Saturday, May 31, 2008

2 weeks later






We have been home for 2 weeks now. It feels so great! Max is doing really well. He is paying more attention to Tia and Tyler and seems to be settling in. He has explored about every inch of the playroom and front room. It is so fun to see him enjoying life in our family! My sister came for a little bit today and hasn't seem him in 2 weeks. She said he looks stronger and healthier already. That was nice to hear.

He has actually done 2 amazing things since he's been here. He is putting weight through his feet now and pulling up on my hands. He wouldn't put any weight on his feet before and he thinks it is the funnest game ever! AND as you can see, today he ate from a spoon!!!! He hasn't been liking the baby food in a bottle much the last few days so I decided to try it on a spoon. I started with sweet potatoes (because no baby can refuse those) and it worked. He was messy but he opened his mouth every time for the spoon. He did bite the spoon A LOT and wouldn't give it back which was funny but he did it!! So, for 2 meals today he ate some baby food. I tried stage 3 but he wasn't ready for the texture so I blended it up and he liked that better. Little by little he is getting it. He definitely still likes the bottle for his milk.

He still HATES the bath and we are trying things with no success but we will get there. He doesn't mind playing in a pan of water, or putting his feet in water but hates to be sitting in it. I even tried to get in with him in just two inches of water but he freaked out. So, next I will put him in the tub with NO water and some toys and see how he does. I am only trying something every few days so it doesn't become too stressful for him. I sure wish I knew how he handled baths in Serbia. I just feel so bad for him. Overall, he is doing great and is an absolute sweetheart!

16 comments:

Alice said...

Max is so handsome!! Did you give him a haircut? He looks like he has gained weight, too. So happy to see him eating.

Leah Spring said...

Max sounds like he is doing awesome! I love reading the adoption blogs, and, seeing the kids discovering the world for the first time. It's an amazing thing to watch, I'm sure! About the baths, have you tried wrapping him in a towel and then putting him in the tub? You know, so he feels more secure and not so out-of-control-of-his-body feeling? We had to do this with my daughter for awhile as a toddler. Worked great!

Julie said...

Max looks wonderful! What a cute boy he is. I asked about the baths, and Jasmina has not asked the staff yet, but is planning to. I told her of the trouble you're having. Hopefully I'll have some type of answer soon.
Belgrade is beautiful, and being here with David is so wonderful!
Thanks for all of the help these past weeks in preparation for our trip.

Michelle said...

He does look stronger and much more rested to me too! :)
Yay on the spoon!
We used to put Matthew in a laundry basket in the tub, so it didn't feel so big for him. Maybe (?) that might help????

THE CAMPBELL FAMILY said...

Max is so adorable!!! Shawnie thank you for the long letter. i took it with us and read it over and over. It is sure nice to have some help when we need it. Thank you so much. jody

Beth said...

Have you tried the shower instead of the tub? Or maybe you might put him in the kitchen sink? Or let him play in the tub when it's empty, so he can get acclimated to it. Another option might be for you to be in the tub at the same time.

WheresMyAngels said...

He is soooooooooooo cute! Hope he gets used to the bath soon.

June Berger said...

He has the best smile! He really does look healthier in just two weeks! Amazing what love can do! So glad he is settling in well with you all. Blessings on all the progress you are making.

Julie said...

Such an adorable little man!

Dolores said...

It's always struck me how much he looks like your other children. He does even more now! Amazing! God sent him home to you.
Dolores

Christina said...

Wow - he looks like a totally different baby! Ever adorable though!! :)

Anonymous said...

Max is just the most adorable baby! He has such a spark about him in his pictures.

Congratulations on your beautiful new addition!

Trisha, Duane, and Family said...

Hi...I am so happy to hear you are hom with Max. I must say he is a beautiful and happy child. CONGRATS!!!! We were in Russia during your adoption process and ended up staying 27 days!!!! OIY!!! It was way too long. But, Katie /aunna is wonderful and we all adore her. Write me when you get a chance. Many blessings...Trisha

Kyle Is Neat said...

I was surfing blogs and I stumbled on your blog. What an amazing life you have! Congratulations on Max – he’s a cute kid!

Kyle

Christina said...

Max is just adorable! Awesome job with the sweet potatoes....I hope you can figure out the bath issue soon :)

orphans4me said...

What wonderful news to know he is doing so well and already making progress with standing and eating. Yippee!!
Joy,RR