One Year Anniversary of the Luckiest Family

It was one year ago today that I posted "We are the Luckiest Family" . This morning as we were heading out the door for school, I had to fight back tears thinking about how grateful I am to have Jack in our lives. Lucky seems like such a trivial word in comparison to the unbelievable joy and goodness that he has given us. I wanted to think of a way to celebrate, but I wasn't sure what would help him know it was a special day. Last night I did make some cupcakes for Jack and his buddies at school to enjoy. For a three-year-old cupcakes mean celebration. When we walked into the classroom he excitedly pointed to the cupcakes and signed his name over and over, as if to tell his friends, "Jack brought cupcakes!"




Driving to work I thought about how much he has learned and experienced in the last year. He's gone from the little boy I saw in the window of the Civil Affairs office in Nanning to the smiling face that wakes me up every morning. I can remember thinking that he was a happy boy when we were in China, but knowing him better now I can see that he was holding back, hesitating and checking things out. I see the cautious face very rarely with him. He's a daredevil for sure, but at the same time a survivor.

He's gained 6 lbs. and 2 inches since China.
He understands English very well.
He clearly says, "Momma" and "No".
He knows more than 40 words in sign language.
He's potty trained (woohoo).
He sleeps through the night (most nights).
He completed two surgeries to build a cleft palate.

He hums the theme from Star Wars when we drive in the car.
He makes a pretend burp sound to make his brother laugh.
He raises his eyebrows up and down to make his mommy laugh.
He sommersaults and bounces with his Nana every Friday in gymnastics.
He helps his daddy feed the puppy every morning.
He loves birdwatching, bike riding, swimming, running and eating cookies.

He lives every day with an unmatched joy!