Today is the one year anniversary of meeting Eli!! And wow, what a ride it has been. We watched the video this morning of our first days together. The funny thing is that he is still the same wild, crazy, belly laughing, fit throwing, obstinate boy we met that first day.
There are a few things about Eli that are obvious from the minute you meet him: 1) he is gorgeous, and has an infectious smile, 2) he has a twinkle in his eye that has trouble written all over it, 3) he is LOUD and 4) he loves to be the center of attention. Oh and obstinate, did I mention he can be quite obstinate? I think that word deserve to be in capitals too...OBSTINATE!! He is definitely acting his age these last few months. I wonder if three will be better or worse?!
After Em's first year home I wrote several stats about her, so I thought I'd do the same for Eli's first year...
Number of shoe sizes grown: 4, from 5 to 8
Clothing sizes grown: 3, from 18m to 2T
Pounds gained: 9
New Teeth: 12 (?)
Trips to the hospital: Two ER visits; one for pneumonia/asthma, one for falling down the stairs
Trips to the doctor: Too many, unfortunately!! We're finally seeing a specialist about his chronic pneumonia and lung issues. I feel like his chronic sickness/chronic diet of antibiotics has contributed to his obstinate nature.
Hours in his brace: 13-14/day, he is still wearing a brace for his club feet at night and nap time. We are amazed that his "special need" never stops him. He is athletic, agile and super strong!
Number of nights spent snuggling in bed with Mom and Dad: Countless, he burrows in and sleeps like a log.
Number of days spent copying whatever his big sister is doing: 365!!
Times he has referred to himself as "Eli": Zero! He calls himself "Yang Yang" to this day. We asked his teachers to use his Chinese name at school, and we call him that often too. I've learned just how important a name can be after spending a year with my son.
Current Favorite Books: A choose your own story book about a princess and The Mitten by Jan Brett
Current Favorite Music: Itsy Bitsy Spider, I had a little Monkey, Victor Vito
Number of hugs & kisses: Thousands, but you can never get too much.
We all have so many more laughs because of this sweet boy!
May he always know the richness he has added to our lives and that he is loved beyond measure.
One year ago...
And today...
Yang Yang is most definitely the most precious little boy I have ever seen! And... after having seen him on your blog one year ago, I have been dreaming of my own little boy from China, which sadly is not going to happen :(
Posted by: Susan | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 07:22 AM
He is so stinking cute! Congrats on a year together!
Posted by: Elaine | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Oh MY! You are in trouble!! Look at that sweet face!!!!
Congrats on the 1 year anniversary!
Karrie in IN
Posted by: Karrie | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Oh, he is adorable! They are both adorable! Congratulations on this very special anniversary!
Posted by: Mary | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:38 PM
He is adorable Bobi! You do such a great job with your blog! I love seeing pictures and reading about your sweet kids!
Posted by: Brooke Hafen | Friday, June 26, 2009 at 01:50 AM
I tried posting yesterday but I think I deleted myself.
He is so cute!!!! I love the last picture, "Umm, Mom, enough with the pictures."
Happy family day, happy reunion day and happy days this summer.
xoxo
Tracy.
Posted by: Mom of Four | Friday, June 26, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Happy 1-year He's changed so much in a year.
Posted by: Joanne | Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 09:33 PM