hello...hello...hello...

anyone out there???

Well.  In case you couldn't tell, I needed a blog break!  With all the newness of Judah, blogging was ruthlessly shoved to the end of the line.  But, oh dear, now I don't even know where to begin to catch you up.

Horrible.
Survivable.
Just OK.
Much better.

How about we skip the first three and just start with much better? 
We are doing much better!  Judah has been home almost a month, which I can hardly believe!  He is doing so well!  As a matter of fact, I laid him in his crib earlier at nap time, and he didn't even scream!  Many of you know this is a big deal!!  He picked up his teddy bear to play (this is even a praise, because at first he didn't even know what to do with a teddy bear), and now I think he's asleep!!
Thank you Jesus!

Judah is still taking formula, but he has begun eating everything that I am eating!  Literally!  Grabbing it off my plate!  Rice, noodles, chicken, bread, soup, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, chocolate cake... I'm so proud of my little fella!  When we were in China he had no idea how to use his tongue, but now he's got it mastered! 

We had prelim visits with our plastic surgeon and dentist, and here's the run-down:
-his lip surgery is 3/2/2011; he's required to stay one night at the hospital
-his palate surgery will take place sometime late summer/early fall
-his gum surgery will take place sometime between the ages of 7-10 (when his adult teeth begin to come in)

About teeth...we're not sure what's hidden behind his gums.  He could have missing teeth, damaged teeth, or extra teeth.  Our dentist will take a panoramic x-ray after Judah's palate is healed, and go from there.  Our dentist feels pretty certain he's missing both upper canines, since that where both clefts are located.  But, who really knows.

Judah can now also sit up!  And he loves being on his tummy, if a piano is in reach!  And he can push-up on all four's and rock as well.  Oh, and swat and kick big brother when he gets annoyed with him ;)

Speaking of Micah, he's adjust fine -- taking aside typical 2-year old issues, like sharing.  No need to go there.  But we are making progress.  Micah also tells me he loves me about a billion times a day -- just needing a little re-affirmation that mommy loves him too!  And mommy sure does!  The one thing that never wearies me is the back-and-forth hugs and kisses!  I never run out of hugs and kisses for these boys! 

We've really come so far in such a short amount of time.  And I give full credit to the prayer of God's people and God's perfect grace!!

Ps 22- All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before you.
For kingship belongs to the LORD,
and he rules over the nations

                          ....as does He rule over the affairs of the Martin family!