Bath Time Fun

We bought Jacob some googles and he loves using them in the bath. We are planning to bring him to the YMCA for swim lessons this spring. He already loves the water and pours it over his face and sticks his face in the water with no prompting. I think we have a swimmer!

Baptized on Valentine's Day

What a perfect Valentine's Day! We celebrated Jacob's baptism with friends and family at St. Peter's Church in Lancaster. Mike and Bernadette officially became his Godparents. Jim and I cried through the hymn of "Borning Cry". What a touching song that says that God was taking care of our son even before we knew him.

Pastor Bonnie was so thoughtful. She even used a cloth from Ethiopia to wipe his hair. The connection to his birth country was especially important. We wanted to honor his first family. They entrusted us to raise him to love God and honor him. We will, with the help of God.

Sleeping and playing

Here are some random pictures of Jacob from the past week. The first is of Jim reading to Jacob and his cousin Joshua. The cousins are enjoying each other more. The last time they were together they were wrestling like brothers.

Next, is Jacob asleep for his nap. He fell asleep on top of his toys. How cute!!

Then, we have been taking him outside in the snow and he is enjoying each adventure. He loves walks and being pulled on the sled.

Loving the Snow!

Jacob loved the snow and didn't want to come back in when I thought his hands must be frozen. He walked off of the porch and the snow came up to his chest. It was quite an adventure. He tasted snow for the first time and laughed. We plan to go back out later for more fun in the snow.

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!