"Wuss You"

 This week the day I have longed for came. An ordinary day like any other but that soon changed after Bryant uttered the words "Wuss You." Jeff and I were so touched. Our son told us he loved us and even sweeter he followed it with a kiss. Tears of joy. After all of the stress and transition we have been through with Bryant's feeding struggles, hearing those words erased it all. I realized we were obviously doing something right. Even though he is only 20 months old, he still understands to some degree what this means. He knows it is an endearment and it makes Mommy and Daddy very happy. I captured a video yesterday of him saying it. I had to share it with you. Bryant continues to be a little chatter box taking after his sisters. He looked at the TV this week and said "Turn it on da da." He wanted Jeff to turn on Elmo. His communication skills have taken off which equates to a much happier child.

 Thank God everyday for my incredible husband, beautiful girls and amazing little boy. I am so blessed and I know it. Oh how I "Wuss them."

Bryant saying "Wuss You"





The girls have been putting together "shows" in the backyard. So cute.

Bryant always wants to be a part of it. Just watch!

Joy Joy Joy

I have joy in my heart for our friends who are in Russia right now and are finally bringing their son home after a more than two year journey.. They have been through an incredibly hard adoption process with many curve balls along the way. Throughout the process they have been so determined, faithful and patient. For those of us cheering them on, they have been true role models. We all tend to want things to work out our way on our time. Sometimes God has other plans. He tells us it is his time and his way and that we should be faithful servants and prayerfully wait. Our friends have been through a storm but they never gave up on their son (when it would have been very easy to do so) they persisted and prayed knowing that God would not fail them. And of course he did not.

I was fortunate enough to see some pictures of them with their new son. He is precious. Can't wait for Bryant to meet him. As I looked at the pictures, tears were flowing as I was singing in my head "I've got JOY in my heart."

7 months home

 Yes I am two days late. My dear Moscow friend reminded me of Bryant and Maks ( her son and Bryant's orphanage brother's) 7 month anniversary. Wow I am getting slack. I almot forgot.

 Been a little busy lately and we just returned from a family reunion/meet Bryant party with Jeff's incredible family. We had an awesome time. I am so very lucky to have such wonderful extended family. I am so thankful for them. I just wish we lived closer to see them more often. Bryant got to see his great-grandmother Gigi, his Nonnie and Pop, Aunts, Uncles and tons of cousins. Jeff's sister was so gracious to host this big crowd at her home. Complete crazy chaos with lots of love. That's how I describe it. The kids had an awesome time playing and stayed up until 11pm. They were so excited to see their cousins. Best of all, Bryant got to meet his cousins Natalie and John who were adopted from Russia 13 years ago and played a significant role in our decision to adopt. It warmed my heart to see Natalie holding Bryant. Two amazing children  given up but found by people who love them to pieces. Hopefully they will share a special bond.

 Bryant has continued eating better and we are super thankful. Not significant weight gain but baby steps in the positive direction. He continues to get in to everything and has started having melt downs in which he puts his hand on his forehead, sighs and drops to the floor. We then call him a drama king and he gets mad. He walks around putting headbands and bows on and brushing his hair. Jeff hates it but I know he is just modeling the girls behavior. It is funny though.  He has started putting words together. His latest is "Mon Mimi" (Come on Amelia) funny thing he says it with a southern accent. Ha Ha.

Having a great summer and loving my son even more every day.

Bryant and Cousin Natalie

Brings a smile to my face. I even think they look alike

Bryant at the party

Playing ball with the boys

Loving is boy cousins. He must be thinking "finally some boys with real boy toys"

The girls with cousin Margaret who I think looks a lot like Bryant

Loving cousin time

Jeff and his brother Joey and sister Melanie (missing brother Brett)

Can't get enough of this boy time

Happy 4th of July

Enjoying Independence Day with the family. We went to the lake this weekend and enjoyed swimming, good food, family and fireworks. Taking it easy today. Thought I would share some recent pics and video of our little peanut. He is all boy and I have finally adjusted to the messiness.

Bryant has done really well the past few weeks with his eating. All of the testing came back negative and we are so very thankful. We started on prilosec and it has really seemed to help. I think is tummy has been hurting since we have been home. He is now asking for food, shocking but true. After 4 days of prilosec his language took off. He said his first sentence "I see pup pup." He is a little chatter box. He is much happier and our lives have been easier now that he is eating a little better. Not everyday is a good day but overall we have had a positive change. It s also easier because he is communicating his wants. He asks for "more apple" and we are all running to him with an apple. He is pointing to things in the grocery store he wants to eat. He has learned to really like ice cream too. He does tends to snack all day. I am convinced he doesn't like his stomach full. We are ok as long as he is eating something.

Heading to Jeff's family reunion next weekend. We are all so excited for them to see Bryant. Hope you have a happy 4th of July. So proud to be an American.

Happy 4th of July

All Boy

Loving watermelon in backyard

Daddy & Bryant Father's Day

Getting his hair styled by his big Sissy

Amelia at her birthday party

New obsession with toilet paper

Talking on the phone covered in toilet paper