Summer Time

This is actually from the Fall but I just ran across it.

Just Hanging... hmmmm... not really

Summer is under way and we are trucking along at warp speed.  Don and Brenda are on their way back from Latvia today.  We have three more trips there before her adoption is final.  Whew.

Marc is hangin out.  The above picture is from our May trip to the lake.  Brenda and Abby were jumping in and Marc decided he wanted to give it a try.  I LOVE to promote an adventurous spirit and so he was soon off for his first jump from the boat's edge.

With is life vest on, he was under water maybe one second before daddy had him up again.

There were no tears but there was also no celebration... he just kinda processed it.  I think he liked it... a little and didn't like it a little.  We'll see what he thinks the next time we go.

All tuckered out!

I always try to be positive, but I also don't want to just paint a bed of roses all the time.

Honestly, we are having a little trying time right now.  Marc is super emotional and it makes for some difficult times.  He cries at the drop of a hat.  His verbal skills are also slow in coming and I think that adds to his (our) frustration.  IF he tries a word, he often gets it... or even close.  But sometimes he won't even try.  And he doesn't try most unless prompted or made to at this point as I am making him speak (or try) instead of just making noises or nodding.  We have had him evaluated by a speech therapist since his tongue is attached.  She says she doesn't think we need to be worried right now.  So I am trying not to worry or compare him with others.  We'll see what the next three months or so bring.

He also really doesn't play.  This is really trying too.  He'll play if someone is playing with him... but won't play by himself.  He'll cry or just sit there.  Even at the pool, he'll sit on a step for an hour and hardly move rather than play with a ball or pool toys.  I asked his teachers at his school if he played there and they said he did... with other children and by himself.  They suggested that when he is around me... he is just holding out for that one on one.  So we are having "mandatory" play time... and it's helping some.

So these are some things you can pray about for Marc.  It's a more realistic glimpse instead of just happy pictures.  He is a happy child.  Please don't get me wrong.  We are just at a hard "stage" right now and I know we'll GROW through it.  But I thought you might want to know and I know you will pray for him.

Speaking of play time, he does LOVE to play dress up with the girls!  He is such a ham.  They love putting their clothes on him and having a fashion show!  Here he is in Brenda's bathing suit and putting on Brenda's shoes.  He loves it.

And here he is in a get up from Abby's fashion line!

Love to you all.  Prayers too.

Dawn

Today is the year anniversary of Marc joining our family.

He has grown so much.

He loves his dog, he loves his sisters, he loves his books, and he loves his family.

I pray blessing upon him.  Blessing of healing... blessings of growth... blessings of protection...

blessings of health... blessings of speech... blessings of love.