An Enjoyable Saturday!

Today Jake spent the morning with his Uncle Mike, Aunt Bernadette and Joshua while Jim and I went skiing. They played hard and he slept well for his afternoon nap. He loves sleeping with his "piggie" from Marie.

When he woke up we spent time painting on the easel that he received for Christmas from his Aunt Diane, Uncle Chuck and Cousin Caroline. I think that he is quite an artist, don't you?

Helping to Wash

Sorry, but I took off the video post which seemed to work the first day and then stopped being available. I'll try again in the future. Here is a picture of him helping me with the dishes. He loved it! We are hoping that enjoyment lasts into his teen years. :)

Fashion Sense?

Jacob decided that sandals were the best match to his church outfit today. :) Since it was raining, I did convince him to put on "real shoes".

This weekend he did better with our routine. Jim has done a wonderful job of working with him throughout the week; giving him lots of attention and down time too. He fights us less and realizes that we will be there when he needs us. Lately, he goes around the house saying, "Mine?" to everything.

Expressive Eyes

I like this series of pictures of Jacob because they show some of his facial expressions. His eyes help to tell us what he is trying to communicate. Today we walked him to market because the weather was so beautiful and he enjoys walks. Several people went out of their way to talk with us about adoption. This hasn't happened as often as we thought it would or prepared for. I am glad to talk about adoption, but there is something to be said for blending in as a family too.

It was nice to spend more time with him after starting back to work.

Grandparent Visit

Yesterday I traveled with both boys; Joshua and Jacob to Grammy's and Grampa's house. The boys traveled well in the car. At one point they were both asleep in the back seat which looked so sweet.

Unfortunately, Jacob showed some of his bad temper at their house, crying a lot and throwing himself on the ground. At times he wasn't even sure what he was crying about. He isn't always the sweetie that shows in most pictures.

Grampa was able to make him somewhat happier. I like this picture of Grampa with his grandsons. It is taking a little longer for Jake to warm to Grammy. She is patiently waiting for his hugs and kisses.

Update

Jake started preschool this week. He is attending for 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each time. The teachers said that he did very well. Many people comment on his fine motor skills. Here is a picture of him writing, which he likes to do; especially on his Ababa's school papers.

Here are a few wonderful surprises about Jacob that we've discovered in our 4 weeks together.

• He does really well at restaurants and will eat nearly anything. Ethiopian food is his favorite and he uses injera correctly.



• When he writes, he is able to keep his work between very small lines on the paper.



• He loves to sing! He mixes English and Amharic words in his songs.



• We have learned Amharic words from him such as Woosha for dog.



• He is 90% potty trained. :)



• His facial expressions say it all!!! And his giggle is contagious!

Vermont Experience

We are having a wonderful time in Vermont. Last night Jacob slept for 12 hours after several new adventures. See the pictures for more details. :) Do you think he looks happier in his ski clothes or in the hot tub?