Friends Forever

Kai is growing and changing before our very eyes each and every day. He is a full fledged toddler now. We sadly packed away his highchair this weekend. He hasn't wanted to use it in months and doesn't even use his booster seat at the kitchen table any more.
Two weeks ago, Kai had his first drink from a juice box and straw. Juice is a rare treat for a boy prone to cavities and the "special box" was beyond thrilling for him. Because of the remaining fistulas in his palate, he hasn't been able to build up enough pressure to suck through a straw. He squeezed the box to move the juice up through the straw and was delighted to have the same drink as his friends. He has done this on a few occasions now and though his straw becomes mangled beyond recognition, he was all too happy to be the cool kid with a juice box. Yesterday at lunch, the waitress brought him a cranberry juice in a shallow, lidded cup with a very long awkward straw. I was just getting his sippy cup ready to transfer his drink, when he started sucking away on his straw. His oral pressure is now strong enough for him to direct the liquid up the straw without squeezing the container. This has been a long awaited milestone for him; go Kai!!!

On Saturday we had our One Year Reunion with our adoption travel group. Initially, we had settled on this date because it was the only one compatible with all of the families that fell before Kai's next scheduled surgery (tomorrow).Luckily, Kai's surgeon felt it was best to put off the procedure for at least a year, so that gave us something else to celebrate.
Well, the heavy rains prevented us from playing and eating outdoors, but we had a blast just the same. With the exception of our dear friend Cheryl and her daughter Alyssa (who live several states away), everyone was able to get together for a day of eating, sharing stories, and reliving memories of our travel experience. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves, even though most did not have the opportunity for a midday nap. Kai told me countless times that the boys and girls were his "friends" and he truly enjoyed the companionship of all his Chinese brothers and sisters and their siblings.
When we were in China, most of the kids were too young and in too much shock to really interact together. Now, the boys and girls roll around the floor together, "work out their differences," play pretend, hold hands and call one another by name. With each occasion that we are able to come together as friends and families, our children become more solidly connected with one another. Their shared past will give them a sisterhood and brotherhood that will make each of them more resilient and proud. This connection will be a critical part of their autonomy as they figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives.
Rob and I couldn't ask for a better group of families to be our life long friends and extended family. We are fortunate, as parents, to have a place in the lives of these beautiful, remarkable children and we look forward to many more years of laughter and joy.