What a difference one year can make...

A year ago today we brought our little boy home from Kazakhstan (KZ). I can't believe it's been one year and I can't believe I said little. Griffin is now far from Kazakhstan and far from little. In 12 months time he has grown 4" and gained 12 pounds. He worn 6-9 month sized clothes last June and now he wears size 3T. Shoe size went from size 4 to size 8. It is amazing how much he's changed.

I can remember our time in KZ so vividly, yet can't remember a time without Griffin in the family. In one short year he has won the hearts of each of us. His older brother Connor loves to tell him what to do (or more importantly what not to do.) From Connor we hear a lot of ..."Don't go in my room, don't touch my ipod, don't stand in front of the TV". Yet it's touching to watch Connor pour Griffin's milk or push him on the swings. And Lana, she is the best big sister in the world. I don't know what she would do without Griffin and he without her. They play together daily: endless amounts of running, jumping, chasing and laughing. From Lana we hear a lot of... "Hey Griff watch this". They are brothers and sister.



As for Jesse and I, we just adore him! He will come running from the back yard all the way up the hill when he sees Daddy's car pull in the driveway. Nobody can make Griff giggle like Jesse, the two of them together can be heard laughing for miles. When Griffin needs a break from the other clowns in the family he comes looking for Mommy. Oh, is there anything sweeter than your youngest child crawling on your lap offering up hugs and kisses? I could just melt at bedtime when I hear "of oou", still working on L in "Love You". I confess it didn't take a year to wrap Mommy around his finger.

Happy New Year

Wow, two years ago this week Jesse and I made the decision to expand our family by "one Moore", I never could have imagined the journey that lie ahead or the absolutely amazing little boy that is now our son.

Griffin is doing fantastic! His joyful personality shines bright everyday. It appears we have a bit of a "class clown" on our hands. He'll do anything goofy just to get a laugh. He will mimic a cough or sneeze and laugh while doing so. He gives the cutest devious sideways look right before feeding the dog food off his plate, which he's repeated been told not to do. One thing remain consistent from the first day we met, he's very ticklish. His belly-laugh is the sweetest sound.

His physical development is progressing wonderfully. When he came home, 6 months ago, he was in the 5th percentile for weight and 15th percentile for height, today he is in 50th percentile for weight and height. His language skills are a bit behind. Just turned two and he only says a few words, but that's OK since one of them is "MaMa".

The most rewarding part of the past 6 months has been witnessing the bond form between Griffin and Connor and Lana. I never doubted their ability to accept a child into the family, but I'm so proud of the genuine love that is growing between them. Connor often waits patiently and even encourages us to meet Griffin's needs first, before his own. He'll now give Griffin a gentle pat on the head when they cross paths and say "hey little brother".

Lana has found her calling in life... she is the perfect big sister. She loves to play with Griffin. She's teaching him to do forward rolls, which he finds hysterical. She'll persuade him to lie down on the carpet while she practices dive rolls and cart-wheels over his body. Again he finds this hysterical. She even likes to push his stroller or help with his coat and shoes. She's very helpful with Griff, in all regards except changing the diapers!