One week home...

...and life as a new adoptive family gets a little better each day.  There are many more smiles than tears (from all of us), and the triggers that had been setting Jiushu off into fits of grief, anger, or anxiety seem to be fading.  He is more relaxed and much happier as he is learning to recognize and trust us.  Making him smile or giggle feels like such a worthy accomplishment! 

And look who now has a pincer grasp.  I grabbed my camera quickly yesterday morning, so these are not particularly winsome photos (note the girl's bib, the prunes smeared on his face), but I was glad to document this milestone. 

 

We ventured out again to the park (walking) this week, and also to story time at our library.  Jiushu seemed to enjoy it.  He sat on the floor in front of me, and every few minutes would tilt his head back to catch my eye and then turn back to face the front.  He's doing fine in his car seat in the van...doesn't hurt that he faces the big kids sitting in the back.  And he's sleeping great too, a huge answer to prayers I prayed long before we brought him home.  In his crib, all night long, from day one.  (Yeah, that alone probably should eradicate any other frustrations, right?) 

 

 

We have our first doctor appointment at the international adoption clinic (at our great local children's hospital) next Friday, and I was pleased also to have scheduled a heart echocardiogram for J at the same time.  Please join us in praying for a successful visit, one in which Jiushu isn't too scared and we get some clear answers about his health and development and any treatment that might be required.