Tidbits of our First Week Home

Zhuang Zhuang, our Drew, is a little more cuddly everyday. He still likes to turn his head from the camera unless he is up to something. He talks non-stop at meal time, and we have no idea what he is telling us, but it is quite funny to him.

Qing Zhuang, our Zeke, has been even more loving today than any other. I have been working on the family budget, catching up with bills, etc...the joys of being a grown up. He came to see me multiple times just to get hugs and say, " Wo ai ni," I love you.

My aunt recently asked when we are going to call them their American names. We use them on occasion. Since they are older, though, I didn't want to force their new names on them. They have faced so many changes with strength and trust. I trust that we will know the right time to use their American names, and the change will occur naturally.

I continue to be amazed at how willingly they go to bed when I tell them it is time. They have yet to offer any "fuss."

Not true of this one:

She did not sleep through the night for MONTHS. She woke up with night terrors and would not go to sleep unless she was in bed with someone, most often me!

It took about 4 weeks for this one to go to bed without much fuss. She was still quite the manipulator, though. She only went to sleep by holding onto your arm, so when you tried to get up, she could wake up and grab you back down.




Both of the boys have the sweetest little habits that help them fall asleep. Maybe that's why they go sleep easier than the girls. Zhuang Zhuang bites his lower lip.


Qing Zhuang sucks on his fingers.


All of this makes for some interesting sound effects when I lie in the floor for the few minutes it takes them to fall asleep.

I heard Zhuang Zhuang call his brother's name for the first time today. Perhaps he has many times before, but today is the first time I heard it. They seem to be have learning to love on us, but simply tolerating one another. Not animosity. Just indifference.

Qing Zhuang loves to tattle on Zhuang Zhuang, though.

But, today, when it was nap time. QZ had gone to the potty. ZZ didn't know that's where he was. So, when he and I entered the bedroom, he shouted, "Qing Zhuang!" And, the tone of his voice did not sound upset, just sounded like, "Hey, I need my brother to be in here, too."

And, the last tidbit of the day:
If you consider adopting two boys at once, and their ages ranges from 4ish-6ish:
You might also consider collecting an overabundance of Clorox wipes. You may very well find yourself stepping in or sitting on a yellow liquid each time you visit your own potty. Anybody have some they want to share with the Mattox girls? ;)