Such a blessing....

It's been five months since Biruk came into our care full time. A lot has happened in that time. When he first arrived home I was six months pregnant, exhausted and felt like I was never going to get a handle on things. Biruk was waking up 5-8 times a night and was inconsolable at times. Within a month he felt more comfortable and was waking maybe 3-4 times a night and we were able to calm him down better. And he finally start sleeping through the night just a couple weeks ago (of course he did have a bottle last night). Anyway, we've come a long way.

We've also come a long way in terms of attachment. I felt like I was struggling at the beginning for an instant bond with him. I loved him, don't get my wrong, it was just different. But with time, I quit thinking about it. And now, it feels so natural. I'm no longer wondering when we'll be "there". Somewhere along the way it happened and my love for him is unquestionable. And I think it's the same for him. He was alway there to smile and give us a big grin but he was surely confused. I notice how infrequently he sucks his fingers now where initially they were a constant source of comfort for him.

Biruk was 12 lbs at 6 months old and wearing 0-3 month clothing. He could hardly put weight on his legs when we were in Ethiopia although he was great on his belly and could hold his head up and look around. He is now walking around all the furniture, standing alone for a few seconds and soon we'll be chasing him around the house. He was cup feeding formula and eating rice cereal where now he is eating baby food and bites of our dinner most evenings. He is over 20 lbs and wearing mostly 9-12 month clothing.

The one sound he made in Ethiopia was da-da-da-da-da and he still loves da-da today. And when he says those words he can crinkle up his tiny nose and make the most adorable face ever. His eyes are amazing. They light up a room when he smiles. The kid is so stinking adorable. He's very onery and LOVES getting into everything. You shout "no" and he turns to you with a big grin and knows there is no way he'll get into trouble with such a cute face. He's brought us many of laughs and him and Conner are having a blast together. Happy 5 months; we love you Biruk!!