13 Months

On Rocco's big day of turning 13 months, I just wanted to reflect on all of the unique things that he does now. I've heard so many times, "They grow up so fast." I believe it, and I don't want to forget what our little boy was doing at this time in his life.

1) Cries in his car seat unless mama is letting him hold onto her finger
2) Winks at us with both eyes and a flirty smile
3) Waves
4) Crawls, pulls up, cruises around the bar stool and couch, walks alone with his push toy
5) Drinks a bottle while I rock him to sleep in his nursery
6) Pushes his toy trucks properly and makes "Vroom!" sounds
7) Sings and rocks back and forth to music (especially at church, to the Wiggles, and Bon Jovi)
8) Claps
9) Mimics us at times (facial expressions)
10) Says "Mama" and "DaDa"
11) Puts shaped blocks into his toy cube / Puts his stacking cups inside one another
12) Feeds himself Gerber puffs, sliced cheese, bread, cheerios, and other finger foods
13) Teeths with non-toy items like his brush, straw, and spoon
14) Loves to have his teeth brushed and cries when I take his toothbrush away
15) Plays simple games like "I'm Gonna Get Cha'"
16) Rubs his eyes and face with both hands when he gets tired
17) Responds well to his name (except when we're trying to take his picture)
18) Turns his tongue sideways and also makes clicking sounds
19) Likes to type on the computer when I'm blogging / Likes to play the piano
20) Drinks his morning bottle in his bouncy seat that vibrates while he watches "The Doodlebops", "Go Baby!", "Higgly Town Heroes", or "Mickey's Club House"

It finally happened. Rocco took his first step toward me all by himself! He didn't even realize what he was doing. We were in Jason's office at the church. Rocco was holding onto a tennis ball when he decided to let go of the couch and come toward me. Of course I was beside myself asking Jason, "Did you see that? He took his first step!!" Jason had seen this first step, too. When I stood Rocco back up to balance and try it again he leaned forward and just fell straight toward me. He knows I'll catch him; he just grins and thinks it is a game.

It is amazing how many new things he does each day. We got out the bubbles after bath time. With wide eyes, he would follow them. When one popped on his face, his seriousness immediatetly turned into a quick laugh. Then, he'd get serious again and wait for more to come his way. He also mimics me a lot lately. When I was changing his diaper the other day, he stretched out his neck, raised his chin, and grunted. I copied him. He copied me back and so this little game began making the silliest giraffe faces at each other. It's amazing how little it takes to amuze

him (and me). Every day we'll just sit around and play these senseless, funny games. I love to eat him up with sugar on his neck. Rocco is very ticklish and sometimes he gets this belly laugh going. Other times he just opens his mouth wide open like he's going to eat me, too. He also does this new thing with his little mouth. Moving his tongue side to side, he'll make this sound like "uh blu uh buh."
I've seen him make progress toward trusting me as well. Even though he is still a mama's boy, he will let me leave the room for a minute while he continues to play. If I'm gone too long, he'll crawl to look for me instead of crying. Also, if I buckle him in the car seat and need to go back into the house to get my keys, he won't fall apart and cry like I've left him. It seems like he's started to see that I'm not going to leave him. (That's all a different story at night when he's tired. Daddy will not do. You'd think Jason was a monster the way he screams when he takes him from me to put him to bed. He wants to cling to me so tight.) I must admit though. . . it's good to be loved!

Like Father, Like Son

The picture says it all. . . Georgia t-shirts, the "I know I'm cool" grin, and the spiked hair. I laughed so hard my mouth started to hurt when we fixed him up to look like daddy. And can you believe it. . . we actually took him to church tonight looking like that! Too cute! I think we'll go back to the combed down look tomorrow. (By the way, Rocco loves fudge rounds. . . another undeniable trait that he is Jason's son).

It still amazes me when I look at his smiling face, so innocent and beautiful. I'm the mother of this living, breathing blessing. God is so good to watch over him even when I make a mess of things. We were in the study tonight talking. Jason asked, "What is in his mouth?" I immediately swiped his mouth out and, to my horror, found a penny. Where in the world did that come from? Had I not checked the floor so many times before for objects like that? God is so good to watch over my little one. It's like you try to do everything just right for them and then a moment like that humbles you. No, I'm not super mom afterall. . . never really claimed to be. I do have one super kid though, and I am so blessed!

One Tiny Step Toward Toddlerhood

Guess who drank some fruit juice from a sippy cup all by himself today? You got it. Little man himself. He only drank 2 oz., but that's a start. He would sit in his bouncer seat, watch the Higgly Town Heroes on Playhouse Disney, and take little sips here and there. I'm so proud of him. I'm not sure if I like it deep down; I want him to stay a baby as long as he will. But. . . the doctor said it was time to wean him off the bottle for the betterment of his teeth. You've gotta do what you gotta do. So. . . here's three cheers for one tiny step toward being a toddler.

New Discoveries Each Day

I really miss being a science teacher, to little kids that is. Eighth grade holds nothing for me. But while I loved my job and exploring the "wonderful world of science" with my students, I am so content at home making new discoveries each day with my son. For instance, he's discovered the act of mimicing me. I used to put my finger on his lips and right about the time he'd open his mouth, I'd take it away quickly and laugh. Yesterday, he started doing this. He put his little finger in his mouth and pulled it out quickly laughing. You have to see it to appreciate it. Uncle Tyler taught him the word "light." Now, he holds his entire arm up into the air and points at the light. . . in every room. I know he is understanding us more now because the other day I said, "Clap." Without any motions or hand signals coming from me, he started to clap. He will wink, too, when I tell him to. He's also learned to play a little game with his firetruck. When he taps the fireman on the head, the bells and sirens start. He knows he better hurry and get in my lap before its wheels start rolling. He absolutely gets beside himself (squeeling, sticking his tongue out, and smiling) trying to get in my lap in time before it gets him. This picture I posted shows Rocco when he is having one of those "laugh all over himself" moments.
While we were visiting his grandparents on my side of the family last week, he discovered what milk tastes like. . . without the formula. While we were in Vietnam he was taking 4 scoops of it at a time. Since we returned home and visited his pediatrician, we were told to get him on whole milk. Rocco was down to 1 scoop of formula when we went on our trip to mimi's and papaw's. One day I left his formula at my mom's house. At nana Helen's house he had his first bottle without any formula. Ever since then, he's been just fine without it. Now we get to move onto trying to get him to take it by a sippy cup. One task at a time. (Boy do I dread teaching him to lay in his crib at night. That will not be a pretty sight.)

Sunday at Church

This Sunday was Rocco's fourth time in church. To be so new at it, he was so good. What a blessing! I still haven't been able to go to my Sunday School class yet, but we are working on the nursery thing. I was so proud of him today because he stayed in the nursery with Shari for 20 minutes. . . without me! I didn't go very far. You could tell I was a new, nervous mama. . . peeping in the window every 5 minutes and never going too far just in case he did cry for me. They gave me a beeper. "What is this? Is this like the thing they give you at a restaurant when your table is ready?" I think they got tickled at me asking that. But so much is still new to me in this wonderful thing they call "motherhood." I absolutely love being Rocco's mom. Sometimes I wonder how long it will last. I'm not really afraid they'll come take him away, but it is almost like it is too good to be true. (I know Kim-Lan said she feels the same way. . . so I'm not that odd). But just like when God forever adopts us into His family when we place our trust in Him, we have forever adopted Rocco into our family. There's no turning back or reversing it. Well, Rocco did great in the nursery, playing with a toy truck and laughing. It was a weird feeling walking around the church without him, like I was missing 18 pounds of something pretty special. His fun ended when he caught a glimpse of me peeking in at him. Regardless, I feel confident that it will be soon that I will be able to join my Sunday School class again. I don't know when I'll let him stay in the nursery for the entire service. That would be too long without him.

When I prayed for our child, not knowing we would be matched with Rocco, I didn't really pray for specifics. Some people pray that their child would have a dimple, have blue eyes, be tall, or they ask for a specific gender. Not that anything is necessarily wrong with these petitions, but my prayer was a little different. I just asked God to place into our lives a healthy, beautiful baby that would be the perfect match for us. God is all knowing and His ways and thoughts are much higher than mine, so I left all of the small details to Him. I can see how God has answered this prayer every day when I look at Rocco and learn of him. He loves music (how perfect!) Being a musician and singer, I am definitely digging that. I took him to a singing concert at a church tonight. He sang so loud with the group that we started to get some looks from all around. Not bad looks. Just looks like, "Where is that loud baby singing coming from?" I'd hold him and he would dance to the music, almost jumping out of my lap. He has the greatest disposition. After the songs he would often clap. At one time he seemed to be raising his little arm in the air like he was praising the Lord. He made friends with an elderly couple behind us, winking and laughing with them. Oh, what a blessing this little boy has been. How good God is to allow me to be a mom to my precious little boy!

One Month Ago Today. . .

One month ago today we were sitting in a judicial building in Vietnam signing papers and smiling ear to ear. March 14th was the day that Rocco was officially given to us and adopted into his forever family. Since then the little fella has grown some more poochy stomach!

So how did we celebrate? Jason rocked him to sleep for his morning nap. He woke up a few minutes later so I went and put him in the bed with me. He crawled up to me on my side, sat on his knees and laid his head and chest over me. He listened to my heartbeat and fell asleep. He wants to be near me almost all of the time. Even when we're in the car he has to be holding onto my finger or he cries. Something about having contact with us is important to him. . . and so sweet to us. Once nap time was finished, Jason and I put his 3 wheeled jogging stroller together and went for a walk by the pond. There weren't any ducks, but we did see some boats. He took it all in, laying back in his reclined seat as if saying, "Now this is the life." We walked out on the dock and enjoyed the fresh spring air. When we returned home, we had an icecream sandwich treat. He just flapped his arms up in the air and brought them back down smacking his little legs. This is what he does when he likes something. He started crying and got mad when it ran out. . . so, being the great mom that I am, I reached into the freezer and got out another one. All was well again! Later, after his second long nap of the day (surprise!), we went to our favorite Italian restaurant for an all meat strombolli. Rocco and I enjoyed cheese ravioli. Tonight after I gave him his bath (and he played so long that he turned into a raisin), we sat in the office and sang Tim McGraw's new song, Down to My Last Dollar. Rocco sang and danced with me. "One, two, three like a bird I sing. . . " He just kept on giving me kisses. . . over and over again. And that is how we celebrated his first month anniversary of being adopted.

Big Day on the Golf Course

Tonight is the first night that Rocco has gone to sleep before 9pm in a long time. It's not that we don't try. After bath time and a bottle, we try to get him to bed by 8 pm. . . but the little man is afraid that he's going to miss something. By 10:30 he usually goes to sleep. The amazing thing is that he sleeps until about 9 in the morning. Now that's my kind of hours! The problem is that he won't take long naps during the day. About 30 minutes is all he'll sleep. But going to bed was different tonight. We wore the little fella out and he was out by 8:30. What a day it's been! Today was the dreaded day of blood work. This was his third visit to the doctor since we've been back in America. Oh, how I hated to see this day come when we'd have to take him to the lab and get his blood drawn. Our pediatrician has started from square one with him and is treating him like he's a newborn when it comes to medical tests and vaccinations. Thus far he's had 6 vaccines; they were going to do more today but I said, "No. He's been through enough." I was the one who held him when they drew his blood. . . and they drew a lot. My legs were weak and shaking. He wouldn't go to Jason, so I got the unlucky job of holding his left arm and legs down while he screamed and cried. That was one of the hardest things I've done since adopting him. Praise the Lord we made it through that and it is over! After the doctor's visit, we ate lunch out. He fell asleep on the way home and took a short nap. When we got home, we laid down with him for an hour. He just wollered around and climbed all over us. Deciding nap time was not going to happen, we all got ready and headed to the golf course. Rocco loves being outside, and we figured after his hard day at the doctor's office he deserved to enjoy the beautiful spring weather outside. We walked 9 holes and boy did he enjoy looking at the trees, squirrels, cardinals, crows, picking the grass and eating it . . . and even watching daddy golf. Jason said he was amazed because his daddy was doing the same thing as those on TV (he watched the Masters with Jason some last week). Jason is convinced that Rocco thinks he's a celebrity. The fun didn't end at the golf course. We took him to our church and let him swing on the playground. Then it was back home to eat my mom's famous "Hamburger Pie." Later, we went to a different park to visit with the young boys from church who were having a campout. Rocco had his first bonfire roasted hotdog and loved it. . . there's really not much that he doesn't like. By the time we arrived home and took his bath, he was asleep in no time. I can't wait until the morning. He is in the best mood then; he winks at me, climbs upon me, and just gives me the sweetest smile that melts my heart all over again.

Little Man's A Walking

I absolutely get beside myself when Rocco gets behind this little push toy of his and starts walking. . . by himself! Of course I'm only half a step behind him. For the last week he's been walking around the house while holding on with both hands to our fingers. But on Easter I brought this walker out to let him try it. He just took off. All I could do was to keep saying, "Mommy's so proud of you! Look at you!" This one year old (who can't even wear 6-9 month pants without them falling off of his bottom, hanging below his diaper, and wrinkling at the ankles) looks SO cute just peddling along with this toy. I still can't believe my little boy is about to be walking by himself. I couldn't be prouder that I was blessed to be a part of this "big step" in his life. All of the sorrow that once filled my heart, the empty pit deep inside, the sadness that waited for me every morning has now been filled, and I can't even remember what that emptiness felt like anymore. God is so good!

First Easter

Rocco's mimi, papaw, and uncle Tyler came down on this Easter weekend to see him for the first time since they met him at the airport. It took him a while to warm up to them. He still won't go to my mom that well. He prefers to wink at her from afar and tease her.

This weekend we were able to take him to IHOP. He enjoyed pancakes, eggs, and apples with whipped topping for the first time. Since it was way too cold for the park, we strolled around the mall, and he saw the Easter bunny. . . from a distance. We didn't even try to get a picture with him. We knew better. Even though he didn't make friends with the Easter bunny, he did manage to get 3 Easter baskets from his aunt Tonya, nana, and mimi. Someone made a comment that he was being spoiled by all of the holding, hugging, and attention. "No," I told them. "It's just extra loving that he's getting."

This was his second Sunday at church. Jason gave him his bottle before the service and rocked him, but he heard children upstairs and wouldn't go to sleep. We took him upstairs to see the kids. Many of the kids in children's church gathered around him with curiosity. They had heard a lot about this little fella. The weeks prior to us leaving, I showed them a map of Vietnam and told them about our adoption. After meeting the kids, we headed to the sanctuary for the worship service. He sang sweetly with the congregation and choir. When it came time for the preaching, he just sat there and ate his puffs that mimi gave to him. During the service his gums started bleeding. I had to take him out to check on him. A tooth was coming through and had pushed the gums aside causing them to bleed. He didn't seem to be in pain; he was more bothered by me looking into his mouth. After the service, many people gathered around him to see him (many for the first time). This little guy with 1. no nap 2. bleeding gums and 3. a mama's boy not wanting to be held by others was fit to be tied. By the time we gathered for a family photo, he was NOT in the mood for a picture. Needless to say he screamed all the way home, but as soon I changed him into his PJ's and gave him his bottle, all was immediately well with the world again and he fell fast asleep.

Safe at Home

With God's mercy and grace, I am glad to say that we are safe at home now. Being back in the USA is the greatest feeling. Oh, how I missed home. Rocco is adjusting well with his new family. He is very clingy to me. . . a mama's boy through and through. It is sweet, though, to see him sleep at night all snuggled up next to Jason. Even though he may not go to daddy when he is tired, hungry, or irritable, he knows subconsiously that daddy means safety and comfort.

He went for his first doctor's visit yesterday. He was a happy, little boy until the doctor and nurse had to hold him down to look into his ears. I don't blame him. I don't like being restrained either. Guess who had to hold his legs down? You guessed it. Me. That was NOT an easy task. He also received three vaccinations. The shots were nothing compared to being held down. We learned that Rocco is a little below the national norm for his height and weight. . . not quite 18 pounds and 28 1/2 inches long. He's a little guy. But watch out! We're starting him on whole milk and table foods. I'm thankful to say that the doctor was pleased with his current health. The doctor said that he is right on track doing the things he should be doing for his age (sitting up alone, pulling up, cruising, and making baby sounds and saying a few words like "mama, dada, bah bah").

I couldn't believe we just by-passed the whole baby food stage. Being a first time mom, I couldn't let that happen. Having baby food jars around the kitchen are a big part of motherhood. So. . . I went to Wal-Mart and bought almost every flavor they had in Gerber stage 3 foods. These are the chunkier foods that teach babies to start chewing. He had spaghetti for the first time today and loved it! I can't wait to see his expressions when he eats squash, pears, green beans, and sweet potatoes.

A couple of days ago when Jason's mom, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew were down, Rocco started a new thing. Winking!! It is so cute. He started winking when he was eating in his high chair. Now, whenever he is eating, he'll just start winking for no reason. He is the cutest little flirt when he bats his eyes at us.

He also likes to walk around the house with us holding onto his hands. At times he gets to going so fast he almost runs. A couple of days ago he balanced by himself without holding on for a few seconds. It won't be long now before he takes off walking. . . I better get those safety fences up soon!

We also took him to the park two days ago. He LOVED it. He loves being outside, and he was so cute just chillin' in the baby swing with his ball cap on. Jason's sister bought him an Easter basket and put some sunglasses inside. He wore them cruising around in his stroller with nana pushing him. Oh my goodness! Rocco was cracking us up!

Being a stay-at-home mom is unbelievable. Just snuggling with him in the bed while he lunges for me with his bird mouth opened wide waiting to give me kisses is enough to keep me happy. I'll do without the money for a while. This stuff is priceless.