one year ago today...

One year ago today we met Wesley for the first time! In some ways it seems like a lifetime ago and in others it feels like yesterday. We haven't been able to get any feeding therapy yet, but we're working on it. I pray that this time next year I can say that he is mostly eating on his own...
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Here's a few pictures for comparison on what a difference a year can make. The one thing that strikes me is how much taller he is! Wes has grown over 8 inches and put on 17 pounds (doubling his weight), which is a lot for one year.

at the Kharkov Orphanage in Ukraine - July 30, 2008

sitting on the stairs of his forever home - July 27, 2009

Happy Independence Day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th! I've always been fairly patriotic and enjoyed the 4th, but this year I am much more sentimental about it than in years past. I think it has to do with the fact that it is Wesley's first Independence Day as an American citizen. I know he doesn't understand right now, but in the future I hope he comes to realize that the freedoms we have as Americans are unlike anywhere else in the world! I also want him to be thankful for those who fought (and continue to fight) to preserve that freedom that we so often take for granted. So to everyone out there - Happy 4th of July!!