We have already seen many changes in Caleb since Gotcha Day. Although he is still getting accustomed to his new environment, he is doing so well! Here are a few of the things we have noticed about him over the past few days:
- Caleb's jello legs are getting stronger! At the orphanage only a few days ago he would bear no weight on his legs. Now when we "stand him up" he pushes back with and straightens his legs. He is getting stronger every day!
- Caleb has become quite the snuggler. At the orphanage he despised being held with his head resting on our shoulder. In fact, he wouldn't put his head down at all to snuggle! Now that is his preferred way to be held and often snuggles right in to let us hold or carry him around that way.
- Caleb has started to put things in his mouth and notice toys! I know this probably sounds silly to most of you - but he has had little or no opportunity to play with toys or even use teething rings in the orphanage. Up until now his only entertainment was to look at his hands unless he was being held or talked to. In fact, we often see him self-soothe and revert back to staring at his hands and moving them around in front of his face. Today he finally started looking at a toy on the side of his crib and putting a teething ring in his mouth. He has been "talking" to both of them too! We're so glad to see him develop some normal baby behaviors that many parents would take for granted!
- Caleb likes us :) He is smiling and cooing at us and watching our every move. We are gaining more and more confidence in knowing what he wants and anticipating his needs. I think he is learning that Mommy & Daddy are here to love and take care of him.
Tomorrow we will head to Almaty bright and early. I believe we will have internet access in our hotel room there (Hotel Kazzhol) but do not know how much it will cost. Almaty seems to be the more expensive leg of our journey so my guess is the internet service will cost us a few Tenge!
We will update about our journey as much as we are able. Please pray that we have a good trip to Almaty and no issues crossing the border!
And to all you lurkers out there- for goodness sake's leave us some comments!!! Keep us pumped up for the journey!! :) I think we're halfway done now! Today I explained to Caleb all the steps we have ahead, and he seemed to smile the most when I talked about going home. :)
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12 comments:
I am lurking from work tonight. It is great to see that Caleb is bonding with you guys so well. Keeping you in my prayers and hope that the border crossing goes well. Hope you are still able to blog from Almaty.
Wow, you can see a difference in sweet Caleb already in your photos! It is amazing the things we take for granted like playing with toys that these little ones haven't had the opportunity to do. Love the cute bear suit! Hugs, Laura
It is amazing what happens when a baby gets a little one on one attention! That is so encouraging for the rest of us. We are praying for you and the rest of your journey. Keep the posts coming and we'll keep the comments coming ;)
karla
We are so happy for you 3! I love seeing Caleb in his new boy outfits! He's such a cutie! We can't wait to meet him! You are all in our prayers!
Love,
Dave & Amy
We are so happy to hear about Caleb's rapid progress. I'm thinking that when you look back on your time in the hotel, even though it might have been confining at times, you'll most remember the wonderful memories, (including a lot of "firsts") that you made there with Caleb. Dad and I will pray for a safe journey, uneventful border crossing,and happy baby boy all the way to Almaty. Please let us know that you are safely there...and also..we would be happy to scrape up however many tenge you need to keep posting! :) We love you and will be so relieved when you are back in Texas! Love, Mom and Dad
You and Bryan are the PERFCT parents! You are doing great! Enjoy this time with Caleb~~the memories will last a lifetime!
Love, Mariellen
What a great post! I am so, so happy to read that you guys are doing so well - especially baby Caleb. I can't even begin to imagine what a life change this is for him, but you guys are doing such an amazing job of giving him your unconditional love that he feels secure with everything you do. Be safe and good luck with all of the government work!
I confess I am a Lurker. I can't wait to get to the computer to see if there is a new posting. He is adorable especially in blue. He looks very happy & attentive looking up @ you & Bryan. I can't tell you how happy & excited I am for you. God will be with you on your journey home as He has been with you from the start.
Safe trip.
Love, Cathy
Every time there is a new post, I get pumped. I love the constant updates. We will be praying for you all for a safe, uneventful trip. We love you and can't wait! Less then a week and we can meet our nephew!!!
Carolyn and Billy
Dear BB&C (the new Pickett Threesome),
You have opened yourselves up to God and have been blessed. I am SO HAPPY for you and admire you so much for being faithful witnesses to God's love in this most troubling world. We all need each other, and Caleb needed you. God knew that and in His wisdom --- and with your "permission" --- fulfilled those needs for the three of you.
A new life is just now beginning --- the life of the three of you together as a "forever family." You have already played a major part in making His Kingdom a reality, here and now, for yourselves and for all of us. Thank you ... and God Bless You!
All Our Love,
GrandGodparents Dwight and Sue.
Yay! You're halfway home!!!Glad to hear that Caleb is getting used to his new environment AND loves to snuggle with you guys now. We can totally see how much a few days have changed him. He looks very happy and content. I bet you had fun giving him a bath! We'll be praying for your trip to Kaz tomorrow. God speed!
Thank you so much for sharing this very blessed time in your life. I have nicknamed Caleb "Mr. Personality"!. I love the way he looks at you and Bryan. His grin is adorable and those eyes! It is remarkable that in just a few days he is content and knows who is there to forever love and care for him .....mommy and daddy. God be with your family as you complete this last chapter of "Bringng Home Baby Caleb."
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