Theodore

Theodore is amazing. I love him and his name more and more each day. I love the "adore" part the best. I want to take a few minutes to share a bit about him.

You can't understand how small he is unless you meet him in person. He just has the tiniest ears and nose and hands and everything. He is really the size of a six month old baby, but something about him seems old and wise. Maybe if I can get him chubbed up a little he won't look like a skinny old man.

I didn't know anything about this boy when I first met him, with the exception that I would love him. And I do. I learn something new about him each day. He can roll over. He can flop 180 degrees and fast! I don't yet know how well he can hear, but he can spy a baby bottle like a little hawk! He stiffens up and gets all happy when you hand it to him. If you don't give it to him, be prepared for him to complain loudly!!

After we got home from the hospital last week, I've noticed that he seems stronger. It really struck me today. He loves to stand on my lap. He stands up so straight and tall! This is not typical of the children with Down Syndrome that I know. Theo does not have the rubber chicken legs that Ralph did when he was little. Zhen still has rubber chicken legs at the age of three. I'm just so proud of Theo and looking forward to him getting a little stronger every day from here on out.

Also, I've learned that Theo loves stuffed animals. He grabs them and hugs them close. It is the sweetest thing. He is especially fond of the stuffed Mickey Mouse that he got while he was in the hospital. I don't know who gave it to him, but it is a huge hit. It has lots of interesting colors and it just the right size for his little hands to grab.

Theo can spit. Really spit. He can get me from three feet away!

He hates when his head gets bumped. Sometimes he will be holding a toy and smack himself inadvertently. I've seen him fall over a few times. He does the ugly cry when his head is bumped. It breaks me when he does his ugly cry. I strongly suspect that one particular woman at the orphanage thumped him on the head one too many times. :(

He is a snuggle bug. He likes to be held and rocked. He likes it when I blow raspberries on his neck. He gives me the big smile when I do that!

I look forward to learning even more about Theodore for years to come. I'm thinking of a way to get a camera so that I can share some photos with you again. His appearance is already starting to change!

Tomorrow...all about Zhen!