Solomon's Gifts, Friends, and Development

Lisa O'Sullivan MADE this bib, shoes, and a skirt for Kylia that matches. I bow down to her talents.
Meeting "uncle" Jeff.
Meeting Great Grams.

Solomon's Development: We are so thrilled with Solomon's adjustment and development. We haven't really given him a chance in the social department, and he has already been to church, school, Kylia's school, work, and Carmel this past weekend. He is very happy to be with people. And he is starting to roll more, which means, alas, I can't put him down and know that he will be in the same place when I return. He is also sitting up much better. It is funny to go places with a kid who is pretty long but can't really sit up yet- although he can do a high chair if we strap him in well. So his legs hang over the bouncy seat and he can do a number on my back with the ergo-carrier- but he is progressing super well and we expect him to be assisting in chores like taking out the trash any day now.

Solomon's Little Buddy

Solomon and his nursery-buddy...
I swear they remembered each other...
Already horsing around like old pals.
A few weeks ago I got to visit my friend who was in our travel group. Her son was in the same nursery room with Solomon, and I love that she is close by in the East Bay. Our boys are almost the same age and it was fun to get them together after being apart for awhile. Although I think her son better go easy on Solomon until he catches up in size.

Big Sister Kylia...

Kylia gets down on Solomon's level
Solomon is wondering whether Kylia holding him is such a great idea...
Wes, showing how easy it is to handle two kids at once.
Kylia- in one of her more helpful moments.

So- Here are the great things about having two kids: I have great built-in places to take Solomon where he can watch and interact with people (Kylia's preschool, the park, etc.). I love that when Kylia and I take Solomon places I have someone who can hold a conversation. I love that Kylia can get things for Solomon when I am busy with him or entertain him in the car for a moment.

What I don't love: Thinking how great it is that I can leave her in the car with him for a moment, coming out, and realizing she is trying to feed him a raisin. Or hearing a thud and realizing that she just broke the rule of not picking up Solomon, and then preceded to drop him. Or truly not realizing why standing on his stomach would make him cry. I'm not sure how to make that into a good, teachable moment. And yet- he lights up the most when Kylia enters the room. She gets a big grin and squeals of delight from him whenever she shows up.

Kylia's summation of Solomon for now is that he is boring and takes a lot of work. From a 3 year-old perspective, not far off. I thought that patience was a challenge for me before, but when I am busy with Solomon's messy diaper or other messes, when Kylia gets in the way I find that my patience has taken a vacation to Hawaii...without me. She is adjusting pretty well, and I still get time with her alone, but some of her behavior has really horrified me. I think we all have some room to grow.

...Except for Solomon, who is wonderful and generally super happy. He is now the main encourager of the family with his giggles and grins. He loves music, banging on things, and having his needs met. And I have not had one rude word from him, except a few cries. I am definitely enjoying the baby phase in a whole different way, not in a hurry for him to do anything. It has been a huge gift to have these few weeks with him when Kylia is in preschool to just get to know each other. I was worried about how I would feel about a second child, but I am surprised by the ease of bonding with him and the contrast of a challenging preschooler.

Operation Get Solomon

Arriving in D.C.
A favorite picture from Ethiopia...
Ethiopian friends Zinash and Wondy say hi to Solomon
Getting to know Papa...

We are so happy to be home and over the jet lag and most of the illnesses (that we got on the plane or after getting home for the most part). Solomon is doing really well- and is just the happiest kid I have ever seen. He thinks everything is funny, including some things I think he thinks of himself. We are very thankful to family and friends who have brought food and just come to visit and celebrate him with us.