15 months old today

The 29th of each month sure does come around fast. I find that my little boy just keeps growing up on me. He is almost 19 pounds now. Finally he is able to fit into a size 3 diaper. Here are some new things he has learned to do within the last month.
1) stands up on his own from a sitting position
2) walks 8 - 10 steps
3) shrugs his shoulders and puts his palms up toward the sky when we ask, "What can it be?"
4) crawls to the pantry, points to the Pringles, and signs "More"
5) correctly points to his head, ears, mouth, belly and sometimes his nose when we call out these body parts
6) fake laughs with heavy breaths
7) correctly holds a fork or spoon and feeds himself / actually scoops up what is in the spoon now into his mouth
8) turns the page to a book when told to do so
9) holds hollow items up to his mouth and listens to his voice as it sounds different


We're still working on the language development. He can say mama and dada. He knows family members and will point them out when we ask, but he doesn't say their names. Rocco understands so much of what we say, but he is not able to talk back to us just yet.

Family Visit

Brothers and sisters are great to have, but there's just something about cousins! Drew could not be a better cousin. Rocco adores him. They're definitely buds, and I believe as they get older they will continue to share a close bond. This morning when Rocco got up, I let him down to walk in the living room. With his sweet little feet taking wobbly little steps and his arms sprawled out trying to balance, he walked right into Drew's chest and began loving on him. Watching them interact together is very sweet. Uncle Ben is just crazy about little man, and Aunt Tonya is doing everything in her power to assure that Rocco is spoiled. Having family come and visit is always a treat. Those who live close to their families should never take it for granted.

Tribute to Papa

There are really no words that I could use to adequately portray the man that papa was. He passed away right before we went to Vietnam to get Rocco. It is a great loss that Rocco will never get to know papa, Jason's maternal grandfather. A stature so tall and strong, a mind of quick wit and humor, a heart full of love for the entire family, a pair of overhauls and a simple shirt, a knowledge base so vast it'd put any biology professor or outdoorsman to shame, and a golf cart with a ready gun for any bird daring to get in range. . . papa was certainly the character. He had what so many of us are searhing for . . . enough. Content with life the simple way as long as it included lots of family love. He was the rock for our family. . . the human centerpiece of strength. If tragedy struck and papa told us we would make it, we'd rally together and do just that. Jason looked up to him all of his life, and his absence has left a hole no human can ever fill. We will keep his memory alive and tell Rocco all about his great-grandfather. We've already started. Papa used to scrunch his lips up so that they'd just touch his nose. Jason does it all the time, too. You can only imagine how tickled we were 2 nights ago when we looked at Rocco and he made that papa face; we all got the biggest kick out of it. And, no. . . he wasn't giving a kiss in this photo. He was just trying to act like papa. Priceless!

Ready for Church

Rocco is all dressed up and ready for church. This morning he took TEN steps toward me before falling into my arms. I am amazed at how fast his walking ability is coming along. At church he showed others his new trick: standing up from a sitting position. Little man just claps for himself. That's probably the cutest part.

Rocco stood up by himself for the first time yesterday. We were in the living room with Helen, our case worker for the post placement part of our adoption. I was busy talking to her on the couch and I missed it.



Today after our trip to the lake (Rocco didn't care much for the boat because it was just too hot. . . 98 F), we came home and just played around on the bed. Jason, Rocco, and I wrestled around for a good half hour. Later we went into the living room to just relax and spend more time together. I decided to work with Rocco on his walking skills. I would stand him up, and once he gained his balance he took 3 or 4 steps to Jason. He would practically run and lunge toward his daddy and finally fall into his lap. Jason decided to see if he would stand up again like he did yesterday. And guess what? After a couple of failed attempts, he did it!! He stood himself up from a sitting position and began walking. The room erupted in cheers, clapping, and laughter. I didn't miss it this time. In fact, I caught it on video with my digital camera.

First few steps

Turn your head sideways and enjoy the show! These are Rocco's 1st steps on 6-23-07.

Rocco the Rockstar!

Once he sat down and took control of the drum sticks, he was a natural. He knew exactly what to do. . . and he didn't just hit one of the drums. He reached for the cymbal, too. During VBS he just danced and jumped and laughed so much to the beat that I had to introduce him to the drum set. We'll certainly have to get him his own set for home now. He has a small bongo drum, but I think he's just about ready for the real deal. In a couple of years, if he's still interested, we'll have to get him some lessons, too. This is one kid who's got the beat!

Nothing Runs Like a Deere

Little man beat granddaddy. . . he got a new tractor first. And granddaddy has been needing one for a long time. This tractor is loaded and fully assembled. Who could ask for more than four tough tires to withstand the dirt he'll plow through, the sturdy pedals that will move the engine, the big yellow bucket seat, a steering wheel (that he can't quite steer yet) to turn this massive piece of equipment left and right, the front end loader that can pick up tons of toys, and . . . it even comes with a trailer. Rocco LOVES his new tractor. Just look at him clapping in this photo. He rode all over the church tonight while all of the kids were in their VBS classes. This little farmer is on the go. I can only imagine where his new John Deere tractor will take him once he can reach the pedals!!

First Father's Day

Father's Day this year was very special; it was Jason's first. Unlike on Mother's Day, we were all healthy and able to attend church. We took some pictures out in the prayer courtyard. Little man was decked out in his tuxedo. It was, after all, a very special occasion. The children passed out cookies to the fathers during the church service. Rocco and I took Jason his cookie as he was on the platform behind the pulpit getting ready to preach. After church we gave him his card that I had picked out at Hallmark, and Rocco scribbled on it for him. We also made him a homemade card with a sweet poem and Rocco's hand prints.

Jason is such a good father. I love to watch him interact with Rocco (sharing a fudge round, watching TV together without their shirts on and both holding a remote, riding on the golf cart and waving to the neighborhood, throwing the ball back and forth, reading a book, or just cuddling while they're asleep). They're really sweet together. It's also fun just to sit back and watch daddy and Rocco interact when little man starts getting into mischief. Today Rocco started throwing all of the DVD's out of the basket and onto the floor. Jason sternly told him, "No." Rocco looked at him with his eyebrows raised really high and after he analyzed the situation in his little mind, he started clapping. Jason said, "We're not going to start clapping. We don't do that." Most of the time Rocco will stop doing what he was doing. They're a sight to watch; it's priceless to watch him reach out to Jason when he just wants to be held. They are definitely buddies.

America's Favorite Pastime

What better way to spend your first Father's Day weekend than at a good ol' American baseball game? Two families from church invited us to go to a local baseball game; the Foxhounds played the Juice team. It was not college ball, but it was also not pro ball. Don't ask me; I just know our team was much better and totally creamed the Juicers. The night was a cool one for June, somewhere in the lower 70's. Our seats were under a covered pavillion and the breeze felt so refreshing. The spokesman played a lot of music with some funky beat; Rocco danced himself until he was worn out when we left. Ricky and Karen walked him up and down the bleachers and all around the park. Everywhere he walked he squeeked with his shoes. He got a lot of attention from strangers who thought he was adorable. He rarely sat down because he didn't weigh enough to hold the folding seat down. He did manage to turn around to get a Cheeto from some little girl before I knew what he had done. I tell you that little boy will do anything for a potato chip. The mascot was in a large costume and became very familiar with Rocco, though Rocco only wanted to view him from a distance. He just kept pointing at the large dog. Actually he points at everything lately. I believe he loves the power behind that little finger, for when he points at something he normally gets it. In fact, we came home with a baseball tonight. Yeah! His first baseball game and he got a ball!

I must admit one of my favorite moments was before the game even began when the National Anthem was sung. With the baseball players lined up on the field, saluting the flag, and everyone standing, I thought what a blessing it was that Rocco was an American citizen. This was the first time his little ears had heard our country's song. My heart swelled with pride for this great nation and also with thankfulness. Thankful that God would allow us to bring this little boy into our home and make him forever ours. Thankful that he would grow up in the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Mr. Independent

I love this picture of Rocco because of the expression on his face. It's as if he is saying, "But seriously, mom. I can handle it." Here lately when I try to offer him some food, he'll shake his head "No." When I give him the spoon, however, it is a whole new ball game. He'll eat and eat and eat. He thinks he is a big man, but weighing in at only 18 pounds 11 ounces I think not. I still help him with scooping it out of the jar. I can't help but get tickled at him when he puts the spoon in his mouth and the food doesn't get scooped in his mouth just right. It's either still on the spoon or all over his mouth. Letting a one year old take charge with a spoon full of runny baby food is not for the weak of heart. . . or for the mother who obsesses over a spotless kitchen. Rocco thinks he can handle it alright. . . but the messy face tells me otherwise.

Going to the Doctor

Oh, to have the life of a little boy. Just eat, play, explore new things, and sleep. No worries. What a life! Well. . . almost. The unfortunate thing about being a little boy is that you have to go to the doctor . . . regularly. . . for shots! As a parent you feel so bad just sitting there in the waiting room. Your child just plays, looks out the window, laughs, and coos. You know what's coming; they're clueless. Then, it happens, They call their name. You take them back into the room, lie them down, read them a book. . . and WHAM! They get hit in leg with a sting. Immediately they start crying. What just happened occurs three more times. Four shots in less than one minute. You immediately pick them up and hold them close to soothe them. They view the nurse as the "bad guy." But you know you were in on it, too. And then we say, "It's for your own good." "Yeah, right mom," I'm sure he'd say if he understood. The good thing is that after a little jar of applesauce all is well with the world again. At least until they have to go again next time for more shots. . .

In the wagon again. . .

Rocco just loves getting into this wagon. We had a good time rolling around in the living room, out the front door, and onto the sidewalk. He better enjoy it while he can. The compartment is not big at all that he sits in; he won't be able to fit in it much longer.

A Miracle Times Two

Look closely. If all you see if a mama kissing her boy you've missed something. You're looking at two miracles. Had God not brought me through my open heart surgery seven years ago from today, I would not be here. God blessed me with a great cardiologist and surgeon to find and correct my mitral valve problem. I have to give God all of the praise because it is in Him that we have our life and being. He is the One who sustains us. I realize my every breath is a gift from Him, especially after all that I've come through. Today my heart ticks fine, without any regurgitation, and I don't even have a pig or metal valve. This day is a special day for me; I survived open heart surgery and that's no light thing. The little boy you see me kissing is the second miracle. From half-way across the world, God destined this little orphan to become a son to us. I believe that God created Him specifically for us. It did take a lot of tears, sweat, paperwork, disappointment after disappointment, and prayers (even after I thought I couldn't pray anymore others were interceding on my behalf). And though I would not wish what I went through on anyone, I know that road led me to Rocco. And that's why you're looking at a "miracle times two!"

1, 2, 3, 4, . . 5 Steps!

Can you believe it? I steadied Rocco on the kitchen floor tonight after we got home from church. Encouraging him to come to me, I wondered if he would do the same as before. . . just stand there and whine for me. After a few seconds of thinking about it, he took two steps toward me. Jason was sitting on the couch and saw it; we all celebrated and clapped. If he can do that, I thought, I bet he can do more. So. . . I just kept on steadying him on the floor and backing away just enough so that he couldn't reach me. He was so cute to watch; his little legs would wobble. Every now and then he would fall completely backwards. I'd have to hurry and catch him. With all of the encouragement we kept giving him, he knew he was doing something big. He'd just grin when he walked and laugh when he'd fall. I'd pick him up and go on and on about what a big boy he was. Fifteen minutes later, he was taking up to five steps. He's walking!

What Can I Get Into Next?

Rocco has this little wagon that you can put little blocks in. Tonight he threw all of the blocks out of it and put himself inside. I get tickled at him. He's getting braver and braver about getting into things lately. It's nothing for him to open and close doors, climb up and down the stairs, or just make himself at home (in a tiny wagon). I don't know of any other 14 month old babies that could fit in it. Rocco is so agile; I just know he is going to be doing all sorts of acrobatics before too much longer!

I'm Still Standing

I'm Still Standing. . . Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. That eighties song keeps playing in my head. Why? Because Rocco can stand on his own now. Before when he would do this he would fall in a matter of seconds. Not now. Beginning today I steadied him on his feet and what do you know? Little man kept standing all by himself. I don't know if he realized what he was doing or if he was amazed at all the commotion and clapping his mama was doing, but he made the sweetest smile. Yeah! Today was a new "first" and I was here to view it. I had him stand several times today. He does get a little frustrated; he reaches out to me as if to say, "Come here! Hold my hands!" I've included a few pictures of him standing (and no he is not leaning against his bed). There's nothing like seeing your baby learn and do new things.

Day at the Beach

Our family of three headed off to the beach Thursday night and met up with four other families from church. They had been there a week already but invited us to spend some time with them. Having many kids to play with, there was never a dull moment. We spent all day Friday at the beach boogie boarding, playing in the kiddie pool, exploring the funny texture of wet sand, and trying not to get sunburned (I didn't succeed on the latter). Rocco and I played for most of the morning and mid-afternoon while daddy enjoyed a round of golf with Roger. Our little boy reacted the same to the water as he did when he was first introduced to the beach in Ninh Thuan on the South China Sea right after he was adopted; he liked to look at it from afar but the water scared him. I was surprised he even sat in the kiddie pool next to the waves coming in. Caley and I sat in it with him so that the tide coming in wouldn't wash out little fella to the vast, blue sea. There were many people to hold Rocco and show him the sea shells while I had some fun in the waves with the kids and Shari. He enjoyed tapping the shells together to make sounds.

The evening was complete after we watched the spaceshuttle in the sky. That was definitely cool! This trip was much too short but certainly fun. I learned how to play Blokus and Rocco had a time just playing with the magnets on the refrigerator.

Summer Memories in the Backyard

Date Night

What a wonderful family we have! Uncle Ben, Aunt Tonya, and Cousin Drew came down today, a four hour drive, to spend a couple of days with us and play with Rocco. They are so good with him. Drew can make him laugh so easily. He is eight years old. I think an older brother or sister would be so good for Rocco. Hmm. . not sure how that would ever happen. But when I see Drew and Rocco playing together it is just so natural. Those two were meant to be cousins. When Drew was feeding him today, Rocco tried to feed Drew in return. Drew just pointed at him and said, "No, you eat it!" Rocco thought this was SOOO funny, so for I don't know how long this went on and on. Everyone in the house was laughing because of Rocco's constant, little laugh. When I tried doing/saying the same thing, it was not funny. Must be a Drew thing!

Jason and I were able to go out to eat and spend time alone for the first time since we got Rocco. Outback was our restaurant of choice. Afterwards we did what most couples do if they've been married for any length of time. . . went to Lowe's to buy some flowers to plant and then to Walmart to get some groceries. Once we returned from our date, Rocco was in the bathtub. He had already been for a walk in his stroller outside. Needless to say, he had a great time and did really well with them. He didn't cry until he caught a glimpse of me and heard my voice. It was all over then. Little man had to have his mama.

Little Man is a Mess

Rocco is starting to get into things. And he's showing a little bit of a temper. What am I going to do? My sweet little baby is slowly becoming a toddler. After supper last night I was loading the dishwasher and he crawled up underneath it. The other day he climbed on top of it and sat on the door. Today as I was cleaning the house, he followed me everywhere I went. Of course it was by crawling. He doesn't yet walk on his own. But he has learned how to play with the doors. When he shuts them he gets upset. When he shuts them and I'm on the other side of the door he goes ballistic! I immediately knock on the door and open it for him. As I got ready for church this morning, he opened the bottom drawer and threw out all of my velcro rollers onto the floor. I get tickled at him for all the little things he does. This afternoon he pulled himself up to the bar stools and was doing some sort of calf exercise. Then, he crawled up to the kitchen table, pulled up to a chair, and ended up underneath the table. He is certainly enjoying exploring the world around him. It's the temper I'm concerned about. Tonight at church he was playing with some pencils. When it came time to stand for the invitation, I took them away from him and boy did he let me know about it. He was NOT happy. He let out the highest pitched scream. I took him out really quick. Later after church we went to eat with some friends. It must have been the night to show his lack of patience because when he didn't get his way or if I wasn't feeding him fast enough he just screamed. You could hear him on the other side of the restaurant. I keep telling him when he gets a little older he is going to be in big trouble for pitching those fits. For now, I'm not even sure if he understands what, "No screaming," means or not. But boy has he sure heard that a lot today. I speak to him sternly when I tell him this. We're trying not to give him what he wants when he screams like that because he'll begin to think that screaming gets him what he wants. But then on the other hand, many people don't understand why we keep letting our 1 year old yell at the top of his voice when we could simply stop it by giving him what he wants. Today a girl let him look at her cell phone. When she had to take it away, he balled up his fists and pitched a little fit. Maybe this is how he got attention his first year of life in the orphanage, but he's going to have to learn one way or another that screaming is not the answer. But for now. . . his communication is a little limited. . . and he's still a little fella. . . We're working on it; it just may take some time. For the most part he's a happy little boy. He adores his mama and gives her sweet kisses every day. I couldn't ask for a more beautiful and loving child. I tell him every day, "You are mama's beautiful blessing." And he is. . . even if he does scream every now and then.