David Reni goes to the doctor...

getting weighed by Nurse Elizabeth

Giving a "high five" to Dr. Taylor

Thank you to everyone who has asked how we're doing! The first week was pretty tiring, but we made it through.

Last night we kicked off Global Cafe` at the student center and we had a "meet the Waggoners" night and shared about our adoption experience this summer, but more what lessons we've learned through the process of bringing Ellie and Reni into our family.

My friend Jan came for a visit from D.C. and to help me shoot a wedding on Saturday. She was also very generous and shot some family photos for us Friday evening! I can't wait to see those and share some here on the blog when I get 'caught up' on photo work.

David Reni seems to be doing pretty well, feeling very comfortable here in his new home. He is warming up to me (Cydil), though Nathan still has the secret for getting him down to bed if he's not already asleep. Yesterday he crawled over to my feet and lifted his arms, even with Nathan in the same room!

He's also learning some new 'tricks' including waving goodbye (more than 50% of the time), pointing at what he wants, and throwing laundry or towels on his head to play "peek-a-boo" (this always elicits big smiles). This morning he climbed his first step unassisted. He likes to crawl over to the front door to look out the window (the only one at his eye level, barely). Jan commented that if he had both feet, he'd probably be climbing up bookcases already - he's a very active and curious little boy who loves to explore cabinets and tries to climb out of his high chair. His favorite toys are the stacking rings and anything with wheels. He's all boy.

He eats like a human garbage disposal. He's willing to try anything and everything, especially if you're eating it first, then it's preferable to what's on his plate. He jabbers and jabbers and is pretty friendly with new people, but prefers Nathan or I.

Today we took him to his first medical appointment! We love our friends at A Caring Touch Pediatrics and were anxious for them to meet him in person. To sum it up, he was pretty interactive with everyone, but gave the most vocal responses to Ms. Connie, the receptionist who has a darker complexion, similar to his favorite Sisters in Elbasan. Measuring his growth and placing him on a chart is a bit tricky given that he's lacking his lower legs. That throws off measurements for length and weight, but adding 5 inches to his length puts him smack in the middle of the growth chart -- same with his head circumference. I think we discovered the source of his chest congestion and sleepless nights: double ear infections! Hopefully some antibiotics in his system and some infant Tylenol will ease his discomfort (and grant Nathan longer stints of sleep)!