Evan is a Citizen!

Evan got his certificate of citizenship today in the mail, so he's officially an American!

Adoption Doctor and Lab Work

Today and yesterday involved lots of checkups.

Yesterday, Evan got his extensive lab work back and all was well. Aside from a slight iron deficiency, all normal. No parasites, either. There are a few tests to go but things are looking good on that front!

Today was a visit to the adoption specialist, who checked out Evan's physical health, his developmental progress, and his adaptation to his new environment. Evan is very much on track and well ahead of what is typical of children from orphanages. The doctor surmised that Evan could have been a favorite of the nannies, which would explain his being on track (I would not be surprised).

We're both fighting nasty colds, involving a runny nose, sore throat, and annoying cough. Evan also had a fever of 102.2 on Monday night and threw up in bed (then giggled and smiled afterwards). On the bright side, since it's the same cold, I'm able to guess at the symptoms Evan must be feeling even though he cannot tell me directly. The best consequence of the colds is that I cannot smell Evan's dirty diapers.

When is it Considered to be Walking?

Evan took 47 steps yesterday without help and can stand up without support when asked (verbally and with a hand gesture). Does this count as walking? How many steps does it take to count? I am officially considering him to be walking - shortly after the 11 month mark. Wow!

Wednesday was a return trip to the lab to get three more vials of blood drawn for the long list of tests he is getting. It's not over as there are still titres needed to test his immunizations - but that will wait. He protested a bit this time but we finished without any major disasters (like him pulling the needle out or something).

Yesterday was a run to the lab again, with four carefully packed specimens for other tests. Basically, we want to rule out any parasites or other nasties.

The latest cool thing Evan is doing is pretending to talk on the phone. All it takes is looking at him and saying "Hello?" and he'll put whatever item is in his hand up to his ear and listen.

Colds and Hugs

I got Evan's cold and now have a sore throat. If Evan has the same symptoms, then he's awfully chipper considering. He really likes to hug or so it seems. Sometimes afterwards, I realize he was just wiping his nose on me.

He took 17 steps yesterday.

Bodily Fluids

Evan's nose is running freely today and he's drooling like a St. Bernard. So, besides teeting and having a little cold, he's actually pretty content. He hates to get his nose wiped though but it's, let's say, very necessary after he sneezes. Still, no fever so I'll let it run its course. His nose really gurgles when he feeds and sleeps.

The nurse from the lab called and said they had forgotten to draw blood for one set of tests yesterday. Hopefully Evan will be as good the second time around.

Evan linked together 6 steps today.

Oh, and while I held him in preparation for his last bottle of the day, he chomped down all eight teeth on my left pectoral. If it weren't for the protection of my t-shirt, I would definitely have a nice hickey around my nipple.

To the Doctor

Took Evan to the pediatrician today for a consultation and to get the ball rolling with some lab work I knew would be needed. The visit went well...the pediatrician was really impressed with Evan's mobility and verbalization, which I take as a good sign. We decided order up some blood tests for lead, iron, and all the rest of the standard tests.

15 minutes later, we were at the lab. I was sweating but Evan was calm. I nearly fainted when the nurse inserted the needle into the vein in Evan's hand but Evan was unconcerned - only troubled by the fact the he could not climb out of my lap to play. One big vial later, it was over.

Here is a picture of Evan's bandaged hand:

Settling In

This is the first post in what will be the ongoing blog for Evan. I'll try to post often as possible but no promises.

As you recall from my other blog, LA to Hanoi we arrived back in the U.S. on December 23.



Evan has adapted really well. He seems to like the new crib and, aside from two trying nights, has been sleeping all night with nothing more than a few brief cries. He also took well to American formula (Nestle Good Start), which was a relief since I know one of his peers from the same orphanage had a hard time finding something tolerable.

Evan stood on his own for 10 seconds about a week after coming home and now he can stand until he gets bored. Just the other day, he learned to push himself up to a stand, without support. He pushes backwards into a deep squat then stands up. He's also put together up to 5 steps in sequence, and he's getting good at his emergency landings, too. Wow!