Growing

Over the past few weeks Mitch and I have realized one thing that should have been obvious, Kefelen is a little man.  Daily I go to help him with something and receive the 1980's Ricki Lake talk to the hand gesture couple with, "Mom, I'm fine, I'm a big boy, I can do it myself." And even though it saddens me a bit, and even though more peanut butter ends up on the counter than on the sandwich, I am happy to see him evolve.  

Kefelen has made it his goal to be the big boy and offer help with household chores.  He takes it upon himself to turn the freezer and fridge thermostat all the way up or all the way down depending on his mood and how cold or warm he feels the food is.  He shoves all dirty clothes and toys into one drawer to clean his room.  He tells me that "no, the dog can't go outside, it's raining and he is sad" when I attempt to let the pooch out to pee.  He also tells Mitch and I that we need to take a time out if we raise our voices or say the dreaded "shut up" even in jest.  

He is learning to assert himself and set boundaries.  He is developing a strong sense of confidence and compassion for others.  I'm glad to see that even though we've fumbled through the past year we may have done a few things right.

  

Oh What a Year It Has Been

One year ago this week Mitch and I were looking at each other, and our new son, with utter confusion and wonder.  "Can you believe they gave us a kid? Now what? Can we do this?" Of course we could, and we did, and Kefelen has given us more joy than we could have believed.  Every day I can look into his smiling eyes and feel alright with the world. Every morning when he wakes and climbs into our bed I get the warmest snuggles and the oddest stories.  Watching him grow and learn and develop is fascinating.  

Kefelen has experienced many new things in his first year with us: airplane rides, carseats, own bed, dog and cats as pets, hot dogs, ice cream, swimming, boating, floating, hockey, skiing, movies, english, fireworks, camping, corn on the cob, indoor stores, money, snow, easter eggs, swimming pools, swings, waterslides, hotels, electronic toys, bicycles, school, halloween, thanksgiving, christmas, santa and his "goats", root beer, walking the dog, roller coasters, bumper cars, merry-go-rounds, the zoo, the coffee shop, winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, light-up shoes, restaurants, sandboxes, cameras, video, computers, stereos, ipods, candles, window blinds, outlets, running water and many more things I can't remember right now.

This kid came to another continent with two complete strangers and has adapted unbelievably well. We have become a family.  I thought we would see more difficulty, but it's been incredibly easy.  He is the love of our lives.  He is our little nugget, our big boy.  And we are so thankful for him.  

The Holidays

Super Kefelen saves the day.
Super Mitch gets clobbered.
Our future scientist
Father-Son bonding
Trucks from Santa!
Kef and Mommy.
Kef and Daddy.
Skiing with Grandpa Dave.

Happy Little Elves

Ski Lessons!

Kefelen and his cousin Théo are in the Hot Cocoa Club ski lesson classes at a local hill.  This video shows Kefelen's first time on the actual slope.  As you will notice, he did not have the patience to wait for the instructor to help him.  The video ends abruptly because Mitch had to catch our little daredevil.