October 2012

Ethan just celebrated his 4th birthday. What a happy time to be with Ethan. We have spent the last 2 months evaluating Ethan for preschool services. He qualified for speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. We also have a hearing test next week. So, it's a difficult process. We knew to expect delays. Ethan learned English and a host of other things beginning at 27 months. He had to learn to snuggle and give kisses. He didn't know how to take a bath, and cuddle under the blanket and read a book. There were so many everyday things that kids in a loving family do that Ethan had to learn. I'm so glad he did, but there was a sadness to know that he didn't get those things in the orphanage. There is a deeper sadness to know that so many kids worldwide never get those things. Taking all of this into consideration, it's still difficult to have evaluations that tell me all he doesn't know yet. Overall, I am hopeful that some great professionals are going to help him do all that he can. Through all of the evaluations and testing, he has a great, charming attitude. He was cooperative for over 2 hours during the testing. He smiled and did his best. I think one of his greatest strengths is his "can-do" attitude.

July 2012

July 25, 2012 This is a long overdue update on our family. We just returned from the beach. I can't believe what a difference one year has made. Since our beach trip last year, Ethan is completely potty-trained, day and night. He has learned to swim and we worked so hard last summer to get him to just put his head under the water. What an accomplishment for him. He is starting 3 day preschool in the fall. He has fully recovered from his second hand surgery. It has been a joy to watch him blossom into a confident, playful preschooler.