One week

It is hard to believe that we left Texas only one week ago. We have done a lot this week and have grown closer as a family in immeasurable ways. It has been a busy week, but also one with few major distractions from our most important job right now. Growing closer as a family. We have had some downs, but mostly ups on this important journey.

Isaac comes more and more out of his shell every day. He is pretty easy going most of the time. He throws his fits every once in a while, but it is nothing compared to what Emerson can do. Poor little guy, the fits worked so well in the past and John and I have to try hard not to laugh at his attempts. He had no idea that his brother has really raised the bar on resisting. The good thing for us is that his behavior is easily correctable and we stay calm and collected. So far this works and life moves quickly on.

Another great thing that is going on is that I think Isaac secretly is reading my "Attachment in Adoption" book. He is doing and ask for all the right things. He loves to be comforted in the rocking chair laying his head on my heart. His favorite game in the pool and at the playground is to jump into my arms. What a way to build trust. He loves for me to feed him the last few bites of his meal. Did I mention that he loves to cuddle while reading?

I am also encouraged that he will give hugs to others, but that he does not do it eagerly. This is a good thing for all of those outside of the adoption world. It means that he can discriminate between levels of trust and affection that are appropriate for different types of people in his life. He knows that Emerson loves his Mimi, Grandaddy, cousins aunts and uncles. He is starting to realize that we see them a lot. And he is starting to ask for some of them and get excited when he sees the same face again.

One interesting thing is that when Isaac is making an inaudible grunt (which for now is 75% of the way he communicates) Emerson will tell me "Isaac misses his Mommy and Daddy in Texas." How Emerson knows this and to what degree he comprehends this concept is a mystery to me. It makes sense that he would, but I find in intriguing that this is Emerson's take on the situation some times.

For now, we are getting better and better at juggling the two of them. I have to start doing some things for work next week, then I go back for one week solid. I love my job and I am looking forward to meeting my new kids and getting my classroom set up. I am also extremely nervous as Isaac has bonded with me much quicker than John. I know it will be good for them, but it is going to be a long week of making sure I meet every one's needs.

We are also busy getting ready to close on our new house. Fortunately we will have two houses for a month so we have time to pain and re-finish the hardwood floors.