Missed our 6 month Gotcha Day :(

I feel horrible, as I missed posting our 6 month Gotcha Day post. I guess it is partly being so busy with two boys, but also because it just seems like Jax has been part of our family forever.

It makes me smile just to think about how much Jaxon has changed since Sunday, March 16th when he left Podolsk. He had this look of fright on his face when we dressed him and walked out the doors of the baby home. He was quiet, sucking his thumb, and snuggling into me on the drive back to the Marriott. The look on his face when we arrived inside the Marriott was the same look kids have when they step into DisneyWorld. I remember Nick picking him up and telling him "Welcome to your new world, Buddy, there is nothing you will want for again" He had me and Jenny (our translator) crying. From that day forth, Jaxon became a Daddy's boy!

We are especially lucky, as Jax's attachment has been relatively easy compared to Luca's. We do practice attachment parenting, but not to the extreme that we had to with Luca. Our main issue at this time is a little bit of jealousy. Jaxon loves Mommy and Daddy and is not overly fond of Luca giving/receiving love from us if he wants his turn. Hence, his newest word - "mine". Luca is quick to let Jax know that we are also his Mommy and Daddy and he has to share us :)

Jax was a little bit of a late walker - about 16 months. I guess he had a lot to learn to balance. He now RUNS..and fast for a little butterball! He loves playing on the playground at Luca's school and runs around with his new little girlfriend after the kids go to Pre-K. Yesterday I watched him lean in for a kiss - too cute!

His language skills are constantly emerging. I think it helps that he has an older brother who NEVER stops talking! As I mentioned, "mine" is a favorite word right now. He also says, mama, dada, buddy (for Luca), boop (for our dog Cooper), upa (up), opa (open), get, ball, hi, more, baba (bottle), etc. His vocabulary seems to grow each day. I also love his jabbering...he will have a full conversation with intonation and all, unfortunately I need a toddler speak translator to figure out what he is saying.

As great as all this sounds, we've had our difficulties! Sleeping has become a major one lately. Things were great, he slept through the night, loved his crib, etc. Then we had a trip to the ER...oh, yeh! Nothing short of exciting at the Esposito's. Pediatrician thought it was perhaps appendicitis and did not want to take a chance, so off to the ER he sent us. Turns our Jax had gas...bad gas...really bad, bad, bad gas! As traumatized as he was, he just needed some snuggling that night. So, Mommy and Daddy let him sleep in their bed - bad move! Jaxon, like Luca, loves Mommy and Daddy's bed..too much! So, we are dealing with lots of crying at night when we try to put him down in the crib. We are sticking to our guns, as we just got Luca out of our bed (we co-slept for attachment purposes with Luca) and don't want to start with #2!

All in all, life is great with the boys. Tiring as HECK, but FUN! I swear I have never slept more soundly in my life. So, happy 6 months Jaxon! You make us laugh and smile each day. We love you soooo much!

Top 10 Things Jaxon Loves At the Moment -

1. Daddy, Mommy, and Luca (and Nana/Pop, Cousin Ella, etc.)
2. Food (all food, but especially fruit snacks and goldfish)
3. Cooper and Gunner - Jax LOVES our dogs!
4. Playing outside
5. Boating/Swimming on Lake Candlewood
6. Driving his Step 2 Red Sports Coupe
7. Backyardigans
8. Turning off the TV while Luca is watching Go Diego Go!
9. Dancing (the boy has rhythm!)
10. Exploring/Climbing (loves to get up on the kitchen chairs and is into everything that does not have a lock on it!)