It's been one year since we met Kobe....

I can't believe that it has already been a year since we first walked into the baby house & held Kobe for the first time. I thought we were going to met a government official when we pulled up to the baby house in Karaganda. We could smell lunch cooking as soon as we walked into the door. It was much cleaner than I expected. We waited with several other families in the director's office. I was emotional when a nurse came in & handed me Kobe. He started crying almost immediately. I forgot about my tears of joy as I tried to comfort him. It took him 3 days before he became comfortable with us. He has had so many new experiences in the last year & has adapted so well. When we walked out of the baby house, he never looked back!!!!
It is hard to believe that he was the shy little fellow who we bonded with for the first week. I have left out lots of details but the most important point is that Kobe was meant to be our son & I feel so blessed every day that I get to enjoy his smile.
First Day

He was so happy when that first visit was over.

One week later!!!!


Kobe's bed....

Last Visit at the Baby House before leaving Karaganda

Trick or treat.....

Halloween is so much fun! Kobe didn't really understand the concept of trick or treat. He tried to give his candy to everyone. He loves to share :)
We carved pumpkins, went to the fall festival at the whole ministry center, went trick or treating, & went to the O'neal's fun yard!!!!
We were busy this weekend. He wasn't afraid of anything. He would walk up & say ugly man to a mask & he tried to hit the swamp creature chasing him at the fun house:) He is one tough boy!!!! This week will be tough on Mom because Kobe will probably be bored & he needs to go to rehab for too many lollipops!!!!!

Howl O Scream....

Although the weather wasn't as nice as we would have liked, we had lots of fun this weekend in Williamsburg, Va. It was Kobe's first visit to an amusement park. We did visit the Park in Almaty but the rides were closed since it was in January, so that one really doesn't count.

We stayed at the Kingsmill Resort which is located on the James River. It was an awesome place & we would love to go back in warmer weather.



Gabe, Annabelle, & Kobe


Kobe looks for boats everywhere he goes!!!!



Nap Time!!!

Kobe giving knuckles :)





It seems like every time we are planning to have a little fun the weather doesn't cooperate:( It was cold & it drizzled a little but we still had a blast! Annabelle & Gabe were real troopers & are always ready to give a helping hand to Kobe. We saw a 3D Sesame Street Show & Kobe actually watched it. We didn't stay until dark which is when the scary stuff starts happening. I think we will wait a few years for that. Kobe did very well being away from home & riding for 3 hours each way in a car seat. I think he is ready to travel now!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!!

Kobe celebrated his birthday with Nemo!!!!
We told him several times he was having a birthday party but he didn't understand. He went to Alyssa's birthday party two weeks ago so whenever we said birthday he associated it with Alyssa. We think he finally understood it yesterday when he saw his birthday cake. He wanted to touch it & eat it. He was obsessed with it which was funny since he eats very little. The first thing he said after his nap was cake.
It looked like Christmas around here. For some reason everyone came with more than one gift:) We were planning a pool party but we got rained out. The weather was really nasty but it didn't spoil our party spirits!!!! Of course we had lots of food. It did clear up long enough to have a few bubbles & the older kids swam in the rain:)
Kobe enjoyed having everyone in the house. He likes it noisy!

Note from Marla
I haven't been blogging much lately. It feels odd since I was obsessed with reading everyone's blog for over a year. Facebook makes it so much easier to stay in touch with everyone & it is much quicker. So please don't be offended if I haven't commented on your blog lately. I just can't seem to find the time:)