shume fort (very strong)

Wow. Posts on back-to-back days. I'm trying to be productive while I wait for some image files to convert.

I know all of you out there with multiple children have to be chuckling at us, barely able to keep our eyes open after 9PM, tripping over toys and laundry perpetually strewn around our home. It might explain why this video was recorded SIDEWAYS (no, I don't usually record videos on my phone which is part of problem, but thank goodness it was handy or you wouldn't have any material to read here today, sideways or not).

Before recording the video above, Reni was zipping back and forth across our living room on his little legs behind the tractor. Then Ellie jumped on and it didn't seem to slow him down one bit. That's when we really sat up. Our boy is strong (shume fort)!

P.S. We're speaking more Shqip than ever because it's what he understands. At some point we're going to have to switch over, but for now it's working and it's nice to see the recognition in his eyes that he understands.

P.S. #2 -- we've been busy with a lot of events at the student center which means we've been shopping a LOT and he's been a good little shopper, out with us this morning at 6 different stores this morning. I wish you could see people's faces when they approach us pushing our cart because Reni doesn't sit in the seat the traditional way (though that's how we put him in). Given his short legs, he quickly whips around so he can be forward facing. Betcha don't see many kids who can do that!

P.S. #3 -- Ellie's crab was found (he's been missing for more than 24 hours). He was not behind the bed or bookcase. He was not under the dryer or behind the toilet (all places we looked). No, we found him disguised in a small pile of toys in Reni's room. We can now leave for our camping trip tomorrow in peace, not worrying about coming home to a starved, dehydrated hermit crab.

P.S. #4 -- When I can grab a few moments, I'm reading Russell Moore's book, Adopted for Life. It's SOOOO good and I'm super excited to hear him speak in Lexington later this month. I just read a portion that is somewhat echoed here at A Place Called Simplicity, "Why Does it Have to be so Hard?".

P.S. #5 -- If you want to watch an interesting documentary about older child int'l adoption, my Dad told me about this piece which aired Tuesday night on PBS (watch it streaming online here thru November 30).