My little ANGEL?

Good News: I started a new job and L-O-V-E it!
Better News: Jude started daycare and giggles on his way in...

ok, now for the bad:
Judah is kicking butt and taking names at daycare.
Silver lining:
He can now SAY the word "gentle"...

Mammoth and Arnold, CA

I wrote this while we were in Mammoth earlier this month:

It’s been 6 months now that Judah has been in our arms and longer that he’s been in our hearts. Every day people make comments about how spectacular he is…and my thought is always the same, “you have no idea just how spectacular.” I hope all mothers feel this way. I’m sure they do.
Today we were on a shuttle bus through beautiful Mammoth Lakes. A French boy, of about 15, said something and people laughed. His sister interpreted for us. “Your son will be a lover.” The comment was obviously in reference to his flirty ways. My son had single handily captivated ½ the bus with his artful moves.
When I’m holding him he often leans and reaches for other people- so that he can flirt and socialize more properly. This may sound alarming to some, but it has never bothered me (although I like to joke that it does). When we are alone, he repeatedly whispers “mama” while gently patting my face, outlines my lips with his fingers, and grabs me and kisses me. I don’t see him treat anyone else with such sensitive romance; he lets me know I’m special.
I think about who he is…what I know about him so far. He just turned 12 months, so it’s impossible to say that I know who he will be (but I do think I know all of the important stuff already). I’m proud of that person. More than proud, enamored by.
He returns every smile with his heart. He laughs at all jokes and even has a polite smirk for “good tries.” He loves to be the showman, but is very sensitive and sweet. He pats people gently to let them know he loves them. He pretends to be shy sometimes, but he’s not. He stands up for himself and does not like to be laughed at. His social needs are rarely fulfilled and he tries very hard to be everyone’s friend. He’s smart, not super emotionally complex, and confidant. You never have to guess how he’s feeling; it’s ALL out there. He dances to music in a way that’s obvious that he feels each beat, hums peacefully when going to sleep, chats to himself- sometimes in a whisper when sorting things out, sings from his belly, squeals with ear piercing happiness, and grunts (LOUDLY) with determination when poopin’. My son holds nothing back, laughs more often than not, and lives with so much exuberance I can’t help but look at him with admiration. He is unique and I’m so glad that I get to spend the rest of my life celebrating his.
Sunday:
Bryan: “Judah, you are such a cute baby.”
Judah: “Thank you.”
Bryan: “Did he just say ‘thank you?’”
Us: “Yes, he did.”

Monday:
Tommy (joking with Judah at a coffee shop): “You don’t get to have a drink here.”
Judah: “Yes, I do.”
Server: “Did he just say “Yes, I do”?”
Us (laughing): “Yes, I think so.”
Server (with a confused look): “Wow, I really thought I heard him say that.”
*Judah did end up drinking a smoothie. So, he was right.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

If Judah...

is having a bad day (there was a life vest incident prior to this video- Jude had to explain to us very slowly and clearly that if you don't have a neck, life vests DO NOT FIT! No not that one! OR THE OTHER ONE! LEAVE ME ALONE! DOES IT LOOK LIKE I GREW A NECK SINCE YOU TRIED ON THE LAST ONE? This is humiliating...) you just have to turn on music. Here's proof:

Tomorrow...

is Jude's first day at daycare. Is it ok that I've been crying on and off all day? Hard stuff. I know HE'LL be fine, it's just mommy that may have to go to therapy.

Groovin' in Hermosa! Judah's Dance Party!

My idea was a nap. Judah had different plans. Every time my son hears music he dances (even brief music from cars driving by as I water the plants). I adore his groove...and admire his love of music. Here he is rockin' with Pacey's mama!



Oh, and we realized that we did a terrible job taking pictures at the BU08, so please share if you have better multi-tasking skills. I would be forever grateful!

Wow!

What a weekend! 38 Ethiopian adoptive families from across the country. It was almost too much to wrap my head around. Fabulous people, breathtaking scenery, gorgeous babies, good food ... I told you, seriously too much. It felt like a whirlwind and I definitely did not get to chat enough with all the aforementioned fabulous people. I spent a lot of time observing in awe, feeling like I was about to cry.
Drew, Carey and Zoe are amazing people. They are the kind of people you like the second that you meet them (I won't lie, offering me beer with lime didn't hurt). For the very few people who didn't have a chance to meet them, I'll tell you what it's like: Even though they are cooler than you, they make you feel super comfy (fyi: comfy is the highest people honor I give). As a bonus, they are good at radiating and sharing all that love surrounding them ... and ZOE, I could just watch Zoe all day and be super entertained with her spunk. I just love girls with spunk. I can't thank you enough for making this happen. You'd have a special place in our hearts just for being you, but this takes it over the top. Good Stuff! :)
So, the whole privacy debacle has been whirling in my head. Right now, it seems important to share our experience with future adoptive parents. I want parents to read my blog and find comfort, small bits of knowledge, and hope. Plus, seriously - Jude's got dance moves that would be sinful not to share with the world.
I'm thrilled that so many people are considering adoption. It is a beautiful way to grow a family. I would love to do a post for future adoptive parents, so if any peeps who have gone through the process have any tips, please leave them as a comment and I can add them (giving you cred of course).
Peace out,
Danni
OH, and I'm going to share pics/videos very soon!