day. We yearn for the day when he is completely potty trained. Liam is developing quite well. He learning things so much faster than we expected...I guess that is due to his older brother who teaches him all sorts of awnry behaviors. : ) Liam is "mommy's boy" mostly, but he loves daddy too (just not a much). He wants to do everything that his big brother does. It really frustrates Aiden because Liam is always "tagging along."
Out adoption is going much more quickly than we originally planned. We officially filed one month ago (this Monday), and have already completed our homestudy visits and dossier. We should be officially on the waiting list soon. The wait for a referral of an infant girl will be approximately 4-6 months, and then it will be another 4-6 months before we travel. So we are expecting to travel somewhere between 9-12 months from now. We are getting really excited...
Now for the photos...
Friday, April 20, 2007
Again...
Well, we have exciting news to share once again. After much consideration and prayer, we have once again filed for adoption. We submitted our application last week and it has been approved and we will begin our homestudy shortly. We anticipate the process to take approximately 18 months before we will travel to Taiwan. We anxiously await the day that we will hold our little Asian angel. Yes, this time we WILL wait for a little girl.
While waiting, we will enjoy our time with our sons and give them tons of love and attention. Aiden is already excited about his little sister (of course he was excited about Liam too, until he arrived).
Both boys are doing great. Aiden is talking so much these days and Liam is learning quickly. It is amazing how much faster they learn when they have an older sibling to mimic. Liam is definitely mama’s boy and Aiden is definitely daddy’s. While we long for the day when we can clean the house and it will stay clean for more than 15 minutes, we can’t imagine life any other way!
For more information on Taiwanese adoptions see the following links:
Journeys of the Heart - Taiwan
St. Lucy Center
Cathwel Taiwan
While waiting, we will enjoy our time with our sons and give them tons of love and attention. Aiden is already excited about his little sister (of course he was excited about Liam too, until he arrived).
Both boys are doing great. Aiden is talking so much these days and Liam is learning quickly. It is amazing how much faster they learn when they have an older sibling to mimic. Liam is definitely mama’s boy and Aiden is definitely daddy’s. While we long for the day when we can clean the house and it will stay clean for more than 15 minutes, we can’t imagine life any other way!
For more information on Taiwanese adoptions see the following links:
Journeys of the Heart - Taiwan
St. Lucy Center
Cathwel Taiwan
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Easter Update
We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. The kids had a great day. Aiden was so excited about the Easter Bunny coming to visit. In fact, he keeps asking about the Easter Bunny coming again. He first wanted a bike and helmet from the Easter Bunny, but we explained that the Easter Bunny only brings small gifts. So now he wants a bike and Spiderman helmet for his Birthday next month.
Liam didn't really get the hang of Easter egg hunting. He had more fun just wandering around outside. He did pick up and egg or two...but otherwise he enjoyed running around the yard.
He is getting so big and begining to talk regularly. He is developing quite the personality. Chaunta often says that we went halfway around the world to adopt a child that is just like Aiden. Their personalities are so similar it is amazing. In fact, you would think he was my birth son (if his almond eyes didn't give it away).
Liam didn't really get the hang of Easter egg hunting. He had more fun just wandering around outside. He did pick up and egg or two...but otherwise he enjoyed running around the yard.
He is getting so big and begining to talk regularly. He is developing quite the personality. Chaunta often says that we went halfway around the world to adopt a child that is just like Aiden. Their personalities are so similar it is amazing. In fact, you would think he was my birth son (if his almond eyes didn't give it away).
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Ninh Thuan Reunion & Easter Pictures
I just returned from a long trip to India. I was there working for the last 3 weeks. And I couldn't wait to get home... On the last leg of my 40 hour journey, my flight was canceled in Chicago. I was so close to being home, but didn't make it as expected. So I finally was reunited with my family in Tulsa a day late. It was great to be back together.
While in Tulsa with our Church, we planned a visit to the Dillon office. It was so great to finally get to meet Jynger, Katie, and others in person. They were all amazing. We had so much fun chatting with them. And of course everyone loved up on our kids. Denise even took Aiden to her office to play a game on her computer. Aiden had a blast. He still talks about it. Liam was happy as usual and enjoyed all the attention. We only planned to stay about an hour...but that time quickly passed and we ended up staying almost 2 hours. I can't say enough good things about the Dillon staff. We continue to be impressed by their operation.
After we left Dillon, we met 2 of the families we traveled to Vietnam with. It was great to see them again...and my, how all the children have grown. We had pizza and went back to the Homan's house. The kids had a fun playing together, and the adults had a great time catching up. Aiden also had a good time...in fact yesterday he asked if he could go play with Sarah and Avi Joy. I wish we lived closer because it was so much fun catching up.
NINH THUAN REUNION
After we got home from Tulsa, I took an extra day off work. We went to the zoo, and then after nap time we had Easter pictures taken. Both boys were so well behaved and did great for the pictures. We were so pleased with the outcome. See for yourself.
HAPPY EASTER
While in Tulsa with our Church, we planned a visit to the Dillon office. It was so great to finally get to meet Jynger, Katie, and others in person. They were all amazing. We had so much fun chatting with them. And of course everyone loved up on our kids. Denise even took Aiden to her office to play a game on her computer. Aiden had a blast. He still talks about it. Liam was happy as usual and enjoyed all the attention. We only planned to stay about an hour...but that time quickly passed and we ended up staying almost 2 hours. I can't say enough good things about the Dillon staff. We continue to be impressed by their operation.
After we left Dillon, we met 2 of the families we traveled to Vietnam with. It was great to see them again...and my, how all the children have grown. We had pizza and went back to the Homan's house. The kids had a fun playing together, and the adults had a great time catching up. Aiden also had a good time...in fact yesterday he asked if he could go play with Sarah and Avi Joy. I wish we lived closer because it was so much fun catching up.
NINH THUAN REUNION
After we got home from Tulsa, I took an extra day off work. We went to the zoo, and then after nap time we had Easter pictures taken. Both boys were so well behaved and did great for the pictures. We were so pleased with the outcome. See for yourself.
HAPPY EASTER
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Happy Tet!
Well, I know it has been a while since our last post. Life with two little boys keeps us very busy.
Both boys are doing great. Aiden started Montessori preschool in January and loves it. He goes half days all week. It was quite hard on Chaunta’ to be away from him at first, but she has discovered what a great bonding time it is with Liam. Speaking of Liam, he is doing great. He started walking really well in December. Although wobbly, he walks everywhere. His newly found mobility makes things a little more challenging to keep up with. He loves his big brother and wants to do everything Aiden does.
We were just talking the other day about how well adjusted Liam seems. He is very comfortable in our home and with his new family. We wonder if he even remembers orphanage life. In fact, for us it is hard to imagine life without Liam. It feels as if he has been with us since birth.
All in all, our family is doing well. The boys keep us very busy. I think we highly underestimated how challenging it would be to have two boys only 15 months apart. But we wouldn't trade it for the world.
Below are some pictures from the last few months.
Both boys are doing great. Aiden started Montessori preschool in January and loves it. He goes half days all week. It was quite hard on Chaunta’ to be away from him at first, but she has discovered what a great bonding time it is with Liam. Speaking of Liam, he is doing great. He started walking really well in December. Although wobbly, he walks everywhere. His newly found mobility makes things a little more challenging to keep up with. He loves his big brother and wants to do everything Aiden does.
We were just talking the other day about how well adjusted Liam seems. He is very comfortable in our home and with his new family. We wonder if he even remembers orphanage life. In fact, for us it is hard to imagine life without Liam. It feels as if he has been with us since birth.
All in all, our family is doing well. The boys keep us very busy. I think we highly underestimated how challenging it would be to have two boys only 15 months apart. But we wouldn't trade it for the world.
Below are some pictures from the last few months.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
India Update
I have now been in India for over a week. I thought I would enjoy India given how much I enjoyed Vietnam. However, I've not been too fond of it here. I have been in the city of Chennai mostly, and there isn't much for tourists there. It is very dirty and has poor infrastructure. This weekend, I traveled to New Delhi and found it to be much more advanced (infrastructure wise) but still very dirty (but not as bad as Chennai). Throughout the city you will find areas where people pile their trash right next to the street...and the stray dogs, stray cows, stray pigs, and stray goats all gather round to eat it. I now know why many Indian people are vegetarians. It doesn’t really make you crave a burger when you see the cow sifting through trash and eating paper. In fact today I even saw a wild monkey eating from the trash piles. I also haven’t felt very safe here. In Vietnam, we went everywhere and did everything without a worry for our safety. But here, I am much more cautious.
The highlight of my trip was definitely today, I visited the Taj Mahal. I traveled 4 hours by car to Agra to catch a glimpse of it...knowing that it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is far more wonderful than I imagined. Evidently the Emperor of the Mughul’s wife died in child birth (her 14th child in 14 years). He was crushed! His love for her was so great that he ordered a mausoleums be built for her. It took 22 years and 22,000 workers to complete it. Construction was completed in 1654. It is made of all white marble. Changes color throughout the day, in the morning it appears pink, in the afternoon it appears white, and in the evening it appears yellow. It is absolutely amazing! Without a doubt it blew away everything I saw in London.
The highlight of my trip was definitely today, I visited the Taj Mahal. I traveled 4 hours by car to Agra to catch a glimpse of it...knowing that it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is far more wonderful than I imagined. Evidently the Emperor of the Mughul’s wife died in child birth (her 14th child in 14 years). He was crushed! His love for her was so great that he ordered a mausoleums be built for her. It took 22 years and 22,000 workers to complete it. Construction was completed in 1654. It is made of all white marble. Changes color throughout the day, in the morning it appears pink, in the afternoon it appears white, and in the evening it appears yellow. It is absolutely amazing! Without a doubt it blew away everything I saw in London.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
London Update
Here are pictures from my trip to London over the weekend. I just got to India a few hours ago. Wow it is a long trip...I am not looking forward to the trip home!
Friday, November 24, 2006
All is going well...
Life as a family of four is starting to settle down. Both boys are now used to eachother. They play more than they fight now...which makes our lives a little easier.
Aiden is constantly talking about Liam to us. He will tell us things like, "Liam is sleeping," "Liam is funny," or my personal favorate..."Liam is stinky and nasty.". When Aisen prays at night, he always prays for Liam first. There is much more brotherly love than sibling rivalry now.
Since adopting Liam two and a half months ago, he has gotten 3 teeth, started crawling, cruising, and most recently walking. So far he has only taken 3 steps...but I am sure he will be completely mobile by Christmas. It is exciting, but a little unnerving too. Soon we will have two children that can walk around and get into trouble.
Liam seems to be settling into our home and family well. He definitely knows his mommy, daddy, and brother. He is so much like his older brother...we know we are in for double trouble.
Please continue to pray for his health as he has one more test to clear him of the issues that were discovered last month. We believe that the final test will show that he is completely healthy...so just pray that it does.
I am on my way to London as I type. I will then go straight to India from there. Two weeks away from my family...UGH! I am thankful that we have so many good friends that will look after my family. If you get a chance...give her a call or stop by to say hello.
I plan to post some photos of my travels.
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless
Aiden is constantly talking about Liam to us. He will tell us things like, "Liam is sleeping," "Liam is funny," or my personal favorate..."Liam is stinky and nasty.". When Aisen prays at night, he always prays for Liam first. There is much more brotherly love than sibling rivalry now.
Since adopting Liam two and a half months ago, he has gotten 3 teeth, started crawling, cruising, and most recently walking. So far he has only taken 3 steps...but I am sure he will be completely mobile by Christmas. It is exciting, but a little unnerving too. Soon we will have two children that can walk around and get into trouble.
Liam seems to be settling into our home and family well. He definitely knows his mommy, daddy, and brother. He is so much like his older brother...we know we are in for double trouble.
Please continue to pray for his health as he has one more test to clear him of the issues that were discovered last month. We believe that the final test will show that he is completely healthy...so just pray that it does.
I am on my way to London as I type. I will then go straight to India from there. Two weeks away from my family...UGH! I am thankful that we have so many good friends that will look after my family. If you get a chance...give her a call or stop by to say hello.
I plan to post some photos of my travels.
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Thanks for your prayers...they have been answered.
Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers. Our gracious Lord has answered them and once again given our family a miracle.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Prayer Urgently Needed
Without being specific, I must ask that you pray for our family. We have recently received some very devestating news and urgently need prayer.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Sibling Rivalry
I have already mentioned the sibling rivalry that is going on since we arrived home from Vietnam. But sometimes you have to see it to beleive it. Here is a typical day in our home.
Our older son is spending a lot of time in "time out", but as you can see here...he is not the only problem.
Our older son is spending a lot of time in "time out", but as you can see here...he is not the only problem.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Thursday, October 05, 2006
New Pictures and A New Adventure
Wednesday we had our very first experience eating out since we have been back from Vietnam. It was a sure sign that we will stay home for dinner from now on...
We walked into Quizno's and got in line just like any other day. We ordered food for each of us...and as we waited for it Aiden started having a conniption over chips. He wanted them and wanted them now... I explained that he needed to eat his sandwich before he was allowed to have chips. And after a minor fit, he was fine. We all sat down at the table. Aiden had his sandwich as did mommy and daddy. Liam had soup, but we were waiting for it to cool. Mommy and daddy started eating, but Aiden just stared at his sandwich. The moment we started to give Liam soup, Aiden decided that he wanted soup. There was plenty to share, so we got a separate bowl so that both boys could have some. The only problem was that they only had the large soup spoons (not standard tea spoons). Aiden started to eat, but because of the size of the spoon, he was wearing much more than actually made it into his mouth. Liam on the other hand wanted nothing to do with the soup and was spitting it out faster than we could get it in. Neither of us had actually taken more than 2 bites of our lunch. So we finally give up on the fact that Liam is going to eat the soup. And mommy starts feeding Aiden herself. Things are starting to calm down... But then Liam decides he wants everything on the table. He starts reaching out and pulling things off the table and throwing them on the floor. UGH!
Then it started to occur to me that our family is now only suited for McDonalds. We are one of those families that people avoid sitting next to in the restaurant. The ones that they whisper quietly to each other about how unruly our children are. Just then things start to settle down some, and we finally get to eat our meal. I ran out of soda and went up to get a refill, while mommy is cleaning Liam up. As I am filling my soda, the clerk says "Sir, you might want to check on your son.” I turn around to find Aiden with his pants down around his ankles (diaper too), playing with his wee wee. I can't believe this is happening. So I say "Aiden, stop that." He starts to shuffle across the floor toward me (pants and diaper still around his ankles), and he says "Sorry Daddy, Sorry!”
What a hilarious and humiliating moment. We quickly cleaned up our mess and got out of there was fast as we could. Hopefully we will never see any of those people again!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Photo's of our Homecoming
More updates will be coming soon. We have been so busy since returning home. But in the mean time, here are some photo's of our homecoming.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Two sides to the story...
PART 1: AN AMAZING HOMECOMING
We were so excited when the pilot came on the intercom and said "Flight attendants, prepare for landing." We had been traveling for nearly 40 hours at that point. It was all about be over and we were about to see Aiden for the first time in a month. The plane landed and taxied into the gate. As soon as the fasten seatbelt sign was turned off, we jumped up grabbed our bags and waited for the door to open. When it finally did, we walked as fast was we could through the airport making our way to our family. As we exited the terminal and headed to the baggage claim, we saw our many of our friends and family waving American flags. As excited as we were to see them, we were looking for Aiden. And all of the sudden, he came running toward us with a huge American flag in his hand. We dropped everything (except for Liam) and grabbed him up. Chaunta started crying...not just a little either...it was one of those big "boo hoo" cries. Aiden was saying "mommy" and "daddy". He was happy, but wasn't sure why Chaunta was crying...so he cried too. As our family approached, we handed them Liam to pass around a little and we continued to hug Aiden. After a few minutes we started to hug and visit with all our friends and family...many of them were crying too by this time. This was it, we were now really a family of four.
We headed to the baggage claim, only to find out that one of our bags didn't make. So I filed all the necessary paperwork and we headed home, as happy as can be. (Oh, by the way...I did remember how to drive. And we did get our Taco Bell on the way home) When we finally pulled into the driveway, there was a welcome hope sign in our yard. We walked into the house to find baloons and decorations. Aiden was in heaven with all the balloons. This was it...we were in our own home and family life together was about to be begin.
PART 2: JET LAG and JEALOUS BOYS
Little did we know how hard life would be after our return. Neither of us had slept for about 2 days. We got home at noon, which was midnight in Vietnam. We were both zombies trying to get through the day. Our goal was to stay awake until 8:00 PM so we could sleep all night! We did make it...thanks to all the visitors. I think if we didn't have them to distract us, we wouldn't have been able to hold off that long. We slept so good and so sound for the first time in a month. And then it happened...the clock struck 2:30 and I was wide awake. Not the least bit tired and ready to get up and start the day. I laid in bed trying to get back to sleep. The minutes slowly advanced forward and I was still awake. Then 3:30 rolled around...I decided to get up and take some Benedryl in hopes of going back to sleep. I was just about to doze off with Liam woke up ready to play. That was about 4:45. Chaunta got up with him and took him down to play (since she was wide awake too). I laid there a little longer and start to drift. That is when Aiden came running into our room, climbed in bed with me yelling "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy." Then he started to tickle me. At about 6:30, I realized I would not be going back to sleep.
We made it through yesterday only taking a short nap. We went to bed around 11:00 and here I am updating our blog at 4:30 this morning. I have been awake for about an hour now. Chaunta is awake too, and Liam is playing as if it were the middle of the day. We feel great right now, but if today is anything like yesterday...we will be zombies again by noon. Dizzy, sick to our stomachs, tired, and a little slap happy. Adjusting back to time here in the US has been more difficult than it was when we got to Vietnam. Hopefully, it will get better in the next few days...I have to go back to work on Monday.
On top of the jet lag, our family hasn't turned out to be as happy as we had hoped. Upon arriving home yesterday, Liam decided to check out the new digs. He made his way around the downstairs of the house, until he came to the toy box. He was in heaven. He started playing with the toys immediatly and was very happy. Until, that is, when Aiden discovered what he was up to. Aiden ran right up to him, snatched the toys from him and said "That's mine!" We tried to explain to Aiden that Liam was his brother and that they would be sharing things, but Aiden really wasn't too in to that idea. He again saw Liam playing with another toy, and ran up to him to try to grab it. But this time, Liam knew what was coming. He clentched onto that toy and fought for dear life. (I think he might have done that before at the orphanage...he was a pro at it). Until Aiden decided to kick him. We immdiatly grabbed Aiden up and put him in the corner. He defiantly went and waited quietly until his time was up. I then told him to tell Liam that he was sorry, but he refused. I asked him again, and he still refused. So back to the corner. This time he cried for a few minutes and then he finished his time quietly. He did finally say he was sorry and gave Liam a kiss. This whole turn of events repeated it self several times the last few days. Aiden will say, "Gimmie, that's my (car, toy, monkey, balloon, etc.." and snatch it back. Liam will fight until the bitter end. Liam is much shorter than Aiden, but weighs nearly the same...he puts up a good fight.
We have been trying to spend some one-on-one time with Aiden too. Usually when Liam is napping, I try to play with him or take a walk with him. He seems to enjoy that. But yesterday Aiden was sitting on my lap watching a cartoon, when Liam decided that he belonged on daddy's lap. He made his way across the room, and pulled up on the couch. I picked him up and sat him on the other side of my lap. Aiden tried to ignore him, but Liam wouldn't let him. Liam started pushing him off my lap. Aiden fussed and started to push back. UGH! We never imagined that this would be this hard. Aiden was so exicited about Liam before we left. He watched his video every night before bed...but now I think he would rather send him back!
We are trying to divide our attention as equally as possibly. It is very hard on us knowing how unhappy Aiden is with his little brother. We can only hope and pray that in time things will get better. Please pray for our boys and for us!
Stay tuned for updates on the situation!
PS - We hope to have pictures again soon. We will go camera shopping as soon as we feel good enough to leave the house!
We were so excited when the pilot came on the intercom and said "Flight attendants, prepare for landing." We had been traveling for nearly 40 hours at that point. It was all about be over and we were about to see Aiden for the first time in a month. The plane landed and taxied into the gate. As soon as the fasten seatbelt sign was turned off, we jumped up grabbed our bags and waited for the door to open. When it finally did, we walked as fast was we could through the airport making our way to our family. As we exited the terminal and headed to the baggage claim, we saw our many of our friends and family waving American flags. As excited as we were to see them, we were looking for Aiden. And all of the sudden, he came running toward us with a huge American flag in his hand. We dropped everything (except for Liam) and grabbed him up. Chaunta started crying...not just a little either...it was one of those big "boo hoo" cries. Aiden was saying "mommy" and "daddy". He was happy, but wasn't sure why Chaunta was crying...so he cried too. As our family approached, we handed them Liam to pass around a little and we continued to hug Aiden. After a few minutes we started to hug and visit with all our friends and family...many of them were crying too by this time. This was it, we were now really a family of four.
We headed to the baggage claim, only to find out that one of our bags didn't make. So I filed all the necessary paperwork and we headed home, as happy as can be. (Oh, by the way...I did remember how to drive. And we did get our Taco Bell on the way home) When we finally pulled into the driveway, there was a welcome hope sign in our yard. We walked into the house to find baloons and decorations. Aiden was in heaven with all the balloons. This was it...we were in our own home and family life together was about to be begin.
PART 2: JET LAG and JEALOUS BOYS
Little did we know how hard life would be after our return. Neither of us had slept for about 2 days. We got home at noon, which was midnight in Vietnam. We were both zombies trying to get through the day. Our goal was to stay awake until 8:00 PM so we could sleep all night! We did make it...thanks to all the visitors. I think if we didn't have them to distract us, we wouldn't have been able to hold off that long. We slept so good and so sound for the first time in a month. And then it happened...the clock struck 2:30 and I was wide awake. Not the least bit tired and ready to get up and start the day. I laid in bed trying to get back to sleep. The minutes slowly advanced forward and I was still awake. Then 3:30 rolled around...I decided to get up and take some Benedryl in hopes of going back to sleep. I was just about to doze off with Liam woke up ready to play. That was about 4:45. Chaunta got up with him and took him down to play (since she was wide awake too). I laid there a little longer and start to drift. That is when Aiden came running into our room, climbed in bed with me yelling "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy." Then he started to tickle me. At about 6:30, I realized I would not be going back to sleep.
We made it through yesterday only taking a short nap. We went to bed around 11:00 and here I am updating our blog at 4:30 this morning. I have been awake for about an hour now. Chaunta is awake too, and Liam is playing as if it were the middle of the day. We feel great right now, but if today is anything like yesterday...we will be zombies again by noon. Dizzy, sick to our stomachs, tired, and a little slap happy. Adjusting back to time here in the US has been more difficult than it was when we got to Vietnam. Hopefully, it will get better in the next few days...I have to go back to work on Monday.
On top of the jet lag, our family hasn't turned out to be as happy as we had hoped. Upon arriving home yesterday, Liam decided to check out the new digs. He made his way around the downstairs of the house, until he came to the toy box. He was in heaven. He started playing with the toys immediatly and was very happy. Until, that is, when Aiden discovered what he was up to. Aiden ran right up to him, snatched the toys from him and said "That's mine!" We tried to explain to Aiden that Liam was his brother and that they would be sharing things, but Aiden really wasn't too in to that idea. He again saw Liam playing with another toy, and ran up to him to try to grab it. But this time, Liam knew what was coming. He clentched onto that toy and fought for dear life. (I think he might have done that before at the orphanage...he was a pro at it). Until Aiden decided to kick him. We immdiatly grabbed Aiden up and put him in the corner. He defiantly went and waited quietly until his time was up. I then told him to tell Liam that he was sorry, but he refused. I asked him again, and he still refused. So back to the corner. This time he cried for a few minutes and then he finished his time quietly. He did finally say he was sorry and gave Liam a kiss. This whole turn of events repeated it self several times the last few days. Aiden will say, "Gimmie, that's my (car, toy, monkey, balloon, etc.." and snatch it back. Liam will fight until the bitter end. Liam is much shorter than Aiden, but weighs nearly the same...he puts up a good fight.
We have been trying to spend some one-on-one time with Aiden too. Usually when Liam is napping, I try to play with him or take a walk with him. He seems to enjoy that. But yesterday Aiden was sitting on my lap watching a cartoon, when Liam decided that he belonged on daddy's lap. He made his way across the room, and pulled up on the couch. I picked him up and sat him on the other side of my lap. Aiden tried to ignore him, but Liam wouldn't let him. Liam started pushing him off my lap. Aiden fussed and started to push back. UGH! We never imagined that this would be this hard. Aiden was so exicited about Liam before we left. He watched his video every night before bed...but now I think he would rather send him back!
We are trying to divide our attention as equally as possibly. It is very hard on us knowing how unhappy Aiden is with his little brother. We can only hope and pray that in time things will get better. Please pray for our boys and for us!
Stay tuned for updates on the situation!
PS - We hope to have pictures again soon. We will go camera shopping as soon as we feel good enough to leave the house!
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