If You Can't Beat 'Em ...

But of course when Bob and I try to "join 'em", Owen decides not to make his cheesy camera face!

We all had a great time at the Mechem Family Reunion this past weekend. Owen had many new people to meet - Bob's aunts and uncles and cousins - as well as the always welcome opportunity to spend time with Nannie and Uncle Todd, Aunt Maria and Hannah (who celebrates her 9th birthday today!!). We also got in a short visit with Bob's dad, Charlene and Bunnie, and were happy to have Aunt Pam and Uncle Gene stop by to meet Owen as well. And we are sending our best wishes to Liora and Kevin as they await the arrival of their little one; hmmm ... perhaps another July 5th princess??

This morning we had our first post placement visit with our social worker. These visits are required of us at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months from our court date in Kaz, and we are also responsible for providing yearly written updates and pictures for the Kaz officials every year until Owen turns 18. Nothing will happen to us if we don't complete these reports, but we made the commitment to do so and if we (and other adoptive parents) don't, Kaz may stop adoptions from Kokshetau (this has already happened in two other cities in the time since we started the process).

Anyway, we were a bit anxious about the visit - just not knowing really what to expect - but it was just fine. Actually kind of fun as it was basically us bragging about what a great, amazing, adorable, wonderful, smart (you get the picture) kid Owen is; how wonderfully he has adjusted; and what incredible friends and family we have!

Since I'm still on a bit of a roll from the visit I'll give you all some Owen updates too:

He continues to be one happy, healthy baby! We are so blessed.

Owen's newest favorite game is when Bob or I walk slowly away from him, and then we turn around quickly and act like we are going to come "get him" ... hysterical laughter every time!

He stands up all the time, relying less and less on objects to pull himself up and is able to stand steady without holding on to anything for several seconds. He also "walks" really well when you help him by holding on to his hands. Before long he'll be cruising unassisted.

Before every nap and bedtime I read him a book and now he will sit still and listen to the story. He even has a favorite, "I Love You All Day Long", and he laughs at the same place ("I love you when your juice spills and your crackers get soggy") each time. I know, it figures his favorite part has to do with food.

He continues to eat anything and everything. We still haven't found a food he doesn't like (and as my mother-in-law said, he looks like it!). His next check-up isn't until the end of July but we think he must be tipping the scales at around 22 lbs by now. Still, for anyone who may be concerned, his weight is appropriate for his age and we are not turning him into a butterball.

Owen babbles a lot, and he says "DaDa" and looks at Bob while doing so. Nothing close to "MaMa" yet, and I'm pretty resigned to the fact that he will probably say one of the cats names or "car" (he loves cars) long before he gets around to MaMa!

He still likes to clap, and will now wave bye to Bob in the morning. He likes patty-cake and "So big". He likes to put his blocks in the container and his cups inside each other, and he laughs when Elmo comes on TV (besides watching a baseball game with his dad, Elmo is the only program he pays any attention to).

Owen has been home for almost four months now. Sometimes I watch him and it amazes me anew that not that long ago his life was so different. I am so overwhelmed by his courage and his spirit and his enthusiasm, and everyday I am inspired to be my best for him. He shows me that the human spirit can never be extinguished, and I am grateful for the joy and optimism he gives me.