Living

We are thankful for the progress that Stefan is making. He has much longer periods of calm, and is right now sitting on the couch with mama and the brothers, listening to The Borrowers. He has been going to sleep much better, often during bedtime Bible reading with the brothers. He's often up first in the mornings (very early), and toodles around the kitchen or the fenced yard until I get up to start the day. Ana's back in school, so that's good, and we have been thankful to our friends who have entered our life to help give more hands with Stefko.

Mama and Stefko in the mei-tai

Cute and busy little lady

Slow and steady

We are thankful that Stefko did a great job at vespers and liturgy Saturday and Sunday! He's definitely making progress (and church is a good periodic check), though the day-to-day is still a challenge.

He has more smiles, and occasional outright grins (below). He doesn't much like toothbrushes, and is pretty sure that topical essential oils (for a fungal spot) are the worst. His doctor's visit last week was good, but we are still waiting on his citizenship packet (to apply for an SSN) before insurance gets entirely straightened around. So, he might have a swallow study this week, but they charge something like $5/photon for those x-rays, so they're jumpy about people with not-quite-solidified insurance status.  Sigh.

Thank you for your sustained prayers, and God bless.
Papa

A month home (tomorrow)

Things are pretty good. Stefi plays for longer, waves goodbye (and blows kisses, which he saw Mama do from the car en route to an Ana appointment), and is slightly more able to contain himself while waiting for food to be prepared and served. Things are moving in a good direction, it seems. He goes to bed more peacefully, and is getting up maybe, slightly, a bit later. We appreciate your prayers, and beg pardon of infrequent updates - there's not much time to spare. Sorry.

These two are cute together. Water balloons are great.

This WAS three boys swinging, but once Papa stopped pushing and started taking a picture, a certain someone hopped out and wandered over to investigate.

I also reiterate our thanks to everyone who has helped us financially, with prayers, with meals, and with clothes. We're grateful. Also to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for their generous vouchers after our difficult time in Amsterdam. Unexpected help, and appreciated.

In Christ,

Papa