One Week Home

Today (so it's now yesterday) marks one week home for our little prince! There have been so many firsts this week and overall Gabe has been a happy boy- he's rarely fussy. He's a joy to have in our lives. We are so blessed by this little boy. Tim and I get to the end of each day and we are ready to drop with fatigue, but we wouldn't change a thing. We love our baby. I find myself just sitting and watching what he's going to think of next (and for the sake of honesty whatever he's thinking of next means I'm not "sitting" for very long). It's amazing to watch him figure things out and see the wheels in his head turn as he learns something new. 

Every morning he wakes us up about 7 am and is ready for Mickey Mouse on tv! After his diaper change he says over and over "Mi-chee!" Breakfast in his high chair is usually the biggest meal of the day- fruit (mostly watermelon, but sometimes apple), hot dog, yogurt, dry cereal or baby granola bar. He also loves toast with pb and honey or jam. 

We follow breakfast with play time and getting dressed for the day. He loves to play outside in his little car or his wagon. He will ride in either one and also loves to push/pull either of them around the yard. Gabe is a great help in the garden, and was a pro at helping Baba spread mulch and dig a hole to put in new flowers. He knows not to step on the flowers in the beds for the most part, but he does love to pick them (so do I)! Another favorite is the magna-doodle! He has a big one that is way more fun than the small travel one we took to China. 

We have lunch and then it's time for a nap. Nap time has been an adjustment. He is not always easy to lay down, but he plays so hard that he sleeps deeply once he gives in. We have more playtime after the nap, and then dinner. Most nights we go through a walk in the neighborhood with the dogs before bath and then bed! 

Thursday night we decided to try spaghetti and it was a huge hit! He will try most anything we are eating but we try to stick mainly with foods he is familiar with. One night we went to the local Chinese restaurant and Gabe's eyes were so big listening to the workers talk in the kitchen. The owner came over to speak to Gabe and brought him a special dish- a large sweet bread with meat and veggies inside. It was really good! His favorite is still pork dumplings as far as we can tell. 

Gabe has a great time when we go to the store. He sits in the buggy so well and will put anything you give him straight into the back of the cart. He also likes his car seat for the most part. 

On Wednesday we went to his first doctor appointment. He saw a radiographer for a kidney ultrasound. We will get the results next Wednesday when we see the pediatrician. He was wiggly on the table and didn't like the jelly on his tummy but luckily we had Jungle Book on the iPad to help take his mind off the procedure. He also visited his Mama & his Baba's workplaces and showed off his beautiful smile to everyone around. 

Friday afternoon we visited with our friend Betsy on her farm so Gabe could see the animals. Betsy said she rarely saw a child so brave! He wasn't scared at all by the pigs, mini-donkeys, ponys, goats, dogs, or chickens. Of course Baba was always close by to give him confidence. Betsy helped us get a family photo. 

We have had such a good week!! Happy Saturday! 

Final thought: tonight at church we sang one of my favorite hymns, so I will include it here as a heartwarming reminder.

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord unto Thee