New Hat!

Well, it is official...I wear a new hat these days. Maybe I should rephrase that - I have a new wardrobe; Black and white striped shirt(No,they've not sent me to prison), black pants, whistle around my neck and a penalty flag in my back pocket. Whew! It has been crazy around here, but I believe it is slowly beginning to smooth out a little. Rylee is beginning to adjust to the changes, but is a STRONG willed 3 year old little girl...Enough said! The 3's were not easy with Morgan, nor have they been with Rylee - only 9 more months to go (I'm thinking of making a ticker counting down to her 4th birthday for the blog)...Then, I will have another 3 year old on my hands. HA! Overall, it does seem to be improving and she is quickly learning relearning the boundaries and rules of our home (Some days, I'm convinced that the introduction of Ryan into our home erased her entire memory!). Ryan is doing well. He had his initial visit at the International Adoption Clinic at the University of Kentucky. We do not have the blood work nor the other labs back yet, but overall he is a healthy little and the 15th percentile for weight. An occupational therapy assessment was done while we were there and there were some concerns about his gross motor skills. Personally, Mike and I are not concerned as we have observed the skills that he was asked to do here at home. Ryan was just not into what she was asking him to do as he wanted to be in the room playing with her toys and that paired with the language barrier, he just wasn't very cooperative. We have been referred to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital for his audiological assessment, etc. That is scheduled for January 30th. We are very anxious for that appointment! Ryan is adapting well. He is hugging and bends his forehead forward for kisses. He is picking up a few English words and is signing - night-night (sleep), I love you, potty, finish, help, thank you, eat. I am not using 100% signs with him, just a few key words here and there along with saying the word. He absolutely loves his Matchbox/Hot Wheel cars and is not uncommon to see him playing with them while wearing Rylee's tiara. He has the most expressive little face and is not afraid to tell you off in Chinese - we aren't sure what he is saying or if he is really saying anything at all - but there is no doubt that he is not happy with you! He is the funniest and sweetest little guy and it doesn't take long for him to make you laugh!!

Morgan is still Morgan... Going with the flow, initiating some of the chaos, stepping up to help without being asked, and loving every minute of being the "big brother"!