Six Months!

As of today, Kai Wei has been home for 6 months!


Six months ago he told us stories in Chinese that we couldn't understand and his English was limited to numbers, answering what his name was, a few phrases, and, surprisingly, the word barbecue. As he learned English, a frequent phrase was "I don't know English!", said in frustration when he didn't understand. We rarely hear that now. Tonight, I was once again impressed with how much English he has learned as he explained how his fishing rod was broken and he couldn't remember where he put it and he couldn't find it. He still struggles with verb tenses (my fishing rod is break, I can't found it) and of course, he's still learning new vocabulary, but it's amazing how conversant he is.

Six months ago Kai knew his letters, but not the sounds they made. Now he knows all the consonant and short vowel sounds and is beginning to feel like he can read English. He was so proud of himself when he read a note to me the other day. He still doubts me when I tell him he'll be good at it by the end of this school year though.

Six months ago, Kai Wei stood stiffly when I hugged him at the airport. Now he gives us all hugs and loves to get hugs back.

Six months ago, Kai and Daniel were so excited to meet, but quickly started fighting. They didn't understand each other, they weren't good at sharing, and miscommunications quickly escalated. Today the boys have learned to play together. On good days, they laugh and play together all day long. On bad days they still fight and call names, but they aren't always on the defensive now.

Six months ago Kai Wei would try almost any food we put in front of him without complaining. He didn't eat many sweets. He liked noodles for breakfast and usually ate with chopsticks. Today Kai likes ice-cream as much as the rest of us. Unfortunately, trying all his food without complaining was part of the honeymoon period, and now he's trying to get away with being a lot pickier. He still eats noodles for breakfast sometimes, and likes soy sauce on his eggs. He only uses chopsticks occasionally.

Six months ago Kai would jump onto the couch to get away from the dog. Now he loves him, isn't at all afraid of him, and thinks those of us who don't love the dog really ought to.

Kai Wei has added so much to our family. I love the way he makes us laugh, his silly faces, his extravagant suggestions, the way he always asks me to "daogao" (pray) for him before he goes to bed, the hugs he gives, his enthusiasm for singing, the way he loves his "laohus" (tigers), his smile, and the way he loves to have a good chat.

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Today was also Sarah Grace's 2nd court hearing. We haven't heard anything yet.