First Thanksgiving

Ethan (center) with Justin on his back along with Megan, Matthew and Alicia

Dave sez,

Hi! We're Cathy and Dave, thanks for dropping by. This is the ongoing story of how we are building our family through adoption. Right now, we're just waiting to bring our daughter Masha home to join her brothers, Justin and Ethan.

We're very close to the end of Ethan's first year home. His "anniversary" is coming up December 7th. This was his First Thanksgiving.

There's a family tradition that we enjoy with my brother-in-law (Cathy's brother) Keith, our sister-in-law, Lyn and the kids. Before we eat, before we ask the blessing on Thanksgiving, we go around the table and tell each other what we are thankful for. This year it was enjoyable going 'round the table and hearing what all the kids had to say. Megan was first and this year she is thankful that she can tell all her friends that she finally has cousins! Ha! We all got a kick out of that. When Ethan's turn came up...

Ready for the Zombie Apocalypse, but...

Normally, Ethan is pretty loud, and boisterous. He talks big..and loud. He sings loud. He laughs loud. Have I mentioned that my boy Ethan is loud? Well, this usually very loud boy, said very softly and quietly that he was thankful for his Mom and Dad.

I can only imagine that Cathy was as proud as I.

I wish I could say that Ethan was less of a challenge; that he was more easy-going than Justin.

Fear is a pretty powerful thing.

One thing that has stuck with me from our training is that even small children, infants, can be imprinted on a cellular level with abandonment. I think Ethan loves and craves attention. Our boys express themselves differently. Ethan doesn't seem as confident and bold as Justin. he seems to need a little bit of encouragement and coaxing. With his lack of confidence and esteem, he's a bit forgetful.

Ethan's first year has been just like Justin's first year. getting used to a new routine. Bonding. building a bridge of trust that goes both ways. Changing course and steering a new direction.

Replacing fear, that comes out as anger, with love.

"...We can rebuild him. We have the technology...Better! Stronger! Faster!"