[shmouse]

Hi Everyone,

While my little one is playing happily in his crib for a moment, I thought I'd post. He's really such a joy -- and as they say -- the wait was totally worth it. More on the pickup trip later, though you can read our hilarious misadventures at Houston on the thread about layovers in Houston...

He's such a smart, funny, beautiful, goofy, loving little guy. We are sure that G-d meant this child to be in our home. When we were in Guat, we learned more about his background from his family of origin and their were certain parallels that were quite amazing to us.

HIs foster family was amazing! He was the first kid they had fostered, and living in a household of girls, he was quite the beloved prince. WE couldn't have asked for anyone to love him or care for him better. Everyone in the family (f-gparents, f dad, fsisters) loved and adored him. They were so sad to see him go, and our hearts ached for them and this difficult loss.

Anyway, this week he has learned to wave bye bye and blow kisses. Last night I showed him how to stack blocks and he started doing it himself within minutes! (This is probably normal baby stuff, but I'm impressed). He says a few words, pulls up to stand, and walks with assistance (much assistance). And he's a really good natured kid == cries if something is wrong, but just a cheery pal the rest of the time. He can't crawl, and he won't abide being on his stomach AT ALL, but at least I can put him down and he'll be in the same place when I come back!

I will say that we were not really prepared for the first week and a half of parenthood. As new parents, it was a STEEP learning curve...and the massive sleep deprivation did not help. Fortunately, he's quickly left his prior feeding schedule of getting a bottle every 1 1/2 hours, to sleep ing 6 hours uninterrupted (Hooray)! Also, we were not prepared for him to bond to my husband and not me -- Honestly, that was very hard emotionally and logistically. Fortunately, DH is back at work (Well, that's not the fortunate part) and our boy is now delighted to be with me. While daddy still has magic comfort powers, mommy can also now kiss away all boo boos AND we get hugs and kisses from baby...Somehow last week it turned from being overwhelming to doable and tremendous fun and delight.

Okay, well I haven't posted before, but here's a picture of my beautiful little 10 month old mouse! Thanks for all the support and love,

Your Shmouse

[615bride]

He's gorgeous, Schmouse! Congrats!!!

[dixiemom]

Have I got a girl for him!!! Okay, she's only 2 monhts old now, but I am such a planner!

He is just so precious!

[Guatemom]

What a doll!!! Those eyes---and those cheeks! What a cutie!

[iccsd]

Que hermoso!

Congratulations!

~Sara

[CRSR]

Awwwwwwh...what a cutie. I love the hat!

[CHARLIECAT]

What a darling little mouse. He is going to be a heart breaker!

Kim

[Alesanto]

I must say that he is the cutest mouse I have ever seen!

I am so happy for you guys. Enjoy it, and don't worry it gets easier each day.

Lisa

[jgina31]

He's so cute! Congrats!

[lotterino]

I am so happy to hear that you and your little mouse are doing so well. If you have any words of advice from one new mom to another, I'd love to hear them. Your son is a cutey!

[regino]

He is so adorable! Congratulations to the whole mouse family!

[foxl]

He is a beaut! Glad things are easing for you and glad to hear from you!
Linda

[delaware1]

He is adorable! Glad you are enjoying mommyhood so much.
-Kathleen

[Annee]

Wow! That's the cutest dang mouse I've ever seen. It's wonderful to hear how well he's doing.

And...thank you for posting about your first experiences as parents. We're really interested in how other new parents are doing - we'll be walking in your shoes shortly, I hope.

[csw]

Hi Shmouse
He is such a doll! What a cute smile and beautiful eyes! Thanks for the update...