Drew's first word...we think! :)

So...we think Drew said his first word tonight - "Puppy!!"

We were eating dinner and Drew's bib had a puppy on it and he looked down and pointed at it and said what sounded like puppy. Patrick and I kind of looked at each other and then said, "Yes, that's a puppy." Drew then said it again and we repeated after him and he said it again!! It makes sense that puppy is his first word as he loves our dog Peyton...Whenever we say "Get the puppy" he runs over to Peyton and tries to sit on him!! Thankfully Peyton is a very tolerant and lazy beagle and lets Drew do whatever he wants to him...

So there ya have it...Puppy!!!! He says "Mama" and "Dada" a lot too - but not necessarily to me and Patrick so we will have to count Puppy as his first word...

Drew has also started to clap his hands...he's so cute about it. Especially when we say "Yeah Drew!!" he starts clapping his hands and gets very excited!! LOL..

A party for Drew

On Friday Drew and I went to a party to welcome him home. My boss, Lois, hosted it and Drew got to meet many of the people I work with. It was so great and it was so nice for everyone to come out and meet Drew - of course these are the people who listened to me talk non-stop about this adoption for the past year, and sometimes it was more venting and complaining then talking. Of course there were also the times when I was on the phone with someone getting very upset and everyone could hear me talking over the cubicles - LOL...like when I freaked out on the Secretary of State's office in Indiana for "misplacing" our marriage licenses that needed to be apostilized!! :) I should note they showed up in the mail the next day!!! :)

Anyway - it was a great party - great food (Drew ate a lot, and so did his mommy!) and he got some wonderful and thoughtful gifts. There are a few pictures posted on the side of the blog of Drew enjoying his gifts. JoAnn - if you are reading this - I want you to know that Learning Puppy sometimes starts talking on his own when no one is in the room - it's a little freaky!!! Esther - the needlepoint matches his room perfectly!! Thank you all again so much - it was great to see you all and the party meant so much to me. Thanks again to Lois for being a great hostess - your place is so cute and I got a good parking spot!!

Nothing much else going on here...Drew and I have a busy week coming up - a playdate on Tuesday, Mommy and Me on Thursday and the Library on Friday. Saturday is Sisterhood Shabbat so Drew will be coming to temple for the first time for services!!! I am so excited - he loves to listen to Hebrew singing, so I wonder what he'll think. His favorite CD is the Hanukkah one that I have - I play it for him in the car. I guess I should find a Shabbat one or a Passover one if I can. Sunday we have lunch plans with my friend Christeen. We are a busy twosome!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

Busy, busy Drew....

Drew had his first gymboree class today and loved it!! He thought all the stuff to play with was great, loved the bubbles and the slides and had a lot of fun. He didn't interact much with the other kids, but was very interested in watching them...he was very cute! So, we're going to sign him up for it until I go back to work, at least, and then maybe Saturdays after that...

I also signed up for Mommy and Me through the local Chabad and we start that next week. It looks like a fun program with a Jewish theme, which I like. They have crafts and different things they do each week...

We also have plans to meet Auntie Kelly and Cole at Mystic Aquarium in a couple of weeks and a playdate hopefully in the next week with a friend who has twin 16-month old boys...

Drew is very busy!!!

He loves doing things though, and getting out of the house, and I do too. It's good for both of us! Tomorrow we're going to try storytime at the library and see how Drew likes that. Then we have our party with people from my work!

No plans for the weekend - it will be nice to hang at home since we've traveled the last two weekends...

I read some interesting articles this week about how children who are adopted when they are 12 months or older, tend to bond to their fathers quicker than their mothers. They say this is because they feel that the females in their lives (their orphanage caregivers) have left them, and men are safer...anyway - it was nice to see that this is actually pretty common and it passes, but takes a few months ususally.

Drew still continues to amaze us both with what he understands...

Today we were in the kitchen and I said, "Let's go upstairs and change your diaper," and he walked over to the stairs and started going up!! Later, tonight, he and Patrick were downstairs in the basement and Drew was starting to get tired and Patrick asked him if he wanted to read "Goodnight Moon" (his nighttime book) and Drew walked over to the bookshelf and got the book out and then put it back when they were done reading...what a smart kid huh??? :) He must take after his mother!! LOL....

West Virginia...and other stuff!

Well - in short - we had a fantastic time in West Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!

But, I'll start at the begining...

Drew, Patrick and I left early Friday morning in the middle of an ice/sleet storm and we had the fun, fun time of sitting on the plane for two hours while they de-iced it! Why we had to sit on the plane while they did that, I have no idea. Needless to say, Drew was not thrilled. We got to Atlanta just in time to make our connection to Charleston, but our luggage didn't. By the time we got there, we were all tired, hungry and cranky :(

We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites - a nice hotel with a free breakfast and indoor pool - what more can one ask for??? Oh - and free Internet! That's what one can ask for!

So - the big brother's meeting took place Friday afternoon after school...and Drew, Chris and Ben got along great from the start!! In the car, the boys entertained Drew with all the stuff n their backpacks and by the time we went to dinner, Drew was walking between the older boys holding a hand of each - it was sooo great!!!

Drew followed his brothers around all weekend - he thought they were very cool (and he's right!!). He loved playing with them and even went swimming for the first time with them - and his dad too!!

On Saturday - we drove from Charleston to Parkersburg (about an hour's drive) and Drew met Grandmother and Granddad (aka: Carol and Wayne - Patrick's parents). They loved him, he loved them...he loved Buddy the dog and the cats and Granddad's train set and the Christmas tree that they left up and all of his gifts...basically - it was a great day. We also visited Patrick's grandmother who is recovering from surgery at the rehab center (and doing well). So, Drew got to meet lots more family members and he did really great with it all.

Saturday night we went out for dinner at the restaurant where Patrick took his prom date - LOL!! Dinner was a little different than it was back then... :)

Sunday was football day!!! Patrick and the boys even found Drew a Steelers sweatshirt. They say they looked for a Browns one too and couldn't find one....HMMMMMMMM....We had lots of great food for our football party as we watched the games. Go Giants (just for Uncle Steve!!)...

Monday we packed, had lunch, dropped the boys off, and went to the airport...the flights back were easier than the ones there - Drew was able to get his own seat and he slept from Atlanta to Hartford. At the ATL airport, our gate happened to be next to this big jungle gym, slide thing and Drew had a great time playing...he was even able to play with other kids...

So - as you can see - it was a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!

I loved seeing all three boys together - it was like they were all meant to be brothers...Drew just loved them and they loved him. I can't wait until they can all spend more time together. Chris and Ben will be here in April for their spring break - yeah!!!!!!!

And now we're home...

Today Drew got his Certificate of Citizenship!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so cool looking and means he's officially an American - he even has a letter from George Bush telling him about his responsibilities to America - LOL...obviously it's a form letter - something cool for his baby book...

OK - time to post a few pics...and catch up on sleep. Drew did not sleep well this weekend - small crib, strange room = tired mommmy and daddy!!!!

One month, three months....

Today is the one-month mark of Drew coming home! I can't believe it's been a month already - crazy!! Drew is doing so great. I wonder what the people at the orphanage would think if they saw him now? Tomorrow we're going to W Va. so Drew can meet his older brothers and his grandparents and great grandmother. We can't wait to see everyone...

Today also is the three-month mark of meeting Drew. In fact it was right about this time on Oct. 17 that Patrick and I were eating lunch with Galina and she said she had two boys to show us. One she described as a "Russian boy who is very sick. He's not good." The other was Drew, whom she described as a "16-month old Kazakh boy. He's very good, very healthy. He's good."

I remember sitting in the orphanage director's office when they brought Drew in. He was scared. We were scared. He didn't make a sound. In fact, for two days he didn't make a peep.

Three months later - he's squealing and babbling and yelling and even crying up a storm!!

Amazing, huh???

I wonder what Drew will be like a year from now?? I can't even imagine...

Snow here we come!

I bought Drew his first snowsuit today!! I also got him some boots for the snow - he's all set! We were going to go play in the snow today, but Drew was cranky when he woke up from his nap and by the time he had a snack and calmed down, it was getting a little dark...So we'll try tomorrow morning and see how it goes - if it goes well, I'll post some pictures!

Today, also, Patrick applied for Drew's Social Security number - that is very exciting too...it's just one more way that he's definitely ours! He should have that in 10-14 days, in plenty of time for taxes - yeah - the first year we can claim a dependent!! Woo Hoo..

And that's about it from Drew's world....

Bye Uncle Steve, Aunt Lizzie and David :(

We were in NJ this weekend for a going-away party for Uncle Steve, Aunt Lizzie and David - they all leave for California tomorrow - Aunt Lizzie and David are flying and Uncle Steve is driving with his friends - hopefully picking up some magnets for us on the way!!

We are all very, very sad to see them go and will miss them very much - but we can't wait for our first visit!! California here we come!!! :) I can think of worse places to have a family member than southern California. In honor of Uncle Steve, we may even root for the Giants in the playoffs this weekend!!

Drew also met lots of his cousins this weekend and had a great time chasing Cattie, Melissa and Kaitlyn around Grama's house!! He enjoyed playing with everyone's toys and told me about some new ones he'd like :) Drew even reached out and let Uncle Harold hold him, which is huge for Drew!!!! Props to Uncle H!!! :)

It snowed today so Drew and I are hanging home and doing laundry (yes, Drew likes to help with the laundry - what a happy mom am I?? We'll see how long that lasts!!) - he's napping right now actually. Tomorrow we have some errands to do and I'm going to try and find some snow clothes - we'll see how Drew likes the snow!!

Lots of visitors!!

Drew has had lots of visitors this week and has had a great time meeting all the new people!

On Monday - Ron and Katie came over and Drew had a good time with them - he especially loved the "Tower of Terror" with Ron!! LOL... :)

Today, Jackie came over with Grace and Charlie and it was fun to watch the kids sort of interact with each other. Grace and Drew don't know it yet but they will be going to the prom together!! Then we all went to McDonalds, where Drew ate everyting - including Charlie's fries!!

Tomorrow we'll be meeting the Cantor at temple and Friday Jodi and Caryn are coming - Drew is very popular!!

Today we watched Sesame Street and Barney for the first time - and they were hits!! He was dancing to Barney - it was very cute...

Check out the pictures on the side from our vistors!!

Three Weeks...

Drew has been home for three weeks today - I can't believe it!!

He's really doing amazing and has grown so much since he came home...he's walking everywhere, and almost running when he pushes his digger truck around the basement! He's into everything now - he loves Peyton and always looks for him - he's sleeping better (knock on wood!) and I think that's cause he's getting used to his crib and his room - he's liking his room and loves to play with all his toys and "read" all his books...so, in short, he's adjusting really well - he even likes helping me with laundry by taking the clothes out of the dryer for me! Now I just need to teach him to fold, instead of dropping them on the floor... :)

I'm adjusting well too - I'm getting more used to mommyhood and figuring out how to get stuff done while still spending tons of quality time with Drew - so, in short, we're all sort of getting the hang of this!!

This will be a busy week for us: tonight Ron and Katie are coming over to visit, on Wednesday Jackie is coming with Grace and Charlie and on Friday Caryn and Jodi are coming over!! Saturday we are going to NJ and we'll say good bye to Steven, Elizabeth and David who are moving to California next week - wah :( We will miss them sooo much!!

So - that's it from here...Drew should be waking up soon from his nap and then we have some errands to do...

I'll be back.... :)

Drew meets Cole!

Auntie Kelly and Cole came to visit today - Drew and Cole have heard a lot about each other so it was exciting for them to meet. Though, probably more exciting for Kelly and me than Drew and Cole! LOL...

They sort of stared at each other for a while and Drew was a little possessive of his tool box tools - taking the level back from Cole after he'd had it for a while, that sort of thing. But all in all it was fun to see them together - Kelly and I waited a long time for this!! :)

Cole did try a sippy cup for the first time today and he drank like a champ - I see many sippy cups in his future...I can't wait til we can meet at Mystic and take the boys to the aquarium - I think that will be fun and a good meeting point between Providence and New Britain...

Today Drew and I also dressed in our Rutgers best to root RU to victory in the International Bowl!! Go RU!! I sang the Rutgers cheer with Drew and the alma mater - he liked "RU - Rah, Rah" a lot!! Maybe we have a future Scarlet Knight in our midst???

The only sad part of the day was Uncle Steve and David couldn't come up today - so we missed them a lot!!!

Other than that - Drew has been doing great...he's been wanting to read his books with me more, especially his "Word" book that Aunt Laurie gave him - he loves that one. He also likes his dreidel book and his box of alphabet books a lot!! And he's been carrying around the bear that Suzanne and Brie gave him - he likes to put it in his Drew chair and put books on top of it!! LOL...

So - that's what's going on in Drew's world...tonight the Steelers are playing - I'm trying to teach Drew to say "Boo Steelers" - no luck so far!! :)

Oh - check out the side of the blog for some more cute pictures!!

Good day for Drew...

Drew had a good day today - despite getting three vaccinations, which he handled like a trooper! For being so good, we went to McDonald's for lunch for the first time. The hambuger Happy Meal was very popular, as was the play area after lunch :) There were even some older kids there who let Drew follow them around for a while, it was realy cute...

Tonight, Drew enjoyed Beth Chicken (as the older boys call it, or Mom's Chicken as Drew will call it - though it's really Grama's Chicken!) for dinner...I was so happy he liked that as I make it all the time and Chris and Ben love it too...

He was so funny tonight - we were watching the opening of the WVa./Oklahoma bowl game (go W Va - gotta route for the Big East team!) and we were singing the National Anthem along with the people on TV and Drew was humming along and rocking back and forth. I started singing some songs in Hebrew to him and he loved those too...he's very musical!

And now...he's asleep...

I'm excited cause his announcements came in today so I have lots of writing to do :)

Uncle Steven and David had to reschedule for Saturday - so we'll have fun watching football all day with them. Auntie Kelly and Cole are coming up that day too for a visit - it's going to be a big weekend for Drew...

January 1....

Happy New Year!!

Drew and I just hung out today...and then Patrick took us all out for dinner to Ruby Tuesdays - yum! Drew had his ususal hamburger and fries - dipped in ketchup of course!!!

Tomorrow (hopefully) Uncle Steven and David are coming for a visit - but first we have to go to the doctor for our first vaccines. Drew's blood work came back and he never had his chicken pox vaccines (which wasn't a surprise) and apparently he has to do his MMR over again cause he didn't have all of them, or something like that. He also has to get some more blood work as some of his tests came back inconclusive and they need to double check some things. The doctor thinks it was a lab error of some kind, so hopefully that's all it is.

And that's it from Drew's world on the first day of 2008!!!!

We can't wait to see Uncle Steve and David!!!!