8 years with our Lydia

 

                                       

Aunt Merica

Solomon is often comparing his life now with his before life. I am always so touched by his perception and what he chooses to share with us. Tonight he began what I thought was another heart-felt comparison while I was putting away autumn and taking out Christmas.

Mom. Merica has that.

America has this. What does China have?

Pause. Confusion.

Do you mean Aunt Erica?

Oh, Aunt Erica.

Oh, what a boy!

We have been Lei Lei's family for six months and it has been glorious. Solomon wakes up happy every morning. Every ritual that is new and unfamiliar is a joy to him. He loves learning and gets excited when he gets it. He is loved by his big brother and sisters.

He knows the sounds of nearly all 26 alphabet letters.

He has had three hair cuts already.

He plays guns with his brother and barbies with his sisters.

He hates cheese and drinks milk only because "it makes me strong".

He smiles all the time!

He loves having a family.

He will try anything.

He will be the first to point out injustices and siblings wrong doings.

He just sat through the dentist drilling, all the while smiling.

He is sporting a new silver crown on his tooth.

Mom sleeps with him "for 5 minutes" every night.

He sleeps with the big purple dinosaur.

He talks about China and wants all his friends to have a mommy.

He has fabulous fine motor skills.

He can express in English what he needs and what he's thinking.

He is quick to understand technology and logic.

But also easily misunderstands intentions and can be sensitive.

Loves being good and noticed when he behaves well.

Beams with pride.

Loves gadgets and helping his dad around the house.

Fond of flashlights, tire pumps, shovels, hammers, rakes and wheel barrows.

Solomon is a gift from God and I count my blessings daily that I am his mother.

Solomon's name is Hebrew, meaning peace.