Tag Archives: Gus

Everyday Life

Lunch

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An everyday occurrence. Gus screamed at me as I turned quesadillas. 30 seconds left until his favorite food was in front of him, but he wanted more food now! My frustration crept up with each second as he kept screaming. If only he got what I am doing for him right now.

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(how both of us felt)

Then I heard it… that’s you.

As I ate my lunch, I realized that I can find myself in Gus’s tantrums. Screaming on the floor because he doesn’t want to get up and walk into the kitchen to get his drink. Demanding more when he already has plenty on his plate. Violently throwing an unwanted snack on the ground.
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That’s me. Daily, I squirm in my frustration about life instead of trusting him and his promises. Ungratefully, I demand more. I demand that God hand it to me here and now, instead of patiently waiting or inching closer to Him. Telling God this is not what I wanted.

Gus’s tantrums are age-appropriate, expected. Mine remind me that I have so far to come. But, today, I’m thankful for my child who screams through meal times, to remind me that as I meet all of Gus’s needs and try to teach him that I always will… God will meet all of my needs, always.

“Which one of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11

Everyday Life

All the Single Babies…

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Yes, ladies. I am handsome. And single. And I have no pants on.

I have some excellent stories to tell you…
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I have some rad moves, like the lawn mower…
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I can even teach you water aerobics…
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And I’ll tackle anyone who stands in my way.
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But be warned…

I don’t do the dishes.
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I like to drink.
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And I may sneak out when you aren’t looking.
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I still spend a lot of time with my mom.

And sometimes I’m kind of a mess.
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What?!? I can’t help it. I’m a… baby.

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Call me, baby.

Adoption, Everyday Life, Second Adoption

All About Gus, 18 months

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Here is the latest on Gus. You can see last month here.

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Age: 18 months, 13 days Home: 30 days

Height: 2′ 6.25″* Weight: 21.4lbs

*Obviously either this month’s measurement or last month’s is off.

Words he knows and says spontaneously:

  • Papa
  • Mama
  • Eat
  • Aa daa (all done)
  • Mo (more)
  • yeah
  • no
  • yay

Words he repeats often but hasn’t used spontaneously:

  • Genta (gentle)
  • out

Signs he knows:

  • More
  • Eat
  • All done &  drink, which are exactly the same in Gus-sign
  • Yes
  • No

He is highly motivated by praise. He will do something right and then clap his hands and say “yay!”

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He is also often very aware when he is doing something wrong. Today, he threw his napkins on the floor, looked at me, smiled, and said “nuh-uh” while shaking his head.

He has figured out how go through the doggie door and how to open up doors, at least our bedroom one. Fortunately, he hasn’t gotten out of his crib yet, and the baby gates still contain him.

He loves to take things and move them. Meaning I have a hard time finding anything we usually keep at his level. Shoes, toilet paper, his drink, etc., are constantly disappearing.

I love his spontaneous hugs and kisses. You know, the charge at my legs kind.

I do not enjoy the baby gate being shut every single time it’s open.

He tries to put most things in his mouth… dirt, rocks, any toys…

He loves movement– swinging, upside down, thrown in the air, etc.

He seems to prefer having shoes on, but not clothes. Or, just one shoe. That is pretty typical, he will take on off and leave the other one on for awhile.

He still sucks his thumb all the time, especially when he is stressed.

He dances to music and the vacuum cleaner.

Sleeps: He still sleeps the same amount as last month, although he seems to a bit pickier about where he will sleep. He has fallen asleep in the car, our bed and the crib, but not anywhere else, including the stroller.

Eats: He will still eat anything and begs to try everything as I am cooking, including raw chicken. If he sees something new, he will throw down whatever he is eating and beg for the new thing.

Loves to: explore, be outside

Dislikes: teeth brushed, buckled into car seat, diaper changes most of the time

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Still taking questions for a Q&A. So, if you have anything you want to ask, leave a comment or email me.

Adoption, Everyday Life, Q&A

Superman’s comeback and calling all questions

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Reed starts full-time kindergarten on Thursday. FULL-TIME. This was a big decision for me… I made the big mistake of mentioning it on Facebook. But, ultimately, he is eager to go to school. There were a lot of factors which played into my decision– the personalities of the 4 of us who are home all day, how our day typically goes, etc. and I think this is the best decision.

We spent most of last week preparing for school– physical at the doctor, getting all of the paperwork together, buying school supplies… we were pretty exhausted at the end of each day. We also had our first post placement visit for Gus. Basically the social worker came to our house and chatted with us about how everything is going.

Gus is still teething. He is getting at least 3 teeth right now, 1 canine and 2 molars. He doesn’t love me poking around in his mouth, so that is just what I have seen and felt. Gus and I both have colds. Actually, I think have cold-ergies. A cross between a cold and allergies.

Do you remember those super cute shirts we sold back in the fall? My kids love these shirts. Lena tries to wear hers every day and Reed has been known for wearing it and then putting it back with his clean clothes, so he doesn’t have to wait for me to do laundry.

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Gus looks pretty cute in his, too, right?

Well, my friend KJ is selling them now, to bring home her son, also from Eastern Europe. If you want one, NOW is the time to order. Go to KJ’s blog, read the details and buy a shirt! On sale until August 31.

I haven’t been blogging a ton, largely because I am just too tired to put together a post which makes a lot of sense. I just gave up with this one. But, does anyone have any questions you’d like me to answer? About adoption? Or anything else? I will try my best…