Our Boy

This boy is 17 and half months old. How time does fly. To think we came to Thailand with him inside of me! We had no idea what joy was ahead. I thought it was about time we had an update, for the benefit of those who love him and don't get to see his supreme sweetness on a regular basis. As you can see, he's all chubby cheeks, lots of teeth, and as jolly as he can be. He has a great, low-pitched chuckle that we hear often. Here he's practicing for a career as a tuk-tuk driver.

He's coming into his communication skills, and it's great fun to talk to him. He has a few basic signs that have been useful for quite some time now, and he's adding words (or approximations of words). He says mommy, daddy and Emmy, as well as more, here you go (when he gives you something), diaper (my personal favorite, as it's usually said in a high-pitched voice with a quizzical look on his face, followed by his bending in half to look at his lower regions), hello and hi, dog, maa (the Thai word for dog), and maybe a few others. He identifies birds and cats by their sounds, and continues to be a lover of all things canine.

He has retained his engaging, mommy-melting, wide open mouth smile, and we see it often. He is still so good-natured and loves life. When something doesn't go his way, he can get quite angry, but it usually blows over quickly. He's taking only an afternoon nap now, and sleeping about 12.5 hours at night.

Looking out the window on a recent rainy morning. He was probably watching the dogs in the street, too. When he hears or sees a dog, he begins to make his whining bark, claps his hands and clicks his tongue in an imitation of Daddy calling a dog. And his love affair with Dog (his personal stinky lovey) has only intensified. We live in fear of losing Dog. We've tried to introduce a new Dog (same stuffed animal, minus the gray and matted legs from countless hours in Asa's mouth), and while he thinks it's a great addition it in no way substitutes for the real thing. When he's tired, needs some comfort, or just hears the word "dog", he begins looking around for his beloved, making his whining bark sound and patting his chest to say "please"!

He loves his sister. He thinks whatever she's doing is the most interesting thing ever, and while this leads to the inevitable frustrations at times ("he's coloring on my draaaaawing!"), she is very protective of him and they enjoy each other, more and more as time goes on and he's more able to play. It's the highlight of my day to see them playing together, whether it's wrestling on the couch or playing peek-a-boo in the curtains.

Walking on the beach with his Uncle Dave on our recent team retreat. He is fearless at the beach; very unlike his big sister, who, until recently, would not stand in the sand, much less go into the ocean!

And this is our favorite early evening activity- taking soccer ball (or toothbrush, or whatever object he fancies) for a walk in the stroller. You can only imagine all of the people I get to meet following this little guy around the neighborhood. Oh, and this is the best. When we meet someone, we say, "Asa, sawatdee-khap", and he wais and does a little "I Dream of Jeanie" head nod. It's really just too cute, and gets quite a reaction.

I don't mean to gush, and he has his moments (like when he simultaneously smashed two large, glass measuring cups on the kitchen floor today!), but he is just an incredible joy. Thank you God for this precious gift!