So big!

Kieran is getting so big! He is able to do so many things that he couldn't do three months ago when we first met him. He is feeding himself and getting most of the food in his mouth. I'm really loving the fact that he able to feed himself more independently, which means less work for mom and dad- yes!



The movie quote, "Everywhere I went, I was running!" fits Kieran perfectly. He is zipping around with ease now. It's hard to remember that when we met him in May, he was unable to stand without support, and walking was almost impossible. It's awesome to see the transformation.
Pictured below: Kieran enjoying a book with his Auntie Kendra

Kieran is also making great strides in his verbal skills. He's become quite talkative! It's fun to have "conversations" with him. Books have been instrumental in helping Kieran learn English. He has several books that he loves,Skippyjon Jones Up and Down (a book about opposites), and The Squeaky Door are his absolute favorites, with Snuggle Puppy close behind. Of course, all three of us have them, and many other stories, memorized. Kieran will spontaneously start quoting Skippyjon Jones and we'll fill in the blanks with the words he can't say yet. It's hilarious. We visit the library at least once a week to find new books so Mike and I can have a break from the standard favorites. Two great books that we found there are, Dear Zoo , which is where Kieran learned animal names and the sounds they make, and Blue Hat, Green Hat which is obviously a book about colors but more importantly, it's funny and Kieran gets why it's funny. The turkey in the story puts the clothing on the wrong body part and always says, "oops". Kieran says "oops" every time the turkey gets it wrong. It's just adorable!

Can you tell we're in love with this kid??

Wall builders

There's always a project going on at our house. The latest is a wall building project. Mike is doing all the work himself. But he has two admirers that often stand on the sidelines watching his progress. One admirer is in the photos and the other is taking the pictures. I love my boys!

A special reunion

Last weekend, we went to a picnic for all families in our region that are or have adopted through our agency. For us, it was a very special day because we got to see our travel buddies that went with us to Rwanda. (If you've been following our blog you'll remember Mike and I, along with two other families adopted boys from the same orphanage back in May.) I was so excited to catch up with our dear friends that I didn't even eat lunch! We also had the opportunity to meet other families who have adopted and swap stories, as well as encourage those that are waiting for their children. It was an awesome and exhausting day! Ok, no more chatter, here are some pictures of the event which I'm sure everybody is eager to see...
Can you tell who's who? It was impossible to get a photo of all three of them smiling at once. (Left to right: Kieran, Henry, & Trent) They have all grown so much since May!
"Dear Grandma and Grandpa, for Christmas I would like... a red Radio Flyer wagon."
The Three Musketeers with their boys. Kelly & Trent, Mandy & Henry, and Amy & Kieran. God has woven our lives together in an amazing way through the miracle of adoption.
I love my boy!!!
The kids had a blast in the sprinklers at the park. (Kuddos to Mike for taking this awesome picture!)
The dads and their boys. James & Henry, Corey & Trent, Mike & Kieran
Kieran loves his daddy! On our trip to the picnic, Kieran kept singing, "Daddy, daddy." It was so sweet!!
Back at home, we've been letting Kieran practice eating with a spoon. Here, he proudly shows off his yogurt grin.

A busy summer

We've had a lot going on lately, which has left little time for blogging. The weather here has been hot so we are often outside in the little alligator pool trying to cool off. Thankfully, Kieran loves the water!
Our neighborhood friend, Brianna, came to play with Kieran in the pool. They had a blast!
My parents were here last week visiting. I made them a brag book so they could show off pictures of their first grandson. Love you Mom & Dad!
Grandma and Kieran. Isn't he adorable in those sunglasses?? Kieran loved having his grandparents here. Being the center of attention suits him just fine. :)

Tune in next time for news about our first get together with Kieran's buddies from Rwanda!! Pictures and details coming soon.