Coming up for air

I can't believe we've been home for three days already. We've been in survival mode trying to catch up on sleep and recover from sickness, but overall I would say we've had more up's than down's. We can't thank you all enough for your prayers... we know God has given so much help and grace during our travels home and our initial adjustments as a family of four.

We see progress each day. Luke continues to come out of his shell. There are moments where he is running, laughing, and playfully screaming (very loudly might I add!) when we wonder how this could be the same quiet kid we brought home from Africa. It's a rewarding sight!

Eating has been a challenge... we knew it would be. We're trying to get as many high calorie, nutritious foods in him as we can. So far we have the best luck with scrambled eggs, chocolate protein shake, fruit/veggie pouches, and stews/injera from a local Ethiopian restaurant. He looks SO SKINNY compared to Ben. Can't wait to get some meat on his bones!! 

Luke and I have had to work at bonding since he still prefers his daddy big time. It's hard to not be able to smother him with love, but we've had some breakthroughs already here and there. So far our best times together have been on walks when Dad isn't around; I either carry him on my back or he rides in the double stroller with Ben. 

We knew Ben was a sweet kid but he's blown us away with his kindness to Luke. From the moment Luke walked in, Ben has showered him with kisses, hugs, toys and food-- even when Luke has responded with fussiness or a shove. So far Ben doesn't show signs of being jealous. He gets sad sometimes when Luke doesn't reciprocate his kind gestures or when Luke starts crying loudly, but for the most part they play with each other exactly how you would expect two toddlers to play. We can see Luke learning from Ben already. So far he has taught him to give kisses, drink from a straw, stand on the radiator to see out the window, and throw things at the chicken coop to make the chickens jump. What a joy to watch these brothers together. We pray it's the start of a beautiful, lifelong friendship.

Here are a few pictures of our first days together...