Back in the saddle, again

It's been awhile since I've visited this space.  I'm not really sure how this blog will continue but we have mucho news-o, so for the time being this blog is resurrected.

But first, news of L:

• Official stats: He grew a touch over 5.75 inches and gained 10 lbs this year.  Seriously.  Went from 40th percentile for height and 90th for weight to 75th for height and 90th for weight.  From a fireplug to a beanpole.  Ok, not really, but I would be sad if he lost his big meaty cheeks so it's ok. 
• He started preschool two mornings per week, which was pretty difficult at first.  We did a Mommy 'n Me version of the class last year, so I was a little surprised at how upset he was when I left, but after a few sessions he decided he likes it.  He still has little interest in the art, but is starting to write his name and can now draw pretty recognizable faces, so it's been good for him.  They work on social skills a lot--making friends, learning to sit at circle, sharing the train set--all of the normal, everyday preschool skills that are a lot of hard work for 4 year-old boys. 
• He is talking up a storm, and is just starting to change his sentences to the proper tense: "I do see the crane truck. I mean, I did see it."  Color me impressed.
• We had a play date at a new friend's house, and he gave her a haircut while the other mom and I were eating lunch downstairs.  Yup.  
• He started soccer and spent most of his time on the field pointing out airplanes flying overhead and falling in love with one of the little girls.  Mark my words, someday he will marry a redhead.
• I had his first Life Book made by our Family Day, and he usually loves it.  There are days where he does not want anything to do with it, and that's ok as well.  
• I made a cheesy video of our first year.  

And our news:

We are officially starting the foster-adoption program!  We are pretty nervous about it as that's the program people love to share horror stories about (and boy, are some of them doozies) but we are working with the same agency and feel like they have a good reputation and a solid handle on the process.  The first step was actually mailing in the application, which I did today.  Selfie! I really should have made a duck face.

We want this adoption, which will likely be a very different journey from our China adoption, to be as honored and special.  So, as with the mailing of our very first adoption application, time for a celebratory glass of bubbly!

So, the blog.  I'm not really sure how much I can and should share about this adoption.  For now, it's a set process and just normal procedures (homestudies-2 of them--and lots of paperwork and classes). After a certain point, that changes considerably.  For the time being, I will update on our process, and if the time comes that shutting down is required or what's best, that will happen, too.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!!!  We have so very much to be grateful for this holiday season.  No doubt about that.

Dusty Crophopper for Halloween (from the movie Planes)