Becoming Family: Busy Busy Busy

We had quite a busy day today with a visit from Cara and Max followed by some shopping at Jo-Ann's and Target. (We are officially done with Christmas shopping!) All the running around got me thinking about just how busy William's life has been during these past 15 days since he was reunited with our family.

He had to say goodbye to the only family and home he has ever knew. He got a new mom and dad who speak a whole new language. He lived at a hotel for a few days. He got adopted. He has had to eat that pathetic jarred baby food instead of the good homemade stuff his foster mom made. He got taken for a ride by a cute little girl. He had to say goodbye to the only country he ever knew. He flew on an airplane. He ate French fries. He got a big brother that he adores and follows around. He met two grandmas, two grandpas, two aunts, and two cousins. He got a cold. He shared his cold with his new big brother. He got hit on the head with a toy by his new big brother. He has slept well. He has slept not so well. He had his first Thanksgiving dinner. He has learned to pet a dog. He still usually yanks the dog's skin and fur instead. He bit me. He bit Greg. He bit the cute little girl who took him for a ride. He ate fuzz off the floor. He got presents. He got two knew teeth. He met Amy and Heather and Cara and Max. He has had countless number of strangers tell him how cute he is. He has heard the word "no" hundreds of times. He has taken notice to hearing the word "no" once. He has been to the grocery store twice. He has been to Target three times. He has been to Jo-Ann Fabrics once. He has been to the pet store once. He has laughed. He has cried. He has thrown up. He has had a big brother blow him kisses each time he lays down to sleep. And of course he has stolen all of our hearts.

Tonight William was playing with this little chick that makes peeping noises. He just thought it was the greatest thing ever. Oh, and it was obviously completely hysterical too. He was having a great time.

Marcus was doing what Marcus does about 80% of the time - reading. I didn't even think Marcus noticed that William had any interest in the chick at all. After about 2 minutes (the maximum number of minutes his attention span lasts) William tired of the chick and crawled over to Greg. Then he promptly bit him. When I say William bites, I mean BITES. He doesn't nibble or taste. He bit me when we were in Guatemala and not only did I have teeth marks in my arm for several days but I also had a welt and a bruise. So yes, he gave one of these treats to Greg. Greg said, "No biting!" and laid him down on the floor, far away from any and all unsuspecting flesh. William cried. He was not happy at all. Marcus promptly dropped his book and ran over to William to see what was going on. Marcus studied him for a minute and then started looking around the room. Marcus grabbed up that little chick and ran over to William and handed it to him. William took it and took slight interest in it. Marcus realized his plan was working! He grabbed up a stuffed dog and thrust that at William too. The crisis was over. Marcus made William feel all better and made him forget that he had just gotten in trouble.

Of course 2 minutes later Marcus was back to stealing toys off of William but that is besides the point.

Some pictures:

Playing with his cousin Maria: