It's hard to believe that it's only been one month that we've been home with Abraham...it seems like he's been a part of our family for so much longer. He just fits, if that makes any sense. It's a really beautiful feeling, this sense of PEACE that he - his specific, individual little self with all of his personality and unique characteristics - is the one whom God knew we needed next in this family He is building for us. :)
That said, I'm going to try dividing the rest of this post into "topics" to try and address some of the most frequently asked questions we've received thus far:
a) How does Abraham seem to be adjusting?
Abraham seems to be adjusting incredibly well! He laughs and smiles often, and is very alert and interested in his new environment. He has gone from eating smaller feedings often (i.e. 3 or 4 oz/per feeding around the clock) to fewer (usually 8 oz) feedings and all in the daytime! He is sleeping between 10 and 12 hours at night (with a little help from a magical little tool I like to call a pacifier, our lifesaver :)), and taking 2 or 3 good naps during the day. We have also started his introduction to solid foods. So far, we've tried rice cereal, squash, peas, and carrots. Carrots are his favorite, hands down! Next on the docket, another veggie or two, and then everybody's favorite - fruits!
Generally, Abraham is a very content little guy, though he has started noticing when I leave the room, and fusses a bit until I come back and get him, a good thing, I think, as he is understanding that he is dependent upon me to meet many of his needs still. When I give him his bottle, he always touches my face with one or both of his hands - precious! He LOVES playing peek-a-boo, and getting tickled! And seems to enjoy his baths in the evenings.
b) Have you taken him out of "the cocoon" yet?
Yes, we have. For the first two weeks we were home, we stuck very close to the house here, so that Abraham could learn about his environment slowly, in a way that would not be overwhelming to him. However, as we got to know him better and could better assess how he was processing things, we allowed him more and more contact with new people and experiences. We started with having friends and family come here, that slowly progressed to a trip to the park or supermarket. This past week, Abraham had his first visits to Nathan's school, and to our church. He did very well.
We are being very mindful about Nathan and I being the only ones to feed him, bathe him, put him down for a nap or bedtime, etc. We are the only ones meeting any and all of his physical needs for the time being.
c) Is he healthy?
Yes, we had our pediatrician appointment the same week we got home, and all seems to be well physically and developmentally. His stool sample, and all other tests came back a-ok. :)
d) How do Evelyn and Sylvia seem to be adjusting to their new brother?
Very well overall. The first week or two we were home, Ev seemed to be needing extra attention from us - wanting to sit on our laps more than usual, and acting out in some new ways. But, both girls SHOWER their new brother with hugs and kisses; they bring him his blanket and elephant, put his pacifier in when it falls out, and generally smother him until I am forced to try and find a positive way to say (for the 100th time today) - "Please give your brother some space!" Ev keeps saying, "Next, I want a girl Abraham." Ha! :)
e) What have you learned about Abraham thus far - his personality, likes and dislikes, etc?
Abraham seems to be a fairly easy-going kiddo. He is content to play for short times by himself, but also enjoys riding in the Moby wrap, and interacting with people. His likes at this time: tickling, peek-a-boo, carrots, listening to music, "walking" while holding Mommy or Daddy's fingers, being outside, scooting backwards on his tummy across the wood floor, and pretty much anything "Daddy" - he lights up whenever Daddy comes home from work. His dislikes at this time: putting his arms in anything (clothing or carseat), getting smothered by his sisters, when Mommy rubs baby oil all over his head, not being able to crawl or move as quickly as everyone else around here, rice cereal, losing his pacifier.
f) How was going from a family of four to a family of five?
Surprisingly easy. I think that, for us, going from a family of two to a family of four was such a shock that, this time around, it's not quite as big of a deal to figure out our new roles, and how Abraham fits into our lives. Fairly seamless...so far anyway.
g) Are you exhausted?
Not really any more exhausted then I was before Abraham came. :) I think being a parent is always exhausting (definitely not for the faint of heart), but really, with him sleeping so well at night, things are moving pretty smoothly around here. Nothing a good cup of coffee can't cure anyway. :)
h) This all sounds too good to be true; hasn't there been anything difficult about your adoption journey/incorporating an adopted child into your family?
We have had some difficult times, mostly at our hotel while still in Ethiopia. It was difficult because, at first, Abraham seemed somewhat apprehensive of us. He cried frequently those first 48 hours he was in our care, and was not sleeping well initially. And we anticipate there will be more difficult questions/situations that may arise as Abraham gets older, and more aware of the losses in his life.
But, for the time being, all is well here in the LeFeber household. We feel INCREDIBLY blessed to have the honor of calling Abraham John Abera LeFeber our son.
Below is a photo of Evelyn, Sylvia, and Abraham that appeared in our local newspaper recently. LOVE his face in this one... :)
