5 months now...and I still don't have my mind around it!

We have had Austin for 5 months yesterday. My mind hasn't fully grasped being parents, but my heart is definitely there. Every day I tell myself, "gotta remember that one for the blog" and you sit down and the thoughts are gone. I want to capture every moment as they are all so special...Tonight we had fish (what he wanted), hamburgers, pork and beans, and potato chips. He said " I really like this", pointing to the pork and beans and saying all of it. He is becoming such a good communicator. He'll tell you he was born in Vietnam and has been on an airplane two times. I asked him if he remember flying on an airplane and he told me he remembered crying on the airplane. I asked why and he said because of the belt (safety belt)...it was ugly and we definitely remember it too. It was kind of amazing that it seemed to us most of his memories started once we got back to the states because we couldn't communicate to go back and visit past memories...just kind of eye opening. We baked a cake tonight. Of course, he licked every inch of the cake bowl with every inch of his face, hand and shirt. We had the music playing on the patio and he broke out in a dance. We joined and I am sure the neighbors were ready to call 911.

He can now sing snipits of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Row, Row, Row your boat. He was signing London Bridges and Its Raining, its raining a couple of weeks ago. Still doesn't have all the words, but he can carry a tune so it is recognizable.

He has been fishing with his Granny Helen and Papa Tom and LOVES it. We went to KC to visit his Grammy and Aunts and Cousins. He had a ton of fun swimming with his Grammy.

He had his first surgery on Friday. I can say it was heart wrenching for us, but he came through with flying colors. He is one resilient little boy and is tough as a boot.

4 AMAZING Months

4 months of being Mommy and Daddy to the most AMAZING little boy...opps I meant big boy! Austin is learning so much so fast. His communication is really coming along quickly allowing us to get to know his personality better. His wheels are always turning. Just the other day he told me that Mully (the dog) cut the strap on his lunch box with scissors! Now that is passing the buck! Also told me Sophie (female dog) went to the bathroom not only on the right side of the toilet, but the left side too! Really talented dogs we have! Too funny not to share. He can now print his name, sing his alphabet, ride his bike and scooter, jump on one leg and is an awesome Green Power Ranger. He is taking Karate lessons and doing well, he'll show you his Power Ranger if you ask. He loves to ride his 4-wheeler and couldn't be more proud of his "big helmet". I think he has a thing for helmets because he will wear his bicycle helmet in the house, in the car...wherever he can. He has his prayers down pretty well, only occasionally getting stuck in a loop. He loves to read one book over, and over, and over...his boat book. He said his first sentence last weekend, which centered around food...one of his favorite things..."Daddy, don't eat Austin's bread"! We were shocked that he put the full sentence together and spoke so clearly.

I had to travel for work. I explained that I was going on an airplane and he said "me too". Now, Bill says every time he sees an airplane he says "Mommy". He even pointed to the stars and said "Austin's Mommy". Being away from him is more difficult than I thought especially since he doesn't fully understand.

Our lives have changed so much in such a short period of time, but I can't imagine how he must feel. He continues to adapt so well and we are so proud of him. I've included pictures as they always tell the best story.

Two months - Hard to believe

It is hard to believe Austin has been in our lives for only two months. Each day he learns so many new things. I went back to work on the 31st and he went to Preschool on the 2nd. He did fantastic! Mom and Dad, on the other hand, were a wreck. He is so proud of his accomplishments. He points to his art work and himself and grins from ear-to-ear. When asked who made this "Austin" he answers as proud as a peacock. It is a joy to see his pride. He has mastered many things in a short amount of time and always, always wants to do things himself. He really only needs supervision at bath time and just a little extra brushing of his teeth.

Christmas brought all kinds of new adventure. He traveled to KC to meet his "Gammy" and stole her heart completely. They had tons of fun taking pictures and taking turns wearing Austin's bright yellow sunglasses. He had another big Christmas at his Aunt Ginny and Uncle Bill's. His cousin Marcus gave him toys and books he had so much fun playing with when he was younger. He had another big Christmas at his Grannys and PaPa Tom's where he met many more Aunts and Uncles and cousins and of course many more presents. Remote control was the theme this year and needless to say Austin LOVED the idea!

BILL, did I say BILL, bought him a 4-wheeler and is teaching him to ride. I must say it gives me heart palpatations from fear and butterflies from the joy I see all over father and son's faces...hey I am just gratefull it is not blood.

We are teaching him all kinds of phrases, some of which we shouldn't have. "Austin tooted" is one of his favorites and he uses it in context..trust us! He has learned major body parts and is picking up favorite foods quickly, banana, milk, juice, cookies and I think his all time favorite "yoger" (yogurt).

He is so funny getting ready. He likes his hair gelled like his daddy's and loves wearing cologne..."Austin is a handsome boy"...we are also teaching him to be humble (ha!ha!).

Will sign off for now as it is his bed time...forever blessed B & K