Friday, July 15, 2011

Birthday Excitement


Grammy and Grandpa sent Jake a package with a Spiderman theme. He LOVED it. He has been looking forward to his 4th birthday for a while. His list of requested gifts is long enough for us to need a small loan. We are trying to teach him to wait for things that he wants. Next, we have to teach him that there is a reasonable limit to the cost of the items. His official birthday is on the 19th.

Birthdays are a good time to reflect on the past year and a half together. We are so blessed to be his parents. He is FULL of life and adventure. We have our hands full with trying to ensure that he listens and shows respect while showing him lots of love and acceptance.

He brings lots of joy to our family through his antics. Some of the latest include climbing door frames to the top with is feet on either side, posing for pictures like a pro, and saying "that's cool, huh?" to his brother as he demonstrates daring jumps or new tricks. He loves anything electronic and plays Wii games and iPhone games easily and often.

Jake likes to ask questions. He has started to ask more about his adoption. Recently, I overheard him talking to his Ababa about the fact that their skin doesn't match. Jim lovingly explained the reason to him. We keep the adoption dialogue open and have pictures of his first family in his room. We hope to connect with other adoptive families to provide other examples of mixed race families. As Jake grows, we hope to provide the love and structure he needs to find his own identity and place in this complicated world.

3 comments:

  1. I can't believe he's 4! Time flies. I hope you are settleing in nicely.

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  2. Happy Birthday Jake! We hope you and Timmy are enjoying your soccer balls!

    Linda, I'm confident you and Jim will continue to be wonderful parents to your two sons, and will be able to deal with anything that arises in a wise and loving way.

    Take care,
    Barb S.

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  3. that dude is totally awesome! can't believe it's only been a 1 1/2. time flies. we miss having you down the street from us. anytime we hear the theme song from The Office we think of you guys.

    Oh, and we keep thinking about our camping trip.. great times!

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