Gates had an amazing birthday celebration this year! Sister Chari, treated Him to a day in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park! He has a fascination for giraffes and elephants. The safari jeep ride provided Him with the opportunity to see them both along with a bunch of other neat things he enjoyed. Like a lot of 7 yr olds, Gates likes to play with dinosaur toys, color in dinosaur coloring books and assemble dinosaur puzzles. He was thrilled to ride the dinosaur equivalent to Dumbo with Sister.
The following day we enjoyed Sea World. Only one of us missed that trip because He was encumbered with the heavy work of earning a doctorate. We met up with Him later though.
At Sea World, Gates adores the sharks. Brother Bridger who was experienced with feeding the rays tried to coax Gates into holding onto his shrimp until the ray hovered over his hand and vacuumed up His treat. Rays have a smooth cartilage rather than teeth and they mouthe the offering and slurp it in. He wanted so badly to do it!
Dad positioned him in front of his taller brother who was petting the rays easily as they glided by due to his much longer arms. The ray would then move quickly past Bridger's reach so that Gates, standing in the security of Brother's shadow, could never reach one.
Once Paul repositioned our boys Gates was first to attempt contact and Bridger could still pet the rays as they skirted past. Only now instead of shouting in frustration, Gates was jumping back when the elusive rays bumped his hand.
Once when Chari was a very little girl, she had wanted to pet a horse but once Daddy picked her up where she could reach, she hesitated. Paul invited her to put her hand on top of his while he petted the horse, offering her the chance to slide her own hand off of his onto the horses neck should she want to. She did so and continued petting that horse for several minutes on her own.
I saw this played out again as Chari reached to the bottom of the tank retrieving the dropped shrimp and handing them back to Gates so that he could muster up the courage to hold his hand beneath the surface long enough.
Gates tried but grew more frustrated. So, he got washed up at the sink while Bridger fed the rest of his shrimp to the rays. Gates enjoyed watching the tiny rays at the other end of the pool and we moved on to the dolphins, which I fed with Chari and eventually to the shark encounter on the other side of the park.
I chuckled as Gates gazed longingly at the Sharks swimming overhead and commented,"If I had my shark bathing suit here, I could get in with them right?" "Yes you could Son. Too bad we left it at the hotel." He just grinned.
It encourages me to think about the way God offers me both his protection and His strength, even as He positions me for a better view of the challenges ahead. God is patiently allowing me to rest in his shadow sometimes and other times His great love for me inspires me to try and try again. It ain't over 'til it's over! I'm safe if I succeed and safe if I don't. It's not my effort that assures me the win... It's the fact that He has never lost a challenge. Love Y'all!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Gates Can't Wait For Christmas:)
Gates has really enjoyed all of the family traditions related to Thanksgiving this year. He helped with food preparation and sung songs running in little circles as we set the breakfast table and cued the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on t.v. He was delighted about the turkey. Which he explains is not 'real turkey' but 'meat turkey'. He has decided to enjoy cocoa with whipped cream on top and because we are still trying to get him over thirty five pounds I use whole milk and whipping cream in the sauce pan with the chocolate and extra creamy redi whip with marshmallows. Obviously he eats healthier food most of the time but I still sneak in the whole milk mixed with half and half with his whole grain cereals. His favorite fruits right now are oranges, bananas and strawberries. He wrinkles up his nose at c antelope but grapes and watermelon are high on his list as well.
Gates recently decided that he does not appreciate nick names or endearments. We are to call him "Gates" and that's it. Not sweetheart, little man or big guy, or even buddy. Just Gates. I suppose he has begun to identify with being Gates Rudd and that's exactly who he wants to be right now. His physical differences have also become more of a distraction for him. Suddenly, He is keenly aware of his scars, his minor limp, etc. I suppose that is an expected sign of maturity. His internal focus over all has changed. He behaves less like a kitten watching a butterfly and more like a thoughtful, rather intense little black raincloud. It's clear that He is working through a new wave of awareness and yet another level of adjustment along his journey to wholeness. He expresses himself in so many ways. Although he has always chattered endlessly chasing random thought after random thought often without pause, it seems to me that lately there is a moment of clarity and connection that lasts a little longer than before. I am excited to discover alongside Him, just how he will develop his own thoughts and communicate about them.
Gates has enjoyed shopping for Christmas gifts for the family. He was excited about his choices for each of his siblings and his Grandmother. But on each excursion he has insisted that he purchase yet another gift for his Brother. Bridger is clearly at the center of his universe. They really are quite wonderful together. Bridger behaves as if he is several years older than Gates even though there are only eleven months between them. Bridge is protective and looks after Gates. Gates keeps close tabs on Bridger. If he loses sight of him he immediately starts searching for him. We have to be intentional about giving them a little space at times. For example, Aimee will take Gates outside to help feed the critters and water flowers etc. while Bridger gets a little uninterrupted reading time. Earlier tonight Gates interrupted Bridger during a crucial part of the televised hockey game and asked, "Do you want to play a game wit me?" Bridge replied, "How bout the game where we see who can be quiet the longest?" Gates picked up on the quip right away and responded, "Oh, Momma LOVES that game!" While awake, Gates's record for silence is one minute. No complaints from me though, I remember when I longed for the sound of him in the house:)
We have wrapped gifts stacked around our small living room and because he cannot yet read, Gates is content to know that the gifts atop the five foot cabinets are his. Thankfully, Bridger has obliged us in not pointing out the ones within his reach that are marked as Gates's too. We are so delighted that Gates is enjoying Christmas as his own this year. He watches carefully over the little Jesus figure representation at the center of Grandma's nativity scene and tells the story of Christ's coming while moving the little Charlie Brown Christmas Play Set people around. Woodstock is perched in the manger and Gates will say, "This is not Jeejus. This is a yellow bird that is pretending that he did not scare him away from his bed."
Gates recently decided that he does not appreciate nick names or endearments. We are to call him "Gates" and that's it. Not sweetheart, little man or big guy, or even buddy. Just Gates. I suppose he has begun to identify with being Gates Rudd and that's exactly who he wants to be right now. His physical differences have also become more of a distraction for him. Suddenly, He is keenly aware of his scars, his minor limp, etc. I suppose that is an expected sign of maturity. His internal focus over all has changed. He behaves less like a kitten watching a butterfly and more like a thoughtful, rather intense little black raincloud. It's clear that He is working through a new wave of awareness and yet another level of adjustment along his journey to wholeness. He expresses himself in so many ways. Although he has always chattered endlessly chasing random thought after random thought often without pause, it seems to me that lately there is a moment of clarity and connection that lasts a little longer than before. I am excited to discover alongside Him, just how he will develop his own thoughts and communicate about them.
Gates has enjoyed shopping for Christmas gifts for the family. He was excited about his choices for each of his siblings and his Grandmother. But on each excursion he has insisted that he purchase yet another gift for his Brother. Bridger is clearly at the center of his universe. They really are quite wonderful together. Bridger behaves as if he is several years older than Gates even though there are only eleven months between them. Bridge is protective and looks after Gates. Gates keeps close tabs on Bridger. If he loses sight of him he immediately starts searching for him. We have to be intentional about giving them a little space at times. For example, Aimee will take Gates outside to help feed the critters and water flowers etc. while Bridger gets a little uninterrupted reading time. Earlier tonight Gates interrupted Bridger during a crucial part of the televised hockey game and asked, "Do you want to play a game wit me?" Bridge replied, "How bout the game where we see who can be quiet the longest?" Gates picked up on the quip right away and responded, "Oh, Momma LOVES that game!" While awake, Gates's record for silence is one minute. No complaints from me though, I remember when I longed for the sound of him in the house:)
We have wrapped gifts stacked around our small living room and because he cannot yet read, Gates is content to know that the gifts atop the five foot cabinets are his. Thankfully, Bridger has obliged us in not pointing out the ones within his reach that are marked as Gates's too. We are so delighted that Gates is enjoying Christmas as his own this year. He watches carefully over the little Jesus figure representation at the center of Grandma's nativity scene and tells the story of Christ's coming while moving the little Charlie Brown Christmas Play Set people around. Woodstock is perched in the manger and Gates will say, "This is not Jeejus. This is a yellow bird that is pretending that he did not scare him away from his bed."
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Two Years Ago... Today.
Two years ago this week. Paul was in Guangzhou on the Island that is so well known by the blessed families who have completed their adoption journies to China. As you will remember the province where Gates was born was a poor one and Paul's time there was difficult. But we remain thankful for the many citizens of the PRC who did their utmost to help. You can read through the older posts on this blog if you'd like to read the details but suffice to say, Paul was grateful to have our agency reps along for the final stages and challenging details. Most assuredly, the Lord was (and is) with us.
Gates will celebrate his second homecoming anniversary on July 2nd and his 6th birthday on July 14th. He is 42 inches tall and weighs 32lbs. We are still waiting on a few developmental milestones for him physically but he continues to provide evidence that patience pays off when it comes to such things. Gates's vocabulary continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Correct pronunciation remains optional to him, but he thinks he is mimicing us exactly. If Bridger repeats his Brother's words back to him in the way that Gates said them, Gates will ask, "Are you speaking Spanich?"
Gates is very fond of books and squeals with delight if a catalog shows up in the mail. He will memorize those before he tosses them aside. "I done that one." He is looking forward to his birthday this year and asks me daily how many more days until it arrives.
Gates is a precious and completely unique individual. You can never be sure how he will respond to something. He is less sensitive than Bridger on just about every front. So that can be interesting. For instance, Gates loves to learn about sharks and then shares details after lights out with his Brother across the room. Bridger's muffled voice comes out from underneath his pillow, "Mooooommmm! Make Gates stop talking!" His Sister Aimee gave him a sea shell and he hugged it to his chest and said, "I will name him Ian." No idea.
Sister Chari took both of her little Brothers and two other slightly older boys for an afternoon at the Children's Immaginarium recently. They had an outstanding time and Gates was delighted to report on his arrival home that he 'petted a stingray'.
Gates is always chatting and singing around the house. This morning as he woke up, he walked by me to take his jammies to the laundry hamper and he was humming "Crocodile Rock"
Both of our Boys like hockey and Bridger took ice skating classes this year. Gates loves the Everblades mascot, "Swampee" because: number one, Swampee is an alligator and our 'Gater' LOVES alligators and number two Gatsey says that he doesn't like costumes and Swampee doesn't wear a costume. Kids are so cute that way. When visiting Disney World's Hollywood Studios last Dec. we visited with Handy Manny and Gates just chatted away with him. Afterward we adults commented on how suprised we were that Gates responded that way. Bridger piped up, "That's because Gatesy hates costumes but Handy Manny doesn't wear a costume." Ahhh. 'Nuff said.
Gates has become more posessive of me in the past few months, which is another nice 'fill in the blank' developmental milestone and also nice for me. Often little ones who suffered such lonliness throughout their infancy and toddler years subconciously hold it against the 'mamma' figure for not being there for them back then. Gates asks me sometimes where I was and I tell him, "I was looking for you Baby and I missed you very much." He usually responds, "I missed you too." But recently he replied, "Well you should have got a map!" lol
Gates will celebrate his second homecoming anniversary on July 2nd and his 6th birthday on July 14th. He is 42 inches tall and weighs 32lbs. We are still waiting on a few developmental milestones for him physically but he continues to provide evidence that patience pays off when it comes to such things. Gates's vocabulary continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Correct pronunciation remains optional to him, but he thinks he is mimicing us exactly. If Bridger repeats his Brother's words back to him in the way that Gates said them, Gates will ask, "Are you speaking Spanich?"
Gates is very fond of books and squeals with delight if a catalog shows up in the mail. He will memorize those before he tosses them aside. "I done that one." He is looking forward to his birthday this year and asks me daily how many more days until it arrives.
Gates is a precious and completely unique individual. You can never be sure how he will respond to something. He is less sensitive than Bridger on just about every front. So that can be interesting. For instance, Gates loves to learn about sharks and then shares details after lights out with his Brother across the room. Bridger's muffled voice comes out from underneath his pillow, "Mooooommmm! Make Gates stop talking!" His Sister Aimee gave him a sea shell and he hugged it to his chest and said, "I will name him Ian." No idea.
Sister Chari took both of her little Brothers and two other slightly older boys for an afternoon at the Children's Immaginarium recently. They had an outstanding time and Gates was delighted to report on his arrival home that he 'petted a stingray'.
Gates is always chatting and singing around the house. This morning as he woke up, he walked by me to take his jammies to the laundry hamper and he was humming "Crocodile Rock"
Both of our Boys like hockey and Bridger took ice skating classes this year. Gates loves the Everblades mascot, "Swampee" because: number one, Swampee is an alligator and our 'Gater' LOVES alligators and number two Gatsey says that he doesn't like costumes and Swampee doesn't wear a costume. Kids are so cute that way. When visiting Disney World's Hollywood Studios last Dec. we visited with Handy Manny and Gates just chatted away with him. Afterward we adults commented on how suprised we were that Gates responded that way. Bridger piped up, "That's because Gatesy hates costumes but Handy Manny doesn't wear a costume." Ahhh. 'Nuff said.
Gates has become more posessive of me in the past few months, which is another nice 'fill in the blank' developmental milestone and also nice for me. Often little ones who suffered such lonliness throughout their infancy and toddler years subconciously hold it against the 'mamma' figure for not being there for them back then. Gates asks me sometimes where I was and I tell him, "I was looking for you Baby and I missed you very much." He usually responds, "I missed you too." But recently he replied, "Well you should have got a map!" lol
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Go Ahead, Get Your Hopes Up!
Families like ours seem to bring out odd responses from people at times. Not every body gets us, we accept that. But what's with all of the hostility?
An accusation hurled at me recently is one that my optimism is insincere and that my faith is a 'fantasy world' where I refuse to take responsibility for myself and my role in the reality of this world. Ummm. Whaaat? Seriously? My responsibility for my role in reality? C'mon.
To me, my faith is simply my hand firmly grasped within the big, strong hand of the God of all Creation who for reasons known only to him, chooses to love me. My hope is in His reality, not in the limited views of mere mortals. Or as defined in textbooks on abnormal psychology.
I think I have an awareness of the difficulties of living in this world. People go hungry. Children die without ever knowing a loving embrace. Cancer continues. Tornadoes destroy and floods devastate. Wounded hurt wounded and Killers kill.
However, hostility has never helped any of that go away. You hating me for my love is not a shock to me. Your views are not unique. Your accusations toward me are identical to the ones hurled at others for thousands of years. Others like me, who trust God and try hard to love others.
I am so thankful that my hope does not rest in my ability to maintain, achieve or even experience perfection, but instead my hope is anchored to the reality of God's plan for my future and Jeremiah 33:3 says that He knows the plans that He has for me, to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope.., and a future."
Somewhere in every day, we make a difference in the lives of the people around us. We can be intentional or careless with that opportunity, but it's there anyway. For those who read this post I want you to know that you personally are relevant and precious to the God who knew you before you even knew yourself and his arms are open wide to encourage you or welcome you or comfort you right now. His ability to overwhelm us with his devotion toward us is beyond any need we have. He is the only Daddy I've ever known and it seems wherever I am in my life his strong shoulder is right where my head drops. Hope is for circumstances to change. You don't have to hope God loves you. KNOW God loves you.., he is closer than your heartbeat. Rest in that truth:-)
I tried to be calm with my accuser, it made her madder still and meaner. For a few days her hateful words rang in my ears. But they faded in the love that surrounds me. It may not heal between us, but I remain hopeful:-)
An accusation hurled at me recently is one that my optimism is insincere and that my faith is a 'fantasy world' where I refuse to take responsibility for myself and my role in the reality of this world. Ummm. Whaaat? Seriously? My responsibility for my role in reality? C'mon.
To me, my faith is simply my hand firmly grasped within the big, strong hand of the God of all Creation who for reasons known only to him, chooses to love me. My hope is in His reality, not in the limited views of mere mortals. Or as defined in textbooks on abnormal psychology.
I think I have an awareness of the difficulties of living in this world. People go hungry. Children die without ever knowing a loving embrace. Cancer continues. Tornadoes destroy and floods devastate. Wounded hurt wounded and Killers kill.
However, hostility has never helped any of that go away. You hating me for my love is not a shock to me. Your views are not unique. Your accusations toward me are identical to the ones hurled at others for thousands of years. Others like me, who trust God and try hard to love others.
I am so thankful that my hope does not rest in my ability to maintain, achieve or even experience perfection, but instead my hope is anchored to the reality of God's plan for my future and Jeremiah 33:3 says that He knows the plans that He has for me, to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope.., and a future."
Somewhere in every day, we make a difference in the lives of the people around us. We can be intentional or careless with that opportunity, but it's there anyway. For those who read this post I want you to know that you personally are relevant and precious to the God who knew you before you even knew yourself and his arms are open wide to encourage you or welcome you or comfort you right now. His ability to overwhelm us with his devotion toward us is beyond any need we have. He is the only Daddy I've ever known and it seems wherever I am in my life his strong shoulder is right where my head drops. Hope is for circumstances to change. You don't have to hope God loves you. KNOW God loves you.., he is closer than your heartbeat. Rest in that truth:-)
I tried to be calm with my accuser, it made her madder still and meaner. For a few days her hateful words rang in my ears. But they faded in the love that surrounds me. It may not heal between us, but I remain hopeful:-)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Short post. Gater's up.
It's the first day of June, 2011. Two years ago this month, Paul was packing for China. Hard to believe isn't it? Gates continues to grow in so many ways every single day. I thought I might get a little update in before the boys were up? Nope. Gates just walked up to stand beside me wearing a super mario bros pj top and mix matched construction equipment pj bottoms. He is holding three rubber hippos, two babies and a Mamma apparantly. First words out of his mouth? "I wanna take a bath!" According to Gatesy the hippos are in a hurry to get into the water. If He is not in the pool he wants to be in the tub, usually with his toy gators that's why we call him Gat-er. Bridger has decided to start brother's bath water so I'm outta here. Will try again later.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Gates in 2011
Gates continues to show tremendous growth in his understanding and attitudes toward family life in general and his unique part in our family specifically. He enjoys silly and oftentimes totally inappropriate retorts to common questions. Example: "Gates would you like peanut butter and Honey on your waffle?" Response, "What Creature?" Not sure if I'm the creature in this schtick or not. lol But his handle on Americanized English continues to impress us for the most part.
Gates still loves being outside. No Matter what the weather he loves it! He has mastered basic gardening tools and can swing higher than any of us is comfortable with on his swingset. Paul calls him our little bunji jumper. He attacks every new experience. Charging right in with his more cautious Big Brother a few feet behind him saying, "Be Careful Gates."
Gates likes to know when and where new experiences will occur however, so he can get his game face on and phsych himself up into Gates the super hero! He likes Batman from his coloring books and fisher price toys but has never seen a show featuring him. He allows Brother to be his side kick and its really quite a riot to see him leap onto the ottoman one hand raised, "I am Batman! "
Then he waves his patient and equally adorable side kick who bests him by 80lbs and two entire feet in height, into the room by shouting, "Bring my Batman Stuff!" They trade off though. When they play DOG the Bounty Hunter, Bridger is the guy with the dollar store handcuffs and little Bro. is on the cell phone. (Smile)
Little M. visited recently for a playdate and it was Gates's first time to enjoy her company. He was so cute the way he brought out all of the photo albums when he learned that she liked them and when he saw her bring the pages close to her face at an angle he would bring other toys to her and put them right up to her nose. Bridge would sign to her but when he didn't know a sign he would just 'write it' into the air. "Mom whats sign for Dolphin? Nevermind! How do you spell Dolphin?" When she came to this country she had no vision and no hearing. Now she has low vision and hearing aids, attends a school where other children sign with her and she was recently adopted at long last! What a miracle adoption is! It's wonderful to see the changes in her and to have fun in the park with her again!
Sadly, while at the park we ran into our precious friends from the Island who informed us that they will be moving away. Among their many wonderful family members are three little girls who arrived home from the other side of the world and changed the lives of their delighted parents forever. We will miss them!
On the playground, Gate still avoids other children and will pull Bridger away whenever he makes a move to play with them. Bridger shrugs him off and goes off to play, always inviting Gates to come but Gates hangs back. His trust is still quite limited when it comes to new aquaintences for the most part.
Gates recently started initiating prayers on his own and will spontaneously start up a conversation with Jesus on his swing or while playing with his toys. He enjoys coloring books immensely and never tires of hanging his creations on the fridge. He sings but doesn't enjoy dancing. He loves his preschool workbooks and is retaining more than he ever has before. Gates is such a great kid! We are incredibly happy that he is home forever. One day soon we are hopeful that he will accept that and stop asking every time he stumbles if he will have to go back. The best way to look at that for now is to be thankful that her prefers home and that such comments assure us that he is anxiously attached... next stop securely attached.
Gates still loves being outside. No Matter what the weather he loves it! He has mastered basic gardening tools and can swing higher than any of us is comfortable with on his swingset. Paul calls him our little bunji jumper. He attacks every new experience. Charging right in with his more cautious Big Brother a few feet behind him saying, "Be Careful Gates."
Gates likes to know when and where new experiences will occur however, so he can get his game face on and phsych himself up into Gates the super hero! He likes Batman from his coloring books and fisher price toys but has never seen a show featuring him. He allows Brother to be his side kick and its really quite a riot to see him leap onto the ottoman one hand raised, "I am Batman! "
Then he waves his patient and equally adorable side kick who bests him by 80lbs and two entire feet in height, into the room by shouting, "Bring my Batman Stuff!" They trade off though. When they play DOG the Bounty Hunter, Bridger is the guy with the dollar store handcuffs and little Bro. is on the cell phone. (Smile)
Little M. visited recently for a playdate and it was Gates's first time to enjoy her company. He was so cute the way he brought out all of the photo albums when he learned that she liked them and when he saw her bring the pages close to her face at an angle he would bring other toys to her and put them right up to her nose. Bridge would sign to her but when he didn't know a sign he would just 'write it' into the air. "Mom whats sign for Dolphin? Nevermind! How do you spell Dolphin?" When she came to this country she had no vision and no hearing. Now she has low vision and hearing aids, attends a school where other children sign with her and she was recently adopted at long last! What a miracle adoption is! It's wonderful to see the changes in her and to have fun in the park with her again!
Sadly, while at the park we ran into our precious friends from the Island who informed us that they will be moving away. Among their many wonderful family members are three little girls who arrived home from the other side of the world and changed the lives of their delighted parents forever. We will miss them!
On the playground, Gate still avoids other children and will pull Bridger away whenever he makes a move to play with them. Bridger shrugs him off and goes off to play, always inviting Gates to come but Gates hangs back. His trust is still quite limited when it comes to new aquaintences for the most part.
Gates recently started initiating prayers on his own and will spontaneously start up a conversation with Jesus on his swing or while playing with his toys. He enjoys coloring books immensely and never tires of hanging his creations on the fridge. He sings but doesn't enjoy dancing. He loves his preschool workbooks and is retaining more than he ever has before. Gates is such a great kid! We are incredibly happy that he is home forever. One day soon we are hopeful that he will accept that and stop asking every time he stumbles if he will have to go back. The best way to look at that for now is to be thankful that her prefers home and that such comments assure us that he is anxiously attached... next stop securely attached.
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