Forever Home

Wow, has it really been a year?  I mean that in both directions.  From the moment Gav was first placed in my arms one year ago today, a puzzle piece just fell into place and clicked right there in the airport.  There are no other words that can describe it.  (0r maybe there are, and I’m simply not that eloquent.)  On the other hand, it’s hard to believe that Ethiopia and the trip debacle were already a year ago.  It feels like just a few months have passed.

Gav has changed so much in the past year, yet he hasn’t.  To me he still looks very much the same.  He’s taller for sure, and he’s definitely filled out, but if I hold up a picture from last year and this year (and Jim is working on a video which will be posted at a later date), he still looks almost exactly the same to me minus the malnourished sunken look and gray coloring.

Speaking of health stuff, Gav has made incredible strides in the past year.  He was diagnosed with failure to thrive upon arrival home, had extremely low muscle tone, and could barely sit up without support.  At his recent two year check up, I asked his doctor if we should stick with whole milk for those extra fats, or if he could switch to skim with the rest of the family.  She pulled up Gav’s charts and said while laughing, “Considering he started out in the 7th percentile for weight when he arrived home, and he’s now in the 75th percentile for weight, I’d say it’s safe to switch!”   What can I say?  I seem to grow large children. ;-)

Gav started physical therapy soon after arriving home, but graduated out within 6 months after achieving above average skills.  He really just needed a lot of nutrition and plenty of opportunity to explore, and he took right off.  Now his favorite activity is jumping on the trampoline.  The boy could jump and giggle forever.

He still sees a speech therapist, but the words and consonants are really starting to come.  He saw a picture of Santa the other day and yelled out, “Anta!! Ho, ho, ho, ho!!”

Gav has the brightest, sunshineyest personality.  He’s always good for a laugh or a tickle, and he always has a twinkle in his eye that leads me to believe that when he does start using sentences, he’s going to tease all of us with his comical personality.  Or maybe that twinkle is purely to ensnare the girls.  He’s definitely “all boy” in his pursuits, yet he’s also very compassionate and affectionate.  He loves his sister’s dolls and will periodically pick one up, cradle it, and give it kisses before putting it ‘nigh, nigh.’

He is such a blessing in so many ways.  Cuddly and affectionate, energetic and compassionate, quick to express his emotions, and generally adores all who love him.

I just can’t adequately express how much this little boy is so very much a part and piece of me.  Forever home.  Forever ours as we are his.

And with that, we are closing out Gavriel’s Story.  Thank you to everyone who followed and supported us during the past two years.