Mom Mom Mom Look!!!

I thought that it was worth sharing this fun picture of him sticking stickers on his face. How about those eyes? Are they awesome or what?

We've officially crossed over into the "Look Mom" phase. (I hope it's a phase anyway). Of course, we're delighted that he is moving right along with his attachment and bonding. Nevertheless, we hear "Look Mom" approximately 50 times per hour.

First Nightmare

Sorry that I took the week off. I worked so hard on that last video that I felt I needed a blog vacation. I'm back now.

I have mentioned several times that Zac has been an A+++ sleeper. No major issues, no night terrors, no crying, etc. Well, last night, we had our first "episode".

The long and short of it was that Zac woke up around 5:00am and started yelling at us. Not really in a "terror" sort of way, but in a MAD sort of way. Katie and I both woke up in confusion. When our "sleep clouds" finally lifted we realized that Zac was saying, "AH BOO DOO ICE CREAM!!!!!"

Apparently, our little guy was having a nightmare involving us not giving him ice cream.... yes, life is rough.

The good news was that he calmed down within 5 minutes and we all slept past 7:00 this morning.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

Video

Here is something I've been working on this past month. It is a 12 minute video that attempts to capture some of the more emotional parts of our second trip. Enjoy!

AH BOO DOO

I mentioned awhile back that one of Zac's favorite things to say is Ah Boo Doo. (This is his way of saying "I want it" in Russian) Anyway, he doesn't really say it as much anymore. (Instead, he says "I want it" - imagine that).

Part of us is bummed out that his Russian is disappearing so fast. As a result, we recorded the infamous phrase so that we wouldn't ever forget.

NOTE: It looses something when it's not said in a loud whiny tone, but you get the gist.

International Language

We have enjoyed watching our two boys breakdown their language barrier. Some of you may think that the International Language is the language of love, but those of you with 2 and 3 year old boys know better....

I love you

Man, we have had some great days around here.  Yesterday, we had ZERO time outs.  Today, we only had ONE.  It's quite amazing how well he is able to calm himself down now when he gets upset.  

BUT - here's the big new for today.  We think (although it cannot be 100% confirmed) that Zac spontaneously told Katie, "I love mama".  Obviously, this is every parents dream.  I'm just amazed that we're hearing this so fast.  I can't begin to covey how well the attachment is going.  We now rock him to bed every night and he loves it.  I think this alone has made a big difference.  

It's worth mentioning that we finally had his International Adoption Specialist Doctor appointment yesterday.  In short, he is fine.  Hearing:  Fine.  Development:  Fine.  Health:  Fine.  There were a few minor things, but no need to go into details.

Here's some pictures from our day trip last weekend to Mahoney State Park.  

Regressions

I was such a good little blogger leading up to our trip and of course DURING the trip.

But now, I'm having a hard time finding the time and motivation.  The last few posts were Katie's.  (Thanks dear!)  I'm hoping eventually we'll settle back to normalcy.

Anyway, I wanted to quickly mention our experience with regression.  Specifically, I'm talking about potty training.  When we first got Zac (over a month ago now!) he was VERY good with his potty training.  Rarely would we find a wet diaper.  Occasionally, he would have a dirty diaper.  He always said "Da" when we asked him if he had to go potty and he always would comply with going.  (Even on the big potty chair)

One month later, things have changed.  Pretty much he is 100% diapers.  We're now to the point where he absolutely refuses to get on the potty.  When we ask him if he has to use the potty he quickly says "no".  (Yes, we've already transitioned from Nyet to No.... his English is quite amazing!)

Katie and I are not in the least bit concerned with his regression.  In fact, we've read that this is quite common.  We're so encouraged by his incredible PROGRESS with everything else that this one REGRESS is not a big deal at all.  

I merely find it very interesting.  What's going on in that little head of his?  Is it a control thing?  Is it a need to revisit his "lost babyhood"?  Is it a fear of the toilet?  Is it because he would rather poop on my hand?  

We may never know the answers...