Well it is official, The babies are 14 months and 2 days old. This means they have been with us for more then half their lives( by 2 days) and longer with us then in a orphanage(by 1 day). I have really been looking forward to this milestone.
They are really getting so big and independent. For the first time this month, I have actually seen them interact with each other intentionally and in a positive way( Besides snatching each others toys). It is so weird,I was wondering if they were ever going to notice each other. They were in the bath tub and Khai would make a funny sound which would make Meliah bag up. Then he would bag up. Then he would do it all over again to make her laugh. It was so cute. I hope to see more of this in the future. So many people tell me how their twins were best friends and entertained each other. I have not seen any of this and was starting to worry about their bonding with each other.
Things have gotten much easier with Khai and his sleep issues. When we rock him to sleep at night he actually relaxes and cuddles against us. No more fighting us. I lOVE IT. He also sleeps better at night and not as many screaming fits in the middle of the night. He still wakes up but I am not going to ask for too much all at once. I think it might have been him grieving. He had a very drastic life change and it is only to be expected.
What we are doing at 14 months:
Khai:
-Got 3 more teeth(9 total)
-Can walk down stairs holding onto banister
-Is a loner and likes to play by himself
-Very serious
-Loves to ride on the tractor and help Daddy with yard work
-Loves to be outside
-Sings to music
-Has really taken to Mommy since she came back from spending 4 nights in Hospital with Preston. Must have really missed her. She is his NEW buddy. Sorry Daddy.
-Drinks from a sippy cup
Meliah:
-Walks all the time and in shoes
-Has 4 teeth (Yeah,Coming in very slowly)
-Very happy and smiles all the time
-Tolerates outside but does not love it
-Loves to read
-Loves to watch Baby Einstein "Lullaby time" and "Babies first moves"
-Dances to music
-Drinks from sippy cup
-Loves the bath
-Now a night owl.Will not got to bed before 11 0r 12
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Preston's 17th Bday
I can't believe my first born turned 17. Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday he was teaching me the patience of a new parent. I remember how scared I was the day he was born. I was only 19 and I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders when I saw his little face. I was responsible for what kind of human being the little person became. Talk about pressure. My life changed that day forever. My children became my world and my greatest gift.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
160 "Million" Orphans in the world
160 "Million" orphans in the world. "Thats more then half of the United States population growing up without Mommies and Daddies." What are YOU going to do about it?????
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Something to think about found on a fellow AP blog
All our babies know is the life they lived. Good or bad it was familiar and it was their life. This is powerful stuff and really makes you think.
For anyone considering adoption, please read this article. November 01,2006 / Cynthia Hockman-Chupp
You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by soul mate, for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the worldthe person who will be with you for the rest of your life. The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face. But it's not him! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man?
Where is your beloved? You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back. . .even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay. But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him? Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.
You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact. Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it. More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?
You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried. The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you. You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy. The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to get along. You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.
Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair. Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.
He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black. You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep.
People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness. Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.
Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.
How would each of us handle all these changes?
How would this impact us for the rest of our lives?
For anyone considering adoption, please read this article. November 01,2006 / Cynthia Hockman-Chupp
You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by soul mate, for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the worldthe person who will be with you for the rest of your life. The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face. But it's not him! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man?
Where is your beloved? You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back. . .even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay. But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him? Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.
You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact. Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it. More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?
You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried. The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you. You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy. The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to get along. You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.
Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair. Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.
He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black. You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep.
People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness. Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.
Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.
How would each of us handle all these changes?
How would this impact us for the rest of our lives?
What we are doing at 12 months
Khai at 12 Months
- Walks and runs everywhere. Never crawls anymore.
-Learned to walk in shoes
-Loves his Daddy very much. This is his night time buddy.
-Can climb up Staircase
-Can climb on/off furniture unassisted
-Can sign "Bottle" and "More" without being taught (Seemed to have no interest in signing so I stopped trying months ago)
-Gives BIG kisses
-Is very shy around strangers and will only go to people he knows
-Still only has 6 teeth
- loves to take all spices and kitchen utensils out of cabinets
-Likes the bath now
-Tolerates the carseat
- Loves the dishwasher
- Is still working on being gentle with Meliah. Now love taps have turned to hitting.
Meliah at 12 Months--
- Started walking. Takes about 4 steps but still crawls for main transportation
-Stands unassisted
-Can stand up from sitting position and sit back down all by self
-Can sign "More","All done","Eat"," Bottle", "I love you", and "Yes"
-Drooling like crazy
-Loves her Mommy very much. She is my night time buddy
-Can climb staircase
-Is becoming more comfortable with people outside of family that lives in our house
-Loves baths
-Hates the carseat now
- Still only has 2 teeth on bottom
- Has mastered being gentle with Khai. Rubs him on his head during diaper changes
- Walks and runs everywhere. Never crawls anymore.
-Learned to walk in shoes
-Loves his Daddy very much. This is his night time buddy.
-Can climb up Staircase
-Can climb on/off furniture unassisted
-Can sign "Bottle" and "More" without being taught (Seemed to have no interest in signing so I stopped trying months ago)
-Gives BIG kisses
-Is very shy around strangers and will only go to people he knows
-Still only has 6 teeth
- loves to take all spices and kitchen utensils out of cabinets
-Likes the bath now
-Tolerates the carseat
- Loves the dishwasher
- Is still working on being gentle with Meliah. Now love taps have turned to hitting.
Meliah at 12 Months--
- Started walking. Takes about 4 steps but still crawls for main transportation
-Stands unassisted
-Can stand up from sitting position and sit back down all by self
-Can sign "More","All done","Eat"," Bottle", "I love you", and "Yes"
-Drooling like crazy
-Loves her Mommy very much. She is my night time buddy
-Can climb staircase
-Is becoming more comfortable with people outside of family that lives in our house
-Loves baths
-Hates the carseat now
- Still only has 2 teeth on bottom
- Has mastered being gentle with Khai. Rubs him on his head during diaper changes
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Happy 1st Birthday
Meliah and Khai had their first Birthday on Saturday March 29th. I can not believe my babies are 1. In so many ways they have come a long way in the past 5 months. It seems like yesterday we were in Vietnam picking them up. These past 5 months have gone by lightning fast. I think because I am so busy every second of the day. I don't think I am ready for them to move on to the toddler stage. Nobody really understands. When people see them they look like 12 month old toddlers but in my mind they are like 5 month old babies. I am still in that early mommy hood period. I still feel like a NEW Mommy. I want to shout to the world "Look at my NEW babies!!". Meliah is an enabler; she would let me hold her in my lap and cuddle from sun up to sundown and all night long, like a newborn baby, if I allowed her to. This would not do much for her growth and development but Mommy sure would love it.
Their first Birthday was a range of emotions for me. I was so excited it was their first Birthday but I also felt a wave of sadness wash over me every time I thought of it. With my Bio kids I always find myself recalling their birth on their Birthdays. It is my first instinct. I do it without thinking. Out of instinct and habit, When I searched my memory for Melih and Khai's birth nothing was there. At first I wondered why I could not recall and then I remembered they are adopted. It makes me so sad I did not see them enter this world. I knew this fact before I adopted but never thought it would bother me this much. I love them so much and want to have experienced every second of their lives. I hate that there are pieces of my children's lives I know nothing about. I probably will never know. I know this must sound so strange but I just don't ever think of them any different from my Bio kids. Not for one second of the day. It never runs through my mind except when we get the constant "Are they Twins? Did you get them from China??" question. I always think "How do they know they were adopted?". Then I remember DUHH? Your a family of Blonde hair and blue eyes with 2 Asian children who look nothing like any of you. When I look at them I do not even notice they are Asian anymore. It does not even occur to me.
Below is a slide show of their Birthday. We spent about 5 hours at a family play center. All 7 of us went. It was a big deal for the older kids to come along. We had a few family members with little kids meet us there. Then later that evening we had a cake with some family members.
Their first Birthday was a range of emotions for me. I was so excited it was their first Birthday but I also felt a wave of sadness wash over me every time I thought of it. With my Bio kids I always find myself recalling their birth on their Birthdays. It is my first instinct. I do it without thinking. Out of instinct and habit, When I searched my memory for Melih and Khai's birth nothing was there. At first I wondered why I could not recall and then I remembered they are adopted. It makes me so sad I did not see them enter this world. I knew this fact before I adopted but never thought it would bother me this much. I love them so much and want to have experienced every second of their lives. I hate that there are pieces of my children's lives I know nothing about. I probably will never know. I know this must sound so strange but I just don't ever think of them any different from my Bio kids. Not for one second of the day. It never runs through my mind except when we get the constant "Are they Twins? Did you get them from China??" question. I always think "How do they know they were adopted?". Then I remember DUHH? Your a family of Blonde hair and blue eyes with 2 Asian children who look nothing like any of you. When I look at them I do not even notice they are Asian anymore. It does not even occur to me.
Below is a slide show of their Birthday. We spent about 5 hours at a family play center. All 7 of us went. It was a big deal for the older kids to come along. We had a few family members with little kids meet us there. Then later that evening we had a cake with some family members.
Friday, February 29, 2008
ROLL CALL- PLEASE everyone sign
There is this sort of phenomenon in blogging called “lurking.” This occurs when you visit a blog frequently, but never leave a comment.I am outing you.If you are a reader please leave a comment with your name, where your from and any other info to share! I want Meliah and Khai to read this someday and I thought this would be neat. This is pretty much their digital baby book.
Cheers
Cheers
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Meliah and Khai 10 months old
Meliah and Khai turned 10 months old and have been with our forever family for 3 months now. We can barely remember a time without them.
Khai at 10 months is:
-Cutting teeth number 5&6 up top
-Roars like a Dinosaur
-Loves for Mommy to sing him Rock a bye baby
-Claps and says "Yeah!"
-Can give high five
-Stops and claps to the ABC song
-Sleeps in his crib(But not through the night)
-Says "DADA,MAMA,BA,YEAH"
-Naps once a day(2 to 3 hours)
-Stands unassisted
-Started taking steps and walking on own by 10 1/2 months
-Eats 3 solid meals a day
-Started drinking from Sippy cup
-Likes picture books
-Loves the ball pits
-Is working on GENTLY patting Meliah
Meliah at 10 months is-
-Got first 2 teeth on bottom
-Started Crawling
-Claps when you say "Yeah"
-Plays patty cake
-Can give high five
-Waves "Hi" And "Bye-Bye"
-Says " Mama"
-Dances when she hears music
-Sleeps all night in her bed
-Naps 3 times a day( 1/2 hour each)
-Pulls herself up and can get back down on own
-Stands unassisted
-Eats 3 solid meals a day
-Started drinking from sippy cup
-Like picture books
-Loves the ball pit
-Is working on GENTLY patting Khai
Khai at 10 months is:
-Cutting teeth number 5&6 up top
-Roars like a Dinosaur
-Loves for Mommy to sing him Rock a bye baby
-Claps and says "Yeah!"
-Can give high five
-Stops and claps to the ABC song
-Sleeps in his crib(But not through the night)
-Says "DADA,MAMA,BA,YEAH"
-Naps once a day(2 to 3 hours)
-Stands unassisted
-Started taking steps and walking on own by 10 1/2 months
-Eats 3 solid meals a day
-Started drinking from Sippy cup
-Likes picture books
-Loves the ball pits
-Is working on GENTLY patting Meliah
Meliah at 10 months is-
-Got first 2 teeth on bottom
-Started Crawling
-Claps when you say "Yeah"
-Plays patty cake
-Can give high five
-Waves "Hi" And "Bye-Bye"
-Says " Mama"
-Dances when she hears music
-Sleeps all night in her bed
-Naps 3 times a day( 1/2 hour each)
-Pulls herself up and can get back down on own
-Stands unassisted
-Eats 3 solid meals a day
-Started drinking from sippy cup
-Like picture books
-Loves the ball pit
-Is working on GENTLY patting Khai
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
We are home!!!
Well the flight from Hell is finally over and we are home safe and sound in our cozy home. We were thrilled to see our family and they were thrilled to see us and the new arrivals. The babies took to everyone and were on their best behaviors even with the time change and jetlag. We are so happy to be able to start our life as a family of seven. We missed our 3 older children so much. A month was way to long to be away from them.
It is so strange to leave Hanoi and return to the US after almost a month. It gives you a whole new perspective on your life. I am somehow humbled by the whole experience. I wonder if some of you BTDT have also felt this way?
It is so strange to leave Hanoi and return to the US after almost a month. It gives you a whole new perspective on your life. I am somehow humbled by the whole experience. I wonder if some of you BTDT have also felt this way?
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Leaving Vietnam
All 3 Lang son families are leaving Hanoi today. Rich's flight leaves in the afternoon and it seems Kent switched to our new flight this evening.We are very lucky to have been able to catch flights out before the Holiday rush. The babies have all grown so much in the past few weeks and all seem to be attaching well.
Friday, November 16, 2007
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