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Today marked three months home with our Z man. In some ways it feels far longer than three months but in most ways it's hard to believe it's going so fast. It's difficult to say that things are getting "better" or "easier" because the tone can change around here so quickly. Most often we are able to quantify it by days but at other times it moments. We are all getting to know each other better and understand the new dynamics of our family. Our new is beginning to feel much more normal albeit very loud! Henry Zelalem is adored by his siblings and there is never a shortage of hugs, kisses and snuggles around here. Rocky and Sam have introduced him to nightly wrestling matches but truth be told, I think he prefers wrestling his sisters.

 

 These three have the best time together and it fills my heart with pure joy watching them build their sibling bond. I went against every practical bone in my body and said yes to the mud bath they made in the garden. It was worth every minute of scrubbing. In Jo's words, "come on Amelia, let's put mud all over us so we can be African like Z."

My bud bug

That smile gets me everytime

 

 

We also celebrated a birthday! I had grand plans of spoiling him with his first big birthday bash but came to my senses. In his best interest a low key morning and short trip to the zoo was just the perfect amount of celebrating.

 

 

Loving the zoo trip

 

At three years old and three months home this little guy amazes each and every day. He is such a little sponge and he is constantly picking up new words and phrases. Sometimes even little slang words that we'd be okay with him not knowing. Like "ahhhhh, dang it." He has a very keen sense of direction and really seems to grasp the routine in our home. One day a week he stays with grandma and papa so I can go to work. To say he loves these days would be an understatement. It is such a relief and answered prayer that he has bonded so well with my parents. He loves most animals and is especially fond of dogs. He seems to have very little fear of any dogs and if they are on a leash he is quite bold in his offers to walk said dog. He is hilarious and we often have to look the other way when trying to teach through the moment. I wish I could bottle his giggle. His screams- not so much. Soy, vanilla steamers are his favorite and he can suck a kid's size down in about 22 seconds. We still haven't been successful in adding much variety to his diet. I continue to offer new foods everyday but often fall back on what he will eat: peanut butter toast, cheerios and ground turkey with taco seasoning. Like I said, very little variety.

We are beyond thankful for this little life. And while I won't paint a perfect picture of peace and harmony, I will say it's worth every tear, tantrum, meltdown, late night, early morning wake up. In three short months I can say I can't remember life without him nor do I want to.