Taking shape

Ever since we built the barn we had a plan to use the screen porch entry to the cabin. The dark walk around the back of the cabin freaked me out so the first step was some floods and light on the porch that are wirelessly controlled by a remote in my car. Next step we had the door and steps added, and finally a paver walkway to connect the way. 

Dad made me this bench and shelf and I can already see it loaded with a backpack, soccer cleats and a baseball glove in a few years. 

Easter Sunday

Today, one year ago we arrived home with Wade. Mike's friend Phillip (also a mailman) made this t-shirt for Wade last year. It has his birthday and the day he arrived home and became a US citizen.

 

We had a full day, starting with Wade finding his Easter Basket (the bunny knew he could have no candy this year...so he left pudding)

We went to church

Then had lunch will all of Mike's family. 

And finally got the Studebaker out, Wade loved it....and I am sure will love even more when it's warm enough to drop the top 

He spotted Danny's airplane so we drove down the road in time to see him land and check out the plane.

A very full day which helped Wade keep his mind off food. He is getting very bored eating puréed and very soft foods. This boy wants chips and salsa!!!

First Egg Hunt

Wade is doing fine, he isn't taking pain meds now and his biggest frustration is food. 

We went to hunt Easter eggs this morning at church but due to the rain we had to stay inside. He had fun putting them in his basket. Good thing the Easter Bunny knows all....he won't bring any candy to Wade this year, just a stuffed bunny some chocolate pudding and a movie!  When I was young I left him a note explaining that I didn't like chocolate so he left me sunflower seeds, beef jerkey etc.

Monkey Boy

Wade was very agitated when he woke up from surgery. But he has had a good night and is eating so we will go home today.....after we get his arms recasted. Seems he can still get his thumb into his mouth much to the Dr's surprise. So we will get them done again without so much bend!

Extra prayer today

Wade has another palate repair surgery today but it won't be as extensive as last Summer. We still will spend one night at Brenners and he will have his arms casted and eat only puréed foods for 10 days. 

So far this morning has gone well considering he can't eat. We don't go to the hospital until noon so looking for lots of diversions. This has turned into a one hour bath!!

Gotcha Day

It was exactly one year ago today that Wade was placed in our arms. He didn't initially like us or his new stuffed animal Bandito very much but he has warned up to us all now. I decided it would be cute to get a photo of him each year with Bandito to mark his growth. (And my new Nikon arrived today so maybe I will stop posting fuzzy iPhone photos)

I have also worn this Jade pendant for the last year. It has the Chinese word happiness in silver in the center. I will clean it up now and I will only wear it occasionally as it is our intent to let Wade have it to give his bride on their wedding day. It is traditional for Chinese grooms to give Jade to their brides. I hope it will be special to her that we got it on our trip to bring him home. 

We celebrated tonight by getting some dumplings and sticky rice at the Thai place in Elkin. I know it's not Chinese but close enough.  

It's been a wonderful first year. It has been fun watching his personality take shape and our bond grow ever deeper. We love you Wade Michael. 

Finally Spring

Loving the sunshine!