I'm Surviving!

I'm surviving being back to work. I started my 4th week today and it has been a challenge, but I'm getting through it. Rachel is doing absolutely wonderful at her mommom's house. Rachel is such an adaptable little girl. My first week started off not as planned. Our first Monday morning was going great! I dropped Jake and Rachel off at mommom's and I even kept my composure when I left the house. I got choked up when I got in the car, but I reminded myself that Rachel was in good hands and I also reminded myself how blessed we are that we don't have to put her in daycare. Rachel is being cared for by someone who loves her very much while we have to work. To help me ease back into my routine and to spend a little time with Jake in the afternoon, I decided that I would only work half days my first week back to work. So I mentally prepared myself that I would only miss a few hours of Rachel and that I would see her in the early afternoon before she went down for her afternoon nap. Well, when I got into my car to head to the office, I had a voicemail from my Supervisor telling me that she was sick with a stomach bug and that I would have to work a full day. Well, I pretty much lost it at that point. Unfortunately, we have a skeleton crew in our office these days, so there needs to be coverage. I understand all that, but it still was upsetting. I couldn't wait to see Rachel and Jake at the end of my day. I really missed them and wondered how Rachel would act when she saw me. I wondered what was going on in her head when I left her and when she didn't see me for over 8 hours! I walked up to the screen door and I could hear mom talking to Rachel. I peeked into the screen door and mom was holding Rachel on the floor. When mom saw me, she said "Uh Oh, there's mommy!" Rachel looked up at the screen door and she started pointing at me and laughing. She couldn't get in my arms fast enough. She just let me hold her and laid her head on my shoulder and patted my arm. She must have stayed like that for about 5 minutes. It was so heartwarming. She missed her mommy as much as her mommy missed her! Each day she was as happy to see me as I was to see her. The following week was a bigger challenge working full days, but I got through it.

Another reason why I worked half days my first week was to spend some time with Jake. Being at mommom's with 6 toddlers and preschoolers isn't very stimulating for him. I knew he would get bored and end up being bossy with the little ones because he thinks helping. He had three more weeks before school started and camp already ended for the summer. We had a great time together. We went to the movies one day, bowling another day and we went for ice cream and a haircut another day. It was so nice spending time with him. He really is an unbelievable kid and I feel so incredibly blessed to be his mother.

You should see how bruised Jake's body is from football. I sure hope people don't think he's being abused by his parents! The bruises on his arms are horrible and I notice people staring at them. He's even had people ask what happened to his arms. I told him to start wearing shirts with sleeves so people will stop staring. They really are horrible to look at. I just pray that he doesn't get hurt. It's tough watching practice sometimes, especially when they are practicing hitting. The sound of these boys colliding sends chills up my spine. When I see them just laying there after a hit, all these horrible thoughts run through my mind. Jake seems to be enjoying it more and more. He's doing well with loosing some of the weight he needs to loose to play in games. Since the beginning of August, he's lost 8 pounds. We still have about 4 more pounds to go. I'm proud of him for sticking to water only and not eating after 7:00 PM. His first game was on August 31st and unfortunately he didn't make the weight. He had to sit out for his first game. What a huge disappointment for a kid especially after practicing 4 nights a week for 2 1/2 hours for an entire month. The team lost their first game, but hopefully they will get the next one and hopefully Jake will get to play too!

Today is Jake's first day back to school. He started 5th grade this year and honestly, that is hard to swallow. My little man is growing up! He would be mortified if he knew I called him my "little man." He had a pretty good day and seems to like his teacher. There are four Jake's in his class this year! I really feel for the teacher. You would think they would break them up a little bit. He seemed to be happy with his classmates this year. Of course he doesn't like any of the girls! I think he's putting on a front. LOL!

GUESS WHO'S ALMOST WALKING?????

Guess who is just about walking?! Yep, Rachel is taking more and more steps each day. So hard to believe how far this little angel has come since being home with us. She actually took a couple of steps on her birthday. Last night, she took about 5 steps before lunging in my arms. She's so cute and getting braver and braver each day. She is very comfortable standing without holding onto anything. She walks very well with her walking toy. It's so funny how she knows how to maneuver around furniture and whatnot. She is so proud of herself!

We officially switched Rachel from formula to milk last week and she seems to like it a lot better. I still warm it if I give it to her in a bottle, especially at night. I figure it would help her sleep if anything. Chinese children, especially those in orphanages, are used to very hot food and liquids. I've gradually reduced the temperature since bringing her home. I was so afraid her mouth would burn. I decided to give Rachel organic whole milk instead of regular store bought. There is so much controversy over hormones and antibiotics added to dairy products. I actually switched our family over to organic milk about a year ago and I feel pretty good about my choice as well. I know some don't believe that we can be harmed from hormone additives, but the information I read was too compelling to ignore. Researchers believe that these hormones are causing our children to hit puberty early, especially in females. Hey, I'm not ready anytime soon for puberty for Jake nor Rachel!

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