Settling In

 The past two days have been a roller coaster. Some times up, some times down, some fun and some crazy. On Sunday we were feeling the need to connect with God and ventured to church. It was not our initial plan but we needed it. We sat in the back and sang and then went to a family room to watch the service. We left feeling refreshed and refueled to continue on. James got to connect with a good friend and Laura was greeted with much support from our church family. Luke also got to have some normalcy and go to his Sunday school class. 

Hin Hin has started to connect with Laura these past few days. Previously it was Daddy look here, daddy help; but we are seeing a lot more Mum helps being asked.  Hin Hin is also starting to use more full sentences in English. Some of our favorite sayings are; Mum, I go to toilet. Daddy, were Mum, she ok? Luke in toilet very long time!  He was also very helpful at the Asian grocery store with words and hand signals-very good, spicy, and no spicy were some of what he interpreted for us.  We also got a free item when checking out that looked like cookies. After he read the package he informed us, “this no cookie, put in water and eat.” He also enjoyed reminding us that we do not eat the paper on the buns we purchased and steamed. I think he was worried because after several reminders he removed the papers for us😁. He is a wonderful reader in Cantonese. It is fun to see him read to Laura every night for 10 min. Laura patiently listens and asked some questions based on the pictures. We are trying to figure out how to get him more cantonese books to read so he keeps this skill. 

Luke continues to get used to his role as big brother. He is an amazing kid and continues to try to figure out this role. Today it was the role of supporter as James used a squirt bottle to provide “toilet school” to demonstrate where the pee pee goes in the toilet, and that both seats go up. We are not in there when Hin Hin goes but he must be emulating a garden sprinkler from the looks when he is done! There was a lot of laughter and high fives during “school” but we will see how this works. We have been spending more time at the pool and both our boys are getting stronger in the water. Luke is starting to master swimming and Hin Hin is enjoying jumping in and going under the water for toys. We also went for a walk recently to a local park. HinHin is apprehensive of bugs and will frequently avoid them whenever possible. After playing at the park for a short time we started to see some bug nymphs around and the more he saw the less he liked it. We found him standing on the sidewalk stating, “I no like bug park”. This will be our new name for that park.  However, if you are a fan of Indiana Jones, and are familiar with the tunnel scene with the bugs, it was not that intense but the mulch appeared to be moving and they were clumped in masses at the base of the slide. James made a great dad joke (according to him as all dad jokes are only hilarious to the dad) about this that neither boy could appreciate but may someday when reading this - “Feels like stepping on fortune cookies. Those aren’t fortune cookies kid”. We are tired and feel like we are in a fog but working through and trusting in the Lord. We have been blessed by those who are in prayer for us and for those who reach out with encouragement.