Boys will be Boys

Evan is definitely all boy. He enjoys his trucks and toys that make loud noises. Of course, you can also give him an empty box and he is happy. He continues to light up our lives with his smiles and hugs. He loves to wave and tell you bye-bye. We are still struggling with the sleeping at night. He goes to sleep fine, he just doesn’t stay asleep. He still ends up sleeping with us at night (usually around 11:00pm) and none of us rest well.

As you can see from the pictures below, he is not afraid of a little dirt. Kevin is working on a project in our backyard and as you can see, Evan enjoyed playing in the dirt. We thought we were going to have to hose him off before we let him in the house last night.

First Haircut

Evan had his first haircut today. Yes, it is true, I cut the curls. I did save a lock of his curls though. He wasn't too happy about having his hair cut but perked up afterwards and mangaged to give everyone that fabuolus grin. Thanks Deanne for the great job you did on his haircut and your patience.

Life is Good

Evan became a United States Citizen at midnight on June 21, 2008 when we arrived back in the states. On Friday, we received his official Certificate of Citizenship. We also received a letter signed by the President of the United States congratulating Evan on becoming a citizen of the United States.

Evan has a shirt on today from his great-great-great Aunt “Y” and Cousin Melanie that says “Life is Good”. Life is definitely good when I think about all the opportunities he will have by being a citizen of the United States. Although things aren’t always smooth and our lives have completely changed, I think “Life is Good”. How much it means to me when this little boy who has stolen my heart comes running to me and lifts his arms to be held and wraps his arms around my neck. “Life is Good” when you see his face light up over each new discovery. “Life is Good” when he looks up at you and grins.

So for the newest United States Citizen in our family and for us, “Life is Good”.

First Sunday at Church

Today was our first Sunday back at church. It was so great to be back in church and see our church family. We have so appreciated the love and prayers of our church family. Evan did really well during church service. We didn't even have to head to the nursery.

Keeping Grandma on her toes

Hanging out at PaPaw and MaMaw's 4th of July

More Pictures

Hanging out with Daddy

Evan loves being outside

Always on the go

First Pinto Bean Supper--He did manage to eat some of them.

Keeping you Posted

We continue to adjust as a family. Evan had his first appointment with the pediatrician this week and received an excellent report. The Doctor was very impressed with his development and curiosity. The hardest part was that the poor little guy had to have blood drawn out of his arm. That was heart-wrenching. He weighs 23lbs and is 31 inches tall.

He also ate at Chick-fil-a again this week (still not impressed with the French fries). A treat for behaving so well at the Doctor’s office (at least until they started examining him). We also met some of my friends at the Wet Whistle this week for coffee (smoothie for me). I gave him a little of my strawberry smoothie which was cold. You should have seen his mouth pucker up but then he was back for more.

My Mom has been a great help and has watched him some so I could get a couple of things done. He seems to be attaching to her and we went to her house yesterday for awhile. He also celebrated his first 4th of July as an American citizen by going to a cook-out at Papaw and Mamaw’s house. He had a grand time playing in the wading pool and splashing water all around. For a little boy who screamed and cried the first time we gave him a bath in Russia, he now loves the water and bath time.

However, our biggest hurdle continues to be at night. He goes to sleep fine for naps and at bedtime but at night he just doesn’t stay asleep. He will sleep for about 2 hours and then he is up and usually ends up in bed with us which is not an ideal situation. He doesn’t rest well and neither do we. We realize he has only been with us for almost 4 weeks with 2 weeks in his new house and is still adjusting. Please pray that he will soon be able to sleep through the night in his crib not only for better rest for him but us also.