Saturday, May 31, 2008
Jibber-Jabber
This boy is a talker. He's constantly talking. His language skills are getting more complex as he is putting more words
together. Its neat to watch and he loves to practice. Wants all three of us to be together all the time when we are home.
Doesn't like when one of us is gone (especially Daddy).
Today I was able to mow the lawn with Anant in the Ergo. After I was done Anant said "yay" for me. Poor boy was a little
wet from the sweat on my back (he was on my back when I mowed). It felt so good to have something accomplished. It felt so
good to sit in the back yard when we were done and relax. Anant stared at the neighbor next door's task as he planted tomatoes.
He was fascinated. Another neighbor katty-corner to us in the back congratulated us as I informed her of our adoption process
of Anant. She thinks he's so cute. Her son wants to give Anant his favorite toy from when he was a baby (a lawn mower that
blows bubbles). Sounds perfect for our boy who likes to do what we do (lawn mowing, sweeping, cleaning, you name it he wants
to help). And he LOVES bubbles too! I was envisioning where the sandbox would be if we get one soon. I've been looking at
them. I'm hoping that Anant's neighborhood friends can come over and play with him in it (I love sandboxes too-so relaxing
to sit in it and put your feet in it). We'll need to get a baby pool too. I think it needs a slide since Anant loves slide
(and surprise, so does Mom-LOL). Anant does seem to like sandboxes. He has a set of tools to use. He's been using them already
for things like pretend cooking, trying to get his magnet letters out from under the refrigerator (Arg).
Anant is still a helper. When I spill something he is right there to help to wipe it up. When I talk to myself and say
"where are my shoes" Anant comes up with a pair of shoes (sometimes they are mine). When we call Derby to us and Derby doesn't
come he says "Dir!!!!, Dir!!! and smacks his hip like his Dad does.
Well, better go.
Mary
Friday, May 30, 2008
Not a very long nap. He was a little grumpy today. We did venture into the city for Dinner. It was good. Again, he is
a good sport, eating without too much trouble. LOVES mango lassi. Got it for him yesterday too and he loved it. This time
he kept pointing to the glass and I would let the last drops drip into his mouth. He looked like a baby bird doing this. I
was calling him my baby bird.
Its neat to see how Anant is reciprocating the affection/preference for some of his friends and his Daddy. He saw Natalie
(his 4 year old girlfriend) walk by our window today and he is fussing saying Na, Na, Na. He wouldn't let it go until I got
him over to see her before leaving for Dinner. He also was very happy to see Reina when we pulled up around 7:15 pm after
Dinner in Philly.
Regarding Daddy. I had to listen to "home", "Daddy" most of the way home. If I sang to him it was better. I don't
really blame him as he was sitting on his butt in the car on the way for an hour, in the restaurant for an hour and then in
the car for 45 minutes on the way home. No wonder he was fussy.
The little girls in the neighborhood are not helping me roll back my screaming about the bug a few weeks ago. They were
picking up a rock today and looking at the bugs and screaming. Then he was screaming.
Better go to bed,
Mary
We took a walk after Anant's bath this morning and looked at all the airplanes coming over. A lot today.
Anant wore his sunglasses for a minute or two when we went out walking then he threw them on the pavement. Don't think
these will work either. May as well take the second pair back. Can always get another pair if he ever takes to them.
Our Social Worker came today for our 3 month visit. She said she could tell by even just looking at his demeanor that
he has adjusted well. She thinks that his attachment and communication is very good too. She was happy to hear him doing so
much talking. He was grumpy while she was here. Hard to tell why. Tired, hungry, not happy that she was here.
Anant includes Derby in his offers of vitamins, tissues, blueberries or whatever everyone else in the family is partaking
of. We just tell him that Derby doesn't eat everything we eat.
Going to the city tonight for Dinner with a friend. Hopefully it will go well with Anant like it did yesterday. We'll
be leaving around 4 or so.
Anant started crying about one hour into his nap and now crying again. I may have to check into this.
Got new pics.
Mary
Thursday, May 29, 2008
We had a really enjoyable day. Went out for a walk this morning. Then we were outside watering the flowers before getting
in the car to go eat lunch with Judy and William. First, since I wasn't far from BabiesRUs I went there and picked up some
things. Anant will not wear hats but obviously doesn't like the sun in his eyes. We almost lost a hat today. I had to go back
to get it. He takes it off and usually tosses it right away but this time he was slick and kept it down low and then slipped
it out of the stroller when I wasn't looking. So, we'll see if he will wear the sunglasses. I'll try to get a pic. The sunglasses
are really cute. They are Elmo glasses. He had to straighten out the difference between elbow and Elmo a few days ago. It
was so cute. He expressed that he wanted me to straighten this out (I can't explain how but it was gestures and words he used).
He did this with our "chan-chan" symbol and the bird sign which look similar too. I can't help but think that this little
boy is really bright. He's really communicating and talking alot. Putting more and more 2-3 word phrases together.
We went to one of my favorite Indian restaurants today. Greater India
http://greaterindiafinedining.com/ . We enjoyed visiting with Judy and William. We have similar questions about raising our children. The food was excellent.
Anant is such a flexible eater. There is always something he will eat. He is such a good sport. Some of the food was hot for
him I think.
Anant didn't fall asleep in the car (he was in and out of it this morning quite a bit). We played some of his music that
Grandma Kris gave him which he is addicted to. He points to his player all the time (oh, and BTW, you can't put his CD in
the stereo, it must be in his colorful player-I tried that today to save batteries-my he is particular isn't he?). The CD
we played is an active one that he was doing the motions to which keeps him moving and awake. He is really good at doing motions
to songs now. I'm impressed.
The nap wasn't incredibly long but he seemed ok. We went to Reina's house to play for a while. Anant really likes the
kids in the neighborhood and they really like him. Its a blessing. Uh, Anant saw some bugs and guess what he did...scream.
Oops, that would be my fault. I'm going to try to turn this around.
Anant is addicted to bubbles. When we go outside he has to bring them with him. He really does like routine. The routine
is always to have bubbles when we go outside. Rob, Anant and I had a great time after Dinner playing together.
This reminds me that Derby's doc called yesterday and his blood shows active Lyme Disease. So the MD wants him on Doxycycline
again. I started it today and I thought he had enough in his stomach to not get sick but he didn't. He started to sit down
on the pavement (he never does this), then he started salivating. One of the little girls was holding his leash (the neighborhood
children love Derby too!) and gave it to me because Derby was obviously under the weather. I think it was the antibiotic.
We'll try again tomorrow after his Breakfast. At least it was cheaper than getting sedation and x-rays. Anant enjoyed visiting
the vet because he gets to see dogs and cats. Do all children love animals like this. He is so into animals and gets so excited
when he sees them. The pet owners thought Anant was so cute too (can't say I blame them).
Tomorrow is our second post placement visit (3 months). My time flies. Before we know it it will be time for the 6 month
and then finalization. I need to work on the SS card. I keep forgeting. Tomorrow night we are going out for Indian again at
New Delhi (no I'm not taking him to India-its the name of a restaurant in University City
http://www.newdelhiweb.com/). One of my favorites. Can't wait to have some Kulfi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulfi.
Mary
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
We went to Sammy's house today. It was nice to visit with friends. Anant seemed to enjoy himself too. Got some cute pictures
of Anant and some of his friends.
Anant had his teacher come today. He still doesn't do too great with her. Maybe its the time of the day. She was trying
to play with him with some of his noise making toys and Anant wanted his Dad to play with them not her. I still have to read
the recommendations.
Anant is so funny. He likes for all of us to have something in common. Like eating the vitamins. Tonight it was eating
blueberries. He would say "Momma" and point to the blueberries. "Dadda" and point to the blueberries. "Anant" and eat a blueberry.
We all ate a whole pint at Dinner. We can really put away fruit. I guess with 3 people that is really not a lot. Later the
thing in common was wearing belts. Anant and I wore Daddy's belt then we had to get Daddy one.
We plalyed on our bed which is always fun. He loves bubbles. Asked constantly all day for me to sing the song with "know"
in it. He just keeps saying "know". He didn't seem to space out with this song. Its similar to him requesting Deep and Wide
constantly. He seems to get a little obsessive about some things like that. Also obsessed with bubbles lately. Well they are
really fun.
He also noticed things out of place often and says "uh-oh". I usually listen to him because he's definately onto something.
A sheet is hanging out of his drawer. It bothered him. He was trying to fix it. The stroller was left outside yesterday and
he points to it and says "uh-oh". Bags for the dog's poo go up on our coat rack. He puts dishes in the sink that is higher
than his head.
He still is a tornado. The chaos can be maddening at times. But, this is life with a two year old boy named Anant. He
sure is busy. Into everything. You have to be quick to prevent catastrophies at the Dinnertable and elsewhere. Grandma Kris
said she could understand how I could be tired after a day chasing him. It made me feel better about being tired all the time.
My body still hurts. Now its my left lower arm/wrist. Trying not to pick him up as much. And I've been making him let
me use the Ergo carrier because my wrists get rest that way. He does like to be held. Its hard not to carry him a lot since
the social workers say that if they want to be held then hold them for attachment sake.
Mary
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Anant missed his Dad today. We also miss Grandma Kris. It was just Mom and Anant today. We did ok though. Even though
we were both sad. Rob was home for 5 days so Anant was used to him being home.
Anant really likes the pictures in a Bible that Lacy, Tom, Wes and Elia gave us (friends from church). Its really funny
because when we are flipping through to find the story that we are on when we pass the one of Absolom, King David's son, stuck
in a tree by his hair he makes us stop to look at it. It seems to be his favorite picture in the Bible. Cute/funny boy.
He also likes saying things like Anant's milk, Momma's milk, etc. He likes to say that we all have something. This morning
when we all took a Flintstones vitamin he would repeat all day that all three of us. Tonight all three of us had corn. Anant
just seems to love to talk.
We decended on a neighbor's house today. Anant brought his chair over. They are really nice neighbors to let us come
down and hang out like that. This was Reina's house. Anant said J.J.'s name and J.J. said, "he just said my name". Anant is
good at telling others what to do. At 2 he orders around adults and children. He may be a boss some day. He tells you where
he wants you to sit or stand.
We took Derby to the vet this morning since he still is not 100% and won't jump up on our bed or the couches anymore.
He was too upset to get x-rays so they will need to sedate him if they do this. We (the doctor and I discussed) decided to
get more labs (the doc got blood to see if Derby would be ok to take anti-inflammatory agents) to check the Lyme titer to
see if it may still be his Lyme causing this problem. If it turns out to be Lyme then we won't have to pay the big bucks for
the x-rays (it will cost more for sedation). Anant was such a good boy at the vet. There was a lot for him to look at
with pictures of Animals he was so happy. I gave him a dog biscuit for Derby and he put it in his mouth first (oops).
Mary
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
Anant really enjoyed the Roslyn parade today. This was the first time in a long time that I was not working on this holiday
and actually able to see the whole parade. Rob brought a bucket because now we have a cute child that draws lots of candy
from the parade. He was right.
Constance came for a visit today (a co-worker of mine). It was so nice to see her. Auntie Neha came too. Anant got to
see Reina and he was happy to see her after not seeing her for a week. He really seems to miss Nathaniel. Talking about Nah
very often. Always wanting to see my phone where there is a picture of Nathaniel and him.
We spent a lot of time outside today. Planting some flowers, sitting in the back yard. The weather was really pleasant
and not really hot or cold. Just right.
It is funny to see how Anant copies us. Rob was trying to get Derby to stop eating grass and get him out of the brush
in the back yard. Anant came over as back up. Looking just like Rob smacking his hip and saying "um" (I think this is come).
He was insistant on having bubbles today, didn't like no for an answer. Also wanted me to sing a song we sing in church
and kept wanting me to sing it over and over again with a glazed look on his face. He kept saying "know" which is a word in
this song. It goes "...and I know you gave the world your only son for us to know your name, to live within the Savior's love
and he took my place, knowing He'd be crucified, and you loved, you loved, a people undeserving". He must like this song.
Maybe its up there with Deep and Wide?
Really tired. Better go.
Mary
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Last Day with Grandma Kris
Well, today was our last day with Grandma Kris. We are sad to see her go. The visits do seem to fly by. Anant is warming
up to her more and more each day she is here and, of course, she has to leave tomorrow, early.
We went to church today. Anant still loving the nursery. Not fussing when I leave him there. A little clingy at first
but then just fine. Rob went to get him out when he thought the service was just about over and it wasn't. Anant was rammy,
talking loud when there was testimonies being given. I took him out and the whole way out the door he's saying (loudly) bye-bye
Dadda, mmmmmmmmm (wanting to kiss Dadda), bye-bye Dadda, mmmmmmmmmm, over and over. I was trying to get him to be quiet to
no avail. Everyone, of course thought it was cute. I was a little embarrissed. Here I am trying to keep from disrupting the
service and do so even more by taking him out.
We took him to the mall and he would have liked to have dove into the fountain but we didn't let him. Mean parents.
Today was a hard day for discipline. Anant seemed to be pushing the limits all day.
We went to Toys R Us to look around. Anant really liked these plastic chairs and the percussion set which included a
kazoo and a harmonica. She also got him maraccas. He really seems to like these as you know he is a music lover.
We also went for ice cream again.
We have more great pics and Rob took some of Grandma Kris with Anant too.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Go Fly a Kite
We went to Alverthorpe park this morning. The sandbox is awesome. We are now looking for a sandbox. Big enough so Mom
or Dad and Anant can play. I have to admit I love the sandbox. Its so relaxing. Something about it is so fun. Sliding boards
are fun too.
We tried flying a kite this afternoon. Not enough wind. But it was fun. Anant tried it too. So cute. We'll upload more
of Grandma Kris' pics. So nice to not be on photo duty right now. She takes great pics.
Talk to you all soon.
Mary
Friday, May 23, 2008
Happy Anniversiary
Well, today is the day. 10 years today. We actually dared to go out to Dinner at TGI Fridays. Anant did really well.
We put a rush on his food since it takes him a while and he stared fussing to get out of his chair. He did pretty well with
his macaroni and cheese and french fries. He also ate some of Dad's ribs. Probably could have ordered the ribs for him. He
loves ketchup and will dunk his fries and suck off the ketchup.
The past few days have been challenging with Anant throwing tantrums when told he cannot do something. Swatting the air
or whatever else is around since he is mad.
He loves playing in the kitchen with the spices, storage containers, bakeware etc. He would love for us to open the spices
so he can dump them everywhere. He's also learning how to unscrew them.
Anant makes this cute noise when he wants to kiss us (usually saying good-bye or good-nite). He says mmmmmmmmm and closes
his eyes and puts his lips up to yours. So cute.
Great ending to our Anniversiary. We have had the best gift of our son. First, the gifts of each other.
Mary
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Grandma Kris Visit/Eye Appt
Anant's eye appointment yesterday went fine. His eyes are normal. The Eye MD said something about the shape of his
head and his prematurity. Told me to mention it to the primary. That sometimes premature infants who lay in a bed, due to
gravity, have a ridge on the top of their heads. I don't know anything more about any ramifications and should have had the
wherewithal to ask but didn't. So that should be the last of the screenings that Anant has to go through. We have a very healthy
little boy. This is a blessing.
Grandma Kris got here yesterday and we've been enjoying her visit. She has taken some beautiful photos of our boy and
us (hundred or so!) Loading them to Flickr now. Hopefully they will load ok.
We looked at Anant's videos of when we went to get him in India. My how he has changed. I think I like his hair longer
than it was when he first came. He does look taller too and measures taller as well. Its so strange to see these videos. What
basket cases we were. It was so stressful those first few days, weeks. It seems so long ago and feels like a dream. Anant
doesn't do a lot of the things he used to do (he has new cute things that he does though). He no longer points with his hand.
He doesn't say "chan-chan" very much. He doesn't raise his eyebrows, say "ayeee", say "ooooo ooooo ooooo". Rob says its because
he is more verbal. He plays with toys and looks at books with attention that he never had in the beginning. Probably due to
adjustment, lack of language skills.
We went out to cold stone creamery after Dinner tonight. Anant had a great time. dropping ice cream on chairs, the floor,
smearing it on the window. Then trying to stick his finger in the ice cream (that was on the table, chair or floor-YIKES)
and trying to lick it. He no longer makes that horrible face that says "we never EVER had cold food in India, what is this
crap?!".
We took Anant to the park today and he headed straight for the sand box. Then down the sliding boards multiple times
with me not far behind. I do have something in common with Anant, I like sliding boards. The ones at the wall park are very
fun. The slides at Pembryn are very fast and beat the wall park. But the sandboxes at wall park are soooooooooo fun. It was
a bit chilly though.
Rob and I have our 10th Anniversiary tomorrow! I am so blessed to have such a husband who loves Jesus and is willing
to admit his faults and love someone like me who can be a terrible pain. Thanks sweetie. I love you very much and am so grateful
to God for bringing us together.
I'm grateful to God for providing for our needs beyond what we could ask or imagine. He is a loving Father.
Well, better go. Talk to you all soon.
Mary
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Anant woke up late this morning. I think it was 7:30. Usually its 6:30. He was really wet. First time he went through
the diaper. Poor little guy.
We went to Nathaniel's house. Anant had a great time dancing with Lydia to the Monkey Song. And ran around the house
with Nathaniel, at one point holding hands. He was excited to go to Nuh's house.
We had a good afternoon too. Anant let me vacuum the Living Room. He was on my back. We played with water again. This
is great fun. Using different cups, spoons and a funnel.
Went to food cupboard and Anant played with Cianna, one of his older women friends. Its such a blessing to have these
friends for Anant. Cianna is so sweet to him and plays so well with him. He laughs and laughs.
He had a hard time going to sleep after being at the food cupboard. he was so wound up. We put his dreamy music on that
Grandma Kris gave him and this helped. Need I say it again that this boy loves music. He has us sing all the time. Still requests
Deep and Wide all the time.
We have to get out really early for an eye doctor appt for Anant in King of Prussia. Part of the screenings that he has
to go through to ensure that everything is ok.
Mary
Monday, May 19, 2008
Daring Young Man
Well, maybe I didn't make him afraid of bugs. I'm thinking that he is so not afraid of things. Like when dogs or cats
snap at him and two weeks later he is still their best friends. He goes head first down the slide. He doesn't seem to be afraid
of much. He says hi to many people now. He saw our next door neighbor and I heard him saying "hi" at the door but didn't know
he was looking at the neighbor. He still prefers us to others though, which I guess is showing good attachment.
We went to the park this morning with Annabell and her Mom, Chris. It was so cold at the playground. Anant played in
the water on a sliding board so he was wet and then cold. We did eat a little and then left. Wanted to get Anant down for
nap by 12 so he could be fresh for the speech therapist (my wise husband suggested this). Need to do this on Wednesdays too
for the poor teacher so he is not so belligerent towards her. Maybe he liked the Speech Therapist more?? He really did well
with her. She was very helpful. She said that for new talkers its common to use just the first syllable. She gave us suggestions
for how to help him to say the rest of words. I really liked her. Anant was bringing ALL the spices to us, having me smell
them, he smell them, Yvonne, and even Derby! So cute. She said she really thought he was cute. She thought he was doing very
well. He was trying to say open for her. This was one of the two syllable words we worked on. We should focus on one word
and not lots at once she said. Also two word sentences was another way we can move him along. Its good that he likes music
because it really helps with language development. We do have peppercorns all over the dining room floor because this
spice was in a bag which Anant managed to dump on the floor.
Got two pics of Anant and Annabell. She is a cutie too!
Mary
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Bugs
Well, I may have taught another human being (other than my sister) to be afraid of bugs. I did good with the caterpillar.
But, tonight when we were playing in the closet a long bug with tons of legs (not sure what kind it was-had long legs) Anant
went to touch it and it fell and I screamed. Scared him so bad that he started to cry. Rob says I need to suck it up I'm a
parent. But I'm still a girl! I don't like bugs, especially certain kinds.
You'll see some pics of Anant and us playing in Rob's closet (you'll also see how small our closets are!!). He had
us get in there.
He went in the nursery this morning without any trouble at all. In fact in the middle of the music he says bye-bye to
me like he is ready to go to the nursery! He was so excited when we pulled in the parking lot. So cute.
Anant was not happy that I wasn't here when he got up from his nap. I had gone to a baby shower. He got into trouble
today for directly defying us a few times today. Touching the computer and standing on his riding toys. Both times when he
clearly understood us and we had firmly told him no.
Anant said "ear" today when I pointed to my ear and asked him. We are so proud of him and made a fuss.
Tomorrow Anant sees the Speech Therapist and we'll hang out with Chris and Anabelle. Primila and Joey are now in South
Africa.
Our friend Jennifer will be seeing her son in India probably while we are asleep tonight! Yay!!!!
Mary
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Sleepy Boy
Anant woke up pretty much at his normal time even though he went to bed late by about an hour and a 1/2. By 11:30
during Lunch he was eating and crying for no reason all of a sudden and then throwing his food. He went down for his nap at
12:30 and only slept an hour. By about 7:30 he was throwing his head back and whining and tantruming for no reason. Well...now
we know when we see this that he may be tired. He ended up in bed early. I had thought that maybe he is teething. Rob doesn't
think he is after feeling his gums. So maybe its the sleepiness.
We were outside a lot today. Rob mowed the lawn. We pulled up some flowers that got out of control. Anant "helped" of
course. We were able to clean and get ready for Grandma Kris' visit. One thing I will not clean until maybe day of is...you
guessed it...the kitchen floor. Its impossible to keep clean. I give up usually trying to keep it clean as its impossible
with a 2 year old.
Anant ate a good Dinner tonight. Breakfast was not great at all. Lunch was better. We had hot dogs for Dinner with vegetables
and french fries, then we had watermelon too. Anant has finally gotten used to eating hot dogs. Yay! What? Do you find it
strange that a dietitian would be happy that her child would eat a hot dog? Miska alerted me to this oddity the other day.
I do think this is funny too. Miska made hot dogs for us the other day and Anant ate the whole thing (for the first time-before
he didn't really seem to eat them that well). Tonight, again he ate the whole hot dog. The fries, he dips them in the ketchup
and then licks it off. To avoid a meal of ketchup I put some ketchup on his plate and then said "bye-bye Ketchup". That usually
works without causing a tantrum. Then he says "bye-bye" to the ketchup too. Same thing with jelly. Lick it off and ask for
more. I'm sure this is not uncommon. The thing with the hot dogs is that its a common food that is served to children and
if your child doesn't eat them and you are out at someone's house it makes it tough. I like to see Anant eating a variety
of things so that he is versitile when we go places. He is a really good sport with eating. I still love the book Child
of Mine by Ellen Satter. The info is so good. About not pressuring the child. Offering what you offer. Having some basic
things so the child has something that they like during that meal to eat (like bread or rice etc). Allowing the child to try
a food over and over again. Even when they spit it out. She says it can take 5-20 times for a toddler to spit something out
before they may actually eat it. This is how they investigate the food not necessarily rejection of the food. I've seen this
with Anant. Although it never takes 20 times with him. We are blessed with a boy that sleeps so well (so do we!!) and eats
so well (so do we!!). In the beginning I wanted him to like Avocado but he wouldn't even try it (that is odd for him). Maybe
its the wierd green color? Now he just loves it and will eat it by itself. I make refried beans and rice with salsa and avocado.
He does good with bean stuff. Plus, I like this too. Love beans.
The weather today was simply beautiful. Cool, lush, green, colorful. Incredibly pleasant. I just love spring. We will
be planting some seeds that our neighbor Mary gave us. They are called four o'clocks. This should be fun for us. Anant can
watch them grow and then smell them. He loves to smell flowers. He slimed the rose in our garden today with boogies (his nose
was running when I let him smell it-LOL). He still has a runny nose and is still stuffy.
Our friend Jennifer got to India to get her son Malachi finally. She will be meeting him soon. We are so happy for her.
Pray for she, her son and husband as they travel and do the visa paperwork. Especially for Malachi's adjustment to be smooth.
We are so happy for you Jennifer. India is wonderful.
Mary
Friday, May 16, 2008
Dad took Anant to Briar Bush Nature Center today. He liked the turtles best. Now we know of a place to go besides
the pet store when it rains.
Anant woke up before 6am this morning. As usual these days he woke up signing and saying milk. But he did fall asleep
in our bed for about 1/2 hour. This was so nice to be able to snuggle next to him for a while. He also took a 3 hour nap. He
did seem in a better mood this morning than he usually is.
We had community group tonight so he went to bed late. We'll see how late he sleeps tomorrow morning.
Mary
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Anant played with Nathaniel, Abigail and Lydia today. Anant is now saying Nathaniel's name. He calls him "Nah". As we
left Miska's house today he kept saying "bye-bye Nah". I have the picture of Nathaniel and Anant holding hands in the car
on my cell phone and Anant keeps looking at it and saying "Nah" and pointing at Nathaniel. Anant really enjoyed dancing with
Lydia to the Monkey song on PBS. It was so cute. It was great to talk with Miska today about life stuff. I was so happy she
called.
Anant was grumpy today. I think he's teething maybe. When I looked into his mouth yesterday I noticed taht there are
two purple spots on his gums where teeth come in. I'll have to call the pediatrician to see what they think. Maybe some tylenol
would help.
We stopped at Amy's house after nap because Anant wanted to go. So great that they live close by and we can just walk
over.
Not much going on here. Talk to you all soon.
Did get some pics today at Miska's house.
Mary
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Busy day. the OT was here at 9:30, she was nice and saw that Anant is a little unstable on his feet, especially when
running. She told us to keep taking him to parks so that he develops more balance and musculature. Anant was still leary of
her but not like he is with the teacher. Nancy, Sammy and Madalyn came over around 10:30. We hung out, went to our local park
and played then went home and had Lunch and then down for nap. After nap, the teacher came. Anant still leary of her and not
wanting her to play with him but wanting me to.
He is so cute. When other people give him attention he looks over at me, points to me and says "Momma". Like, this is
my Momma, you can't have me. I'm not sure what it is really about. But at least he knows he belongs to us.
We stopped over Amy's house and played with Sophie. I got a pic of Anant, Sophie and Rob on their front porch. So
cute. I keep not bringing my camera over to their house and having to use the cell phone for the pictures. Not a great
idea-cost $$ to send I think. I'll try to get them up soon on the Flickr site. They are cute.
Anant played with Reina and JJ. Anant wanted them to get into his car with him (no way possible) and they did try to
get in by themselves and it was funny because neither of them fit at all and they had a hard time getting out.
We had a great Dinner. Thanks Nana for the leftover Lasagna. Anant really seems to like this. I'll have to make it soon.
It was so nice not having to cook tonight.
Going to bed.
Mary
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
My body hurts most of the time now. My back, neck hurt. Arms and wrists. Muscles or joints I never knew I had until I
carried a small 2 year old (good thing he is small!). I had Anant get in the Ergo this morning after a little fussing. It
feels so much better for my back that is for sure. Don't think the computer helps much either or my posture (which I just
fixed-LOL) when I use it. Great to start out a post about me eh?! Well its the truth.
Rob is still sick. His sinus' are hurting now and his teeth due the the sinus pressure. I'm still coughing and Anant
is still having a runny nose.
We went to the wall park today. Such a great park. I love that sandbox. Got some cute pics. Rob was there but I was using
the timer to get some pics of Anant and I in there.
He saw a caterpillar and like every animal he sees he points to it and says "ow!". I guess he sees that it is furry and
like the cats/dogs he has had experiences with he lumps the caterpillar to it. He picked up the caterpillar and I thought
he killed it (I did warn him to be VERY gentle) because it was very still sitting in the sandbox. But it was ok and proceeded
to climb up the post and come back down. You can see a pic of Anant looking at the caterpillar. We also get to see the train
come by so many times and Anant tells us excitedly each time it comes by. I keep worrying about what we will do in the winter.
I have to remind myself that verse that says "don't worry about tomorrow because today has enough worries of its own" and
God knows our needs and will provide like he does for the birds and flowers that are clothed so beautifully. I need to just
enjoy days like this that are so very pleasant. The grass is so green the flowers so colorful and the sky so blue. Anant enjoying
the outdoors with us. Enjoying our Lord's creation.
I was singing one of his favorite songs today before nap (I don't recommend this one because maybe its not so sleepy).
The B-I-B-L-E. Its so funny to see this child that I did not know 3 months ago love these songs that he never knew then. He
really loves action songs and songs with motions. His eyes just light up and you get 100% of his attention. Its really fun.
With the song I sang him mentioned above you have to stand up at a certain point in the song and Anant knows it and was standing
(again, not conducive to napping-LOL). But still fun! He still loves to dance and says "da" (dance) when music comes on.
He also is popping more and more words out so fast now. He said milk I think yesterday (I say I think because he comes
out with them and sometimes we are not sure if he said it before or if we are just now realizing he is saying it). Today he
said eat. He still does his signs for please, more, eat, milk, water. He often wakes up, is carried into our room and immediately
signs "milk". Ugh, have to go get him milk when I just want to lay there with my achy body with him just snuggling. But no...
Anant is a big pretender too. He really enjoys when we pretend. He really enjoys when we fake crying. (That's a little
scary?) He often will take toys I'm playing with now and want me to cry, then he brings it back. He also likes to pretend
that we are taking medicine. He wants me to take a bite of his food but then takes it back or I just pretend to eat it.
Ok, this is a little personal but I'm going to say it because its so funny. Anant doesn't miss us going to the "potty".
He fusses to follow us in there and see what we are doing. When I'm in there he looks over at the TP and nods to it like "I
know your going to use the TP now Mom". Now he likes to get it for me! But when he follows Dad into the BR he tries to get
him TP too. Rob tells him most times "I don't use that Anant Mom does". Its so funny. Anant hasn't asked to get on the potty
or shown interest this week.
Speaking of potty talk. Uh-oh, we had a blow out this afternoon. What a mess.
Ok, so I'll switch to the other end-LOL. Anant is fun with cooking. I let him smell the ginger and garlic, caramom etc
that i'm cooking with. He really seems to enjoy it. I let him taste the ginger and he said "hot". My butter chicken that I
made last night was a little spicy. He stuck out his tongue and said "hot" but at least he didn't cry like he did with the
buffalo sauce at Chick Filet the other week when Dad gave him buffalo sauce not realizing that it was that hot. Anant was
screaming and crying. He's done that with salsa too. And you can't get him to drink milk or anything to cool it down he is
so upset.
We have the occupational therapist tomorrow morning and the teacher comes tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully he won't be so
surly with her again like last time. He resented the fact that she was trying to look at books with her. He would take them
and give them to me like "look lady, this is my Mom and only she can look at the books with me". How's that for attachment?!
Not bad. But I felt bad for the teacher. I'm sure its not new to her though. She is a nice woman.
We have our second post placement visit scheduled soon! One more and then finalization!!! Yay!
Anant will be baptized at church on July 27. I'm sure I will be bawling. Doesn't take much for me. There is so much emotion
with this parenting/adoption stuff. I still can't believe he is here with us.
Anant is napping. He cried quite a bit for a while? Not sure what was up with that. He slept last night until almost
7 am (so did we!!!) probably due to the short nap yesterday.
Talk to you all soon. Enjoy the pics. There are some from yesterday in his outfit that Heidi had given him which nobody
thought would fit him becuase they thought it would be too small. So cute. Rob took some really cool pics. I like the one
where he is going down the stairs. It is smaller on him now! He does look thinner and taller to me and measures taller. So
hopefully we will not have to do anything with that thyroid issue if he is getting taller.
Mary
Monday, May 12, 2008
Today was a little rough. I had a case of the blues today. Anant wasn't too happy today either. Maybe its the weather.
Maybe because we had 3 days with Dad and today was with just me?
Tomorrow is a new day.
Heidi came to visit today and we enjoyed visiting with her and it was the first time she met Anant. Anant had seen her
pic on the refrigerator and he often has me name the people on the pictures. When I said Heidi's name he looked at me and
did his hide/peek. It was so cute. He recognized the heid part of her name. He did give her a hug and kiss good-bye and said
"bye-bye". He's so observant, when she put her sweater back on he started to say "bye-bye". He associates certain activities
with leaving.
Anant discovered his toy phone today. Before he had no interest in it when Rob bought it. But today he got so excited
when it would ring and over and over again had us answer it over and over. It was cute.
Our friend Jennifer is leaving to get her son on Friday! His passport is finally in! Pray for their trip.
Rob is still sick. Feeling real bad today. Poor Dad.
Anant was really tired tonight. He didin't have a very long nap about 1 1/2 hour.
Talk to you all soon.
Mary
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day everyone. I'm so happy to be a Mom this Mother's Day finally. I'm so grateful to God for our son Anant.
Today for the first time Anant was in the nursery without Rob or I after the worship music. Rowan and her brother watched
Anant. Rowan is 8 and Anant really seems to respond well to young women this age. Maybe because of having Mayuri in India
I think, to play with a lot before coming here. Rowan said that Anant wanted to be held the whole time and kept pointing at
the door and saying Momma. He wasn't exactly happy when I left but I pulled myself away and tried to listen to the sermon.
I told Linda, the doorkeeper today to come and get me if after 5 minutes he was still crying. I don't even think he actually
full fledged cried. He just whined. No one came to get us. He was happy to see me when we came to get him. We'll talk with
out social worker as well to be sure attachment-wise we are doing the right thing. I don't see any warning signs with Anant
but want to be wise too.
We went to see Nana (my Mom) in Delaware today. Anant played and had us all running. He is a busy boy. We had a great
Dinner together. Anant played with CJ (one of our close friend's son). You'll see pics of them. It was hard to get any quality
pics. As soon as I thought I had a shot Anant was all done what he was doing or CJ wasn't quite ready for the picture. Oh,
well, I tried.
Anant actually wanted Nana to help him get out of the rocking horse and told me to sit down. I guess he likes Nana. We
heard Anant say bye-bye Nana (sounds like Na I'll have to add this to the list) about 1/2 hour into the trip home. He's so
funny.
Mom gave me a nice card and so did Rob. Mom gave me a book of poetry from a friend from our church growing up who has
adopted 3 times and is working on 2 more from Haiti and the proceeds for these books go to the adoption process. I couldn't
get through many without almost bawling out loud. Oh, my. I'll have to put the link to her book. It is good. I do enjoy a
good cry and these were so meaningful to me. Thanks Mom.
Well, I'm tired. Rob just went to bed. He washed a lot of dishes and did a lot this weekend. Thanks sweetie. I'm headed
there too so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed for our boy tomorrow.
Mary
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Worms and Water
This morning we saw some early birds getting their worms. The rain yesterday left a feast for the robins.
We are all still under the weather. Anant is still stuffy. I'm coughing and Rob's throat is sore. We went to linens and
things and got some curtains and a rod for the "basement". Grandma Kris is coming in a week and a half and Rob was on the
money and getting this done before she comes. They look very nice. Anant enjoyed "helping" and watching Dad with the power
tool. Anant even got to push the button and hear the noise the drill makes. How exciting. Nice to have the curtains up. Nice
job Rob.
Then we made a detour to the pet store. Anant enjoyed seeing all the animals and fish. He realizes now that animals are
not always nice. He still gets excited to see cats and dogs and such but says "ow!" and pulls his hand away. Its good to have
a little healthy fear of animals. Then we ate Lunch and Anant napped. I napped as well and took some tylenol extra strength.
I held Anant a lot yesterday and my neck and back were hurting which made me feel very tired this morning. On top of the cold
I'm not sure which was making me feel miserable. Its hard to be a parent when you don't feel good. Thank you to all you Moms
out there who work 24/7 without breaks when you don't feel well. I appreciate my Mom so much now and realize what a hard job
being a parent is. Happy Mother's Day early Mom, Mom-Kris and every Mom who reads this.
I felt so much better after my nap, meds and some good old chai tea with honey. Not only do I make my chai with whole
milk but I now put caloric honey in it (used to use splenda)! Bad Dietitian! Oh, well, I guess there are worse vices (is whole
milk chai with honey a vice?--Nah!).
After nap we went outside. Anant's favorite place. And we saw Reina and J.J. I'm so grateful for Reina. She is so good
to Anant! She just loves to play with him. Rob was digging out one of the thornbushes (I think this is his third one). Go
Rob! The back yard is so much better now. So after he dug out the huge root, Reina, J.J. and Anant were playing with the worms
and getting dirty. Hopefully Reina and J.J.'s Mom and Dad will let them come and play again after getting so dirty. You'll
see some pics from their worm hunt. One close up of J.J. with a worm.
We had a good Dinner and then played. The Dinner at 5:30 is working a lot better. Anant is not as hungry and we get more
time as a family to play during Anant's best time of the day. So, we played bye-bye for a while. Anant gives me a bag and
wants "up" and we say bye to Derby and Daddy and walk out the kitchen door to the stairwell then come back in. I didn't want
to play this for too long. Anant wasn't happy with this and fussed at me a lot when I tried to get him to play something else.
We did get him to play cars for a while. We played play dough and then got some water out in two large bowls and gave him
some measuring cups. Our friend Piper told me that she gives her children bowls of water and cups while they are waiting for
Dinner so I got the idea from her. Anant was busy for more than a 1/2 hour with this. Rob put some soap in the water and it
made it more fun with the bubbles. By the end he was soaked with water, but its water and we just took his clothes off and
put his PJ's on for bed. We have some pics of the water play too. Used the timer and got some pics of the 3 of us playing
in the water. These pics will be good for our post placement reports as we need family activity pics for these. We have another
report coming up for Holt in June and Rob and I have to do a report for the Indian government (the first of MANY). Notice
Anant's work face is his tongue sticking out. Usually its slight with his mouth shut. But, with his cold the tongue is hanging
way out.
Good news, our friend Jennifer got her son's passport so she will be leaving for India this Friday!!! We are so happy
for her. FINALLY! Praise God. Now we are praying for our friend Maureen to get her son's passport out of the same Bangalore
office.
Well, better go.
Mary
Friday, May 9, 2008
Low profile day. Anant didn't do too much. His nose seems to be running less today. He did sleep all night which is good
considering he was so congested.
Put him to bed tonight. I didn't even get through one song after praying with him before he wanted to go to bed. I did
get to hold him a lot tonight and enjoyed cooking with him on my hip. He really enjoys it. We had hot dogs and baked beans
with french fries for Dinner tonight. He can say hot dogs of course because he says hot and dog.
We played play dough after Dinner. Anant laughed so hard when I would make balls of the play dough and count to 3 and
throw them up in the air and they landed on the table (most of the time). He really didn't want me on the computer tonight
either. He seemed angry a few times today. He swats at the air and looks really mad. Sometimes in response to a "no".
We also played a "bye-bye" game where Anant had a bag and gave Rob and I a kiss and said "bye-bye" and tried to
go out the door. This is one of the times that he got mad because I wouldn't let him go out. Then Anant and I pretended to
leave a few times. Quite a few times! Rob's theory is he just likes saying bye-bye. When Rob or I leave without him he sounds
really happy and gives us a kiss and says "bye-bye" really loud. Well, its better than crying.
Well, better turn in and get rested. Rob is still really sick and I am sick too. Although I think he got it the worst.
I took a pic yesterday of Anant in a cute PJ outfit. A hand-me-down from someone (one of you will probably recognize
it).
Mary
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A Family That's Sick Together Stays Together
Stole the title of this from Rob. Cute eh?
Anant is really sick. He has a lot of congestion and is constantly needing his nose wiped. Poor baby. He was so sad when
he woke up from his nap. We went down the street and saw one of his girl friends Natalie. He was just a mess. Crying and whimpering.
I took him to the park to get his mind off it. It worked for a while. He's still eating, drinking and sleeping so far. I hope
he sleeps tonight. We have the humidifier on. I feel so bad for him. This is his first illness. I think God has been gracious
that Anant hasn't been sick since he came here. More than 2 months now. Thank you God. Now we need to pray that this respiratory
thing is over quick. Its brutal. This is life in a fallen world I'm reminded. I remember what Revelation 21:4 says about heaven:
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of
things has passed away." Many people have terrible illnesses and this is so minor. Its hard to see your child sick.
Well, I'm turning in early. Hoping I'll get better too. Rob is still sick as well. What a drag.
I think we'll go shopping this weekend. Maybe to get a sandbox. Should be fun.
Mary
Sick Pups
Well, I took the day off yesterday. Bloggers get days off too don't they? Actually, we are all suffering with a cold
together (except for Derby). We had a low key day today. Yesterday we did get to meet Meg and Atar. As well as two other children
from Guatemala who were adopted about a year ago. The one Mom was from Portland, OR and one from here so they were meeting
up because their daughters were in foster care together. Atar is so cute. I posted pics yesterday (I did get to do that).
Also, I couldn't get onto our blog site yesterday, just the picture site. So there is another excuse.
Anant was pointing at Atar a lot. Atar is about 1 year old and from Kolkata (used to be called Calcutta). Dillon is the
agency that they went through. Its nice to meet someone else who has adopted a child from India. Atar is a little cutie. Check
out the pics of her and Anant.
We played it low key today. Anant is grumpy today, so am I. Because we are not feeling well. He is down for his nap now.
I will be following.
I added a bunch of words to our word list for Anant. The teacher was here yesterday. Anant was not too happy because
I had woken him up from his nap because she was here. He didn't like when she would show him a book. He would whine and take
it away from her and give it to me. He seemed threatened by her. Wonder what was going through his head. The teacher thinks
that he is doing very well and thinks he will catch up just fine.
Well. Better go rest. Rainy day today.
Mary
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Busy Day
Supposed to have the occupational therapist today but there was a mix up with her schedule. She'll be here next Wednesday.
Went on a walk early. Whew, that Grisdale Rd. is rough with Anant in the stroller. Not sure how I'll do it much longer
because summer is coming. I'll have to bring a gallon of water! I'm cancelling my gym membership so this should help keep
me fit!
Got to the wallpark and played in the sandbox and swung on the swing with Anant's friends Sammy, Nathaniel, Maddie, Lydia,
and Abigail. I love the picture of him in the sandbox with his hat on. He doesn't tolerate hats for very long. Then we went
to Nancy B's house for Lunch. Piper came with Micah so we have some pics with Micah. Piper did an experiment to see how long
Anant would play with the other children, or just not try and find me. This was hard. I think I had a harder time than Anant.
I kept wanting to check on him. But the other Mom's did. He was in a fenced in area with the other children. As long as I
didn't peek out he was fine. And even when I did he was.
Remember in India when Anant refused to come to me. Well now he is preferring me and upset when we are both here (Rob
and I) and I'm not giving him attention. This is hard for Rob. We'll have to work on this. Since I'm home all the time with
him I think that its happening this way. I'll need to work on encouraging him to spend time and interact more with Dad when
I'm here.
Tomorrow we will meet up with Atar and Meg. Atar is one and adopted from India as well. How neat that there is another
Indian child that Anant can interact with and in a similar family situation.
Mary
Mary
Monday, May 5, 2008
New pictures up from our time at the pembryn park with Joey and Anabel. I showed Anant that sticks come from trees. Thereafter
he found sticks and pointed up to the trees and said "up" I think he got it. He was playing hide/peek around this pole and
taught Anabel hide peek. The first person to teach Anant hide/peek was Grandma Kris. I wouldn't be surprised if that is how
he learned a few things like apple and strawberry etc. He is a lot of fun to watch and play with. He wanted me to sit next
to him while he dug in the mulch with his stick. He would move and then say "up" pointing next to him. Of course I'll sit
next to my baby! I think Anant, Joey and Anabel are starting to click. They were following each other and running after each
other.
This boy definately has a love for nature and animals. He still shows me birds that I would never notice all the time.
Children are a blessing from the Lord.
This morning we had more trouble with Anant not wanting to sit in his seat to eat. I still don't know what is going on
here?! Please pray for us as we work on lovingly disciplining our boy. Maybe he is pulling fast ones on us? He seems to want
me to hold him. What we've been doing is not giving him his food until he sits there. We begin eating. He seems to want me
to hold him these times.
Oh, BTW he peed on the potty 2 times this week. Once was this morning. He gets so excited and loves to flush the toilet
but we don't let him unless its his own business that he is flushing. Well, today he got to flush his own! GOOD BOY.
When I put him down for his nap he was talking to himself again and playing I guess?! Wish I had a hidden camera.
Still enjoying Dobson's book. My recent reading talked about how many times we, as parents, ask our children to do things
10 times and by the tenth we are mad and lash out. Then the child does what we want. He says that anger is not what makes
them do what we want but the punishment. If they know that when we say something and don't take action when they do not obey
the first time then we don't really mean it. They will do what they want until they think there is a threat of punishment.
Not the yelling. Interesting...children are too smart. We need so much wisdom and love.
Talk to you all soon!
Mary
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Dance the Night Away
Anant was so funny tonight. Rob played his guitar and Anant danced. He was so cute and funny. Then we played Aradhna
and he danced to that (awesome Indian worship music)
http://www.aradhnamusic.com/ We love their music. The words are in Hindi and the music is beautiful.
He woke up grumpy for a while. He was whining when he didn't get what he wanted.
He went to bed easily but he is still up there talking. Not sure what he is doing up there.
Mary
Happy Day
Anant has had a great day. He has been so happy and animated today. The doctor came this morning and took our blood pressures,
blood, weight, height etc. Anant was watching all of this intently. I didn't look at the needles and such. Funny, this doesn't
seem to bother him (unless its him that they are sticking!). Anant made some happy noises when I told him we were at church.
He really likes church. Or, should I say he likes the nursery. He had a good time with his friends Sammy, Nathaniel and Sophie.
On the way to church he was constantly babbling. Bye-bye Momma, bye-bye doctor (I said this first and then he continued it).
Then saying Momma, home. Funny guy. He's now putting words together. Its so fun to hear him talk. We went to Duane and Julie's
for Lunch and Anant enjoyed dumping out their toys. He ate a decent Lunch (but at one point was "all done" because Dad wouldn't
get more grapes out for him). He was even refusing mango in favor of grapes! He obviously loves them. Anant enjoyed their
play doctor set. He took blood from me a few times and I said ouch. Then he just did it again and again. Duane and Julie let
him borrow this set for a little while (thanks guys!). We had a nice time talking with this family and catching up.
Anant went down for his nap so quickly. He was making some kind of noise after I left his room. Rob said "that's an interesting
cry". Not sure if it was a cry or not.
Someone at church suggested that maybe we should have an earlier Dinner since Anant's best time of the day is after Dinner.
Not a bad idea since he does seem to get so hungry early. Maybe we'll try this.
Turning out to be a nice day out. We should be outside after naptime.
Mary
Mary
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Taiwan and India
Judy and her husband came over tonight for Dinner with their sons William and Andrew. If you recall, William came home
just days after Anant with his forever family from Taiwan. We enjoyed talking about how our families are adjusting to the
changes in our lives. It was a blessing to be able to share with them.
Anant had a grumpy day. But, after Dinner is his best time of day and he was so fun. We played a few new games today.
We row a boat during the song Row, Row, Row Your Boat. He sits on my lap and we hold hands and pretend to row. We also were
pretending to drink something from a water bottle. We have such fun. This is the fun part of 2 year olds. They are learning
so much at this age. Its almost sad to put him to bed. He went to bed easily enough though.
Don't forget to check the pics from today. Cute, cute, cute.
Mary
Mary
Story Time
Went to the story time at the Glenside Farmer's market this morning. There was some kind of confusion about our appointment
with the doctor with the insurance company and now he is coming tomorrow. The story time was fun for Anant. Todd played some
songs on the guitar and we all sang and then Lawrence read the children some books. Hard to keep a 2 year old engaged. Especially
one who doesn't completely get Engish yet. But we managed to hold his attention for a bit. The weather was cold and rain threatening.
Glad I didn't bring any money there because there was some neat stuff there. Honey (which I have really enjoyed in my chai
these days)/eggs, natural soaps (Anant enjoyed smelling these), a potter making a pot, jewelry, flowers, and other goodies.
Anant seems to enjoy smelling flowers. One minute, looking at all the trucks coming by and the next smelling the flowers.
He enjoys life. He didn't want to leave when we did. He was throwing tantrums easily today whenever we would say no to something.
Again at Lunch refusing to sit in his chair. I wised up and told him firmly that he needs to sit in his chair. I think he
has my number. This morning Rob told him we were not playing that game and he listened and sat right in his seat. We need
so much wisdom to be able to see into his heart with these things. Its hard to know why he is doing what he is doing sometimes.
When I was cleaning the kitchen floor I asked Rob to keep an eye on him and do something with him. Well he cried and wanted
me. I think he was tired and hungry. Fed him some soup, crackers and cheese at Lunch and he did pretty well. Then he needed
a nap. He's down now.
Mary
Friday, May 2, 2008
Teacherphobia
Anant was afraid of the Early Intervention teacher who came today. He thought when her car drove up that she was me and
had a rude awakening. She told us to continue to label objects for him and to give him choices and to name the choices. Also
to play back and forth games like rolling trucks and balls and to tell him whose turn it is (is this to help him learn to
label us correctly and Momma and Daddy?). Her Outcome Goal is for him to follow directions in English and use some words to
interact with his family and play. The objective is to imitate words and sounds. Anant is really mimicking us a lot. He really
seems to enjoy this. So cute.
Dad was able to mow the lawn today with Anant in tow. That is one good thing, if you have things to do outside it is
quite possible as he loves it out there and is able to keep busy with things that are not harmful. He really likes to watch
me cook and to see all the things that I'm making. Yesterday I let him smell everything that I was using like ginger and garlic
(made dal). He really seems to enjoy this. Today I made hot dogs, baked beans and french fries. He liked hearing me say these
words and tries to touch everything and "help" as I hold him. Bonding time.
Anant's thyroid was still up. The pediatrician talked to an endocrinologist and felt that we should not do anything about
the TSH being high still. But to wait about 6 months and do a height and weight check. If his height is not coming up then
addressing the thyroid issue may be beneficial. Glad to see that the pediatrician sought advice and didn't rush to medication.
We went to the park with Rich and his 3 girls. They stopped by since all the women in our church are on a women's retreat
(all but me, well, not all). You'll see some pics from the park. Dave and his 3 children were also there. You'll see a pic
of Anant and Caleb with Rob on the side. Caleb was playing "big brother". Its so great to see so many children being kind
to him. Caleb said that he used to being a big brother to his little brother who is 2. He asked how old Annat was. When I
told him he said he thought he looked like he was 5 months old. He was surprised when he saw Anant get up and walk (he was
sitting on the dirt path). Others have said he acts like a 2 year old but is tiny.
Anant went to bed without trouble. A little faster than I had wanted. He did want me to come "up" in his bed as he said. I
love this sweet boy.
Better go to bed myself. We have an early date with a doctor who is evaluating us for life insurance. Pray for a cheap
rate (good labs and blood pressure). Hopefully we can make it to hear Lawrence at the farmer's market at 9:30 do the story
hour (not an hour story but some activities on gardening). Should be fun for Anant.
Mary
Mary
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Lock Out
Well, it happened again. I locked us out of the house. Rob got back in through the kitchen window while I went to Amy's
house to call some people who could have a key. What a mess. We were going out for a walk and I shut the door and realized
that it was locked. Do you think after doing this 3-4 times I would get a key to a neighbor's house so we don't have to go
through this?
We had a bit of a hard time tonight with our sweet boy. After his nap he wanted a snack but refused to sit in his chair-yeah
that again. I refused to give in so he didn't get a snack until he would sit in his chair. I held him a few times. A few times
he would get in the chair but then would cry and want out. He eventually ate a whole banana sitting in his chair.
Anant played with Reina today. I thought he had a name for her. I asked him today to say her name and it was what I thought
it was; Monna. Sounds like Reina doesn't it? So cute. Reina comes over whenever she can and plays with Anant. Plays his cute
games and sits where he wants her to sit (so do I) and then he has us help him jump off the neighbor's step. Reina is so sweet
and fun to be around.
Anant has a hard time coming to me when I call him. This is a pretty important thing that he learn. That when I call
it doesn't mean run as fast as you can the other way.
He must have known that Rob was coming home late. He was getting fussy and saying "Momma" and wouldn't stop looking out
the window. Then he was really hungry and wanted me to hold him while I cooked. Then when I wouldn't give him a bowl (he had
already started to eat with his hands) he threw a major tantrum (probably didn't help that he was hungry. So he started throwing
food. Which got him in trouble.
After Dinner was when I locked us out. We had went out for a walk. Still got the walk in. Then read like 5 books to Anant
(WOW, didn't think he could focus this long this is progress!). Also probably helps that he is now knowing the language more.
Then I got him ready for bed. I had such a sweet time with him tonight. He didn't ask to get right into bed. I hate to say
it but I love the Barney song. Know why? Because I love any excuse to hug and kiss my boy. I love him so much. I felt bad
that today was a little negative. I think he was talking like us when we went for a walk he was wagging his finger and saying
"no, no, no" sternly. Oh my.
Well better go. My back/neck hurt from typing.
My nausea seems to be gone. But I woke up last night though around 1am with what I think is reflux. Probably from gaining
weight. Ugh.
Mary
Boys, Boys, Boys
Anant played with Sammy and Nathaniel today. They fought over necklaces. Shiny, sparkly beaded necklaces! Then they were
fighting over a empty container whether to put the lid on it or not. Anant felt that the lid should be on it, Nathaniel had
his foot over the opening, Sammy put the lid on it. Funny boys. Then Lydia danced to the monkey song on the computer. The
boys danced too. Anant has become quite the dancer. He even break danced on the floor a little. Well, if you call laying on
your back and putting your feet in the air breakdancing. Well, he's 2 we can count it right?! He didn't want to leave. But
thankfully didn't throw a tantrum. I think he must have enjoyed himself. Nice to see him getting so comfortable with the other
children. He still points to them when he sees them and touches their faces with his finger. Like, "hey I know you, can I
touch you?" I'm always wondering if Anant will hit other kids or show aggression with toys. When children have lived in orphanages
you wonder if this type of behavior will surface. I haven't seen it yet. I've seen him get upset and try to take things back.
Interesting... guess BSSK did not put up with this type of thing??
Have one new pic up of Anant and Derby yesterday in the sun in the dining room. Anant still kisses Derby's back. When
we come home from somewhere he says Hi Derby (not quite says Derby but something like it) and is happy to see him and kisses
him.
Anant is working on getting his alphabet magnets back under the refrigerator. I finally got all of them out (well, most
without moving the fridge) the other day. Now, every time he puts it under he wants me to get it out with the plastic knife
(which is about the only thing that fits under there). He threw Derby's toy underneath the neighbor's minivan again and said
"uh-oh". I was digging in the garden trying to get the monster roots out and Anant was trying so hard to help me with the
shovel. Just like he helps me with sweeping the kitchen. He really doesn't want me to do it. But he really can't do a thorough
job yet.
I've been liking Dobson's book called The Strong Willed Child. Thanks Nancy M! Its helped me realize that some
things are annoying but 2 year olds are not doing things to annoy or on purpose. Its important to figure out what is willful
disobedience and what is childhood immaturity. Also he makes the point to make things fun and loving in your household. Good
reminders. The messes all the time are hard to take as an adult.
Well, I'd better go. I think he is up now.
Mary
