Nice to Meet You, Alex...

Today we received a progress report from Korea - it was written when Alex was between 5 and 6 months old. It takes time to translate some of these documents, and since it is not a medical report, they probably took their time getting it to us. This is one of the most touching and wonderful items we've received to date. We can really see a glimpse of our little boy's personality. It also appears as if he moved to a different foster home in March, so the information we had on the foster family was outdated. His current foster mother is much older, and has been providing care for Holt babies for 22 years. Amazing. Here are the highlights of a 6 month old Alex:

• He goes where he wants to go by rolling over and over.
• He tries to push forward on tummy but only turns sideways.
• Reaches for, holds a thing, transfers it from hand to hand, bangs it against the floor.
• Opens his arms wide to be hugged.
• Does pat-a-cake and finger plays for entertainment.
• Enjoys peek-a-boo.
• Giggles.
• When happy, cries out.
• Makes similar sounds like “om-ma (mom), a-ppa (dad).”
• Holds a milk bottle and puts hands on it.
• Eats one spoonfuls of rice gruel twice daily and spills a lot.
• Looks at the foster family who eats meals, smacks his lips and mumbles on soft food.
• Sleeps throughout the night from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am. (YES!!!! YA HOO!!!)
• When he wakes up, he falls asleep if the foster family talks to him and pats him.
• Naps for one hour once daily. (Hmmmmm).
• Fusses a bit before going to sleep. Easily falls asleep if he is hugged and patted or the foster mother puts his head on her arms and pats him. Sleeps rolling over.
• During sleep, it needs to be quiet and a bedside lamp turned on.
• Easily wakes up at soft noises (Uh oh).
• Isn’t shy with strangers and smiles at them.
• When he visits a strange place, he hardens his face and looks around.
• Loves the foster father most; he doesn’t take his eyes off him until he gives him a hug.
• Enjoys bath time; he splashes and flounders the water.
• Loves to be carried on the foster mother’s back.
• Likes to ride in a baby carriage.
• He looks charming with long hair and fair complexion.
• He has huge smiles, which makes him receive exceptional care and love from the foster family.