Gotcha Day

His smile can melt a room!

This Saturday will make it three years since Zig Zag joined our family. Life with this high energy boy is still very Zig Zaggy! There have been so many ups and downs and side to sides. A few times I have wished that I could throw in the towel because it is just too hard and I feel like I am not a good enough Mom for him. But all of us keep throwing our hearts out there and fighting for family. Often I reflect on how he has changed me. One, I never felt like such a failure parenting until I became his parent. Two, both of our adopted boys have brought out a lot of my joy. If it isn't too hot, they have helped me realize how much I really enjoy dancing in the kitchen.
Recently we went to a homeschooling education conference to get testing for our children. Overall, we heard good news. There still are delays from lack of exposure and trauma. Most of that can be helped with practice. 

Can you see all that bound energy? 

Reflections on the boys changes? In some ways the transition to our home was difficult for Zig Zag because we had expectations, rules and family contributions that were for him all followed loosely before. So some freedom was lost for community - for belonging to a family. They have physically both grown in leaps and bounds and are catching up in development to their growth. 

It was helpful to hear the experts say that Zig Zag is making incredible strides. His English, although it has gaps, is at grade level. His school work is at grade level and they praised what we have accomplished together. I guess like so many areas of parenting the day to day grind is so tiring, but when you look back it is beautiful - or so we pray!
-- La Maestra