Are you sure I can eat it? It’s almost like ice.
And slippery. Hey, how did you know I needed boots?
So now, Santa is coming?
Nora is teaching him all about snow. When to eat it. How to build a snowman. That you should wear gloves when you are playing in it or your hands will burn. Hot water does not make cold hands feel any better.
They spent hours playing in the small amount that we had. As much as this little brother can be a little brother, they have been good playmates.
On one of our trips to the store, Naso and Nora sat in the backseat carrying on usual conversation.
Nora: Girls mostly babysit. Boys never get to babysit.
Naso: That’s FICTION, Nora!
Nora: What?! You don’t even know what that means.
Gabi and I exchange looks and raised eyebrows. Waiting, . . . . .
Naso: Yes, I do! It means it’s not true.
Mom: Naso! Where did you learn that? Were you listening at school today?
Naso: Yes, my teacher told me what fiction was. I was listening with my new ear.
Mom: You can hear out of your ear?
Naso: Oh, yes. I hear all sorts of things. Especially fiction.
One day about 3 months ago, Naso was seen doing cartwheels and flips into Primary on a Sunday. At the end of his acrobatic display, he raised his hands in the air and said, “I’m gettin’ baptized.” It wasn’t very reverent, but you gotta give the kid points for enthusiasm. The big day came. He glowed – bounced out of the water and gave his dad a big hug. Big weekend for this little kid.
This boy has been waiting for this birthday his whole life . . . . .well maybe since he has been here. Not a day has passed that he hasn’t added something to his birthday list. It was a little discouraging when I told him that he would not be getting everything on that list. But, he woke up happy and excited to be 8.
So glad it was a nice day. Lots of running and fighting villains and a few games put on by some pretty amazing sisters.
Happy Birthday, Super Naso! So glad you are part of our family!
In the first couple of weeks Naso was with us, he was determined that I should have Big Mike make him a Mohawk. I’m not a fan. So, one day after getting a haircut, he told me that if I wouldn’t let him have a Mohawk, he was leaving. I had heard that a few times that week. After a big discussion about why I didn’t like Mohawks and why I wasn’t giving in, I decided that I could maybe use this to my advantage, so I said, “Tell you what, when you can count to 100 by yourself, you can have a Mohawk.” Deal.
Pay day. Naso can now count to 100. He is doing very well at school. So, it made sense we should go to Big Mike. When I told him what we wanted, he said, “You mean a Fauxhawk?” “Um, no, give him the real thing.” “OK, but I won’t shave the sides.” Big Mike was watching out for me.
So smooth. I actually really like it. It’s growing on me. It might even make it in our family pictures. And the great thing? Naso is extremely pleased with himself.
We knew this day would come. When we received information about Naso, before he became part of our family, we knew that he had constant ear infections and a perforated ear drum. His hearing has suffered – with only 20% hearing in the left ear. So, we had to do it . . . . . .
Before: A little apprehensive. Worried about how that tube is going to get into his skin. “I’m going to hold my eyes open so I can’t go to sleep.” “Will there be blood?” “If they cut me I will die” “I will cut them.”
After: Can you see the tears? It breaks my heart. He wants to go to school. “Why did you let them do this to me?” “I’m a zombie. Nora and Caleb will be scared when they see me.”
He is progressing more and more. Today we all went to church without him. Mike stayed home and they had some down time. He told me he cried because he wanted to go to church. Wow. Love this boy.
We have now been a family for 6 months! It seems like forever and it also seems impossible. Six months ago we were sitting in the Judge’s office and she was giving us one last “out.” Oh, what we would’ve missed!
This boy is passionate. He says whatever comes into his mind. He greets you with a hug. He goes overboard with thank-you’s and I love you’s when he gets a surprise or something yummy to eat. He loves clothing and hair and just recently decided to get a pick to make his hair “fluffier.” He likes to make space noises of all kinds. When he is sad or whiny or mad, it just takes a little reminder for him to “decide to be happy.” He loves superheroes and Lego's and movies. He is a dreamer and so creative. He is smart. He reads Bob books and can almost count to 100. He is a jokester. His laugh will make you happy, just hearing it. He is easily corrected. He loves cheeseburgers and pizza with meat and cheese. He is beginning to love vegetables. Gradually, he is letting us be his family – there are less and less “suggestions” that he needs to go back to Mother of Peace. He is resilient. He is forgiving. He is ours forever. Lucky us.
Here he is, the 3rd time we’ve visited the Social Security Office this summer trying to get Naso’s Social Security Number and card. I have to say, it is not my favorite place. It is not convenient and I had to brace myself for a long wait.
The first time . . . .It’s required that Naso go with me and I have all of the proper documentation. My poor sister has had experiences when she was raked over the coals. So, I was very meticulous and took her advice as far as that was concerned. But, we sat there for over an hour without much movement in the line before they told us computers were down and we could not be helped that day.
The second time, . . . . (a month later) I got up the nerve to go back – we got there at 3:15 only to find out they closed at 3pm. Unbelievable.
The third time, I double-checked hours and was determined. We could not find a parking spot – too many people in line. We waited 2 hours before our number was called. Naso was occupied with the iPad and was very good.
I sweated it out when we were called. The girl behind the counter had a nice face, but didn’t say a word while she compared all of my documents for over 5 minutes. Naso said something funny and she broke a smile and told me he was super cute. I said thanks. She said, “How is your day?” I said, “I’m not sure – this is the only thing we’ve done so far.” She then laughed and said, “It can only get better then. Did you see anything interesting out there?” I said, not really, but I heard a lot and smelled a lot.” She liked that. Then she asked to hear our story. I told her and she said she was touched. She entered our application, handed my passport back to me (not a good picture), but pointed to the picture and told me I had a look of compassion. A little tender mercy my small world. Thanks, super nice social security worker with a nice smile. The card came today and I feel like we’ve conquered something very big.
Naso: Oh, mom! I spilled water on my pants!
Mom: It’s ok, it will dry in the car – it is hot enough today.
Naso: But everyone will think I wee’d in my pants.
Mom: I don’t think so . . . . I really think it will dry . . . .
Naso: I wish I was magic water. If I was magic water, I could fly off my pants and get people wet when they wanted to be wet and then I would not be a man. I would live forever. Is that right, mom?
Mom: I guess, but I don’t think there is such a thing.
Naso: But if I was magic water then I could eat cheeseburgers and play with Legos whenever I want.
Mom: Except water doesn’t have hands and doesn’t eat.
Naso: No ways. Then I don’t want to be magic water. I like cheeseburgers. I guess I will just be a boy. I miss my mom. I wish I could fly to to heaven and then back and play some more. Ooooh! I see a Chinese place – can we get Chinese food? That place looks like a Grand Master’s place.
Naso: I wish I could go really fast to Mother of Peace and stay 3 minutes to see my friends and get more toys. That would be good. Isn’t it mom? Hey, there is the chocolate store!
This conversation went on for about 15 minutes more during our drive downtown, with some mmm-hmmm’s from me and constant conversation about everything from Naso.
Then, . . . . .
Naso: So, why did you decide to get me anyways? Because I’m cute?
Mom: Oh yes, that, and we wanted you to be healthy and have good opportunities and grow up to have a good job and schools.
Naso: So, I have to do my homework all days?
Mom: For sure.
Naso: So, I’m with you guys forever?
Mom: Yes! Whether you like it or not.
Naso: I like it!
Mom: Hooray! I’m glad.
By the way, he says these glasses help him read a little better. We are half way through the Bob Books, First Set.
Church can be long, and Gabi is good about drawing some pictures for Naso. This is what our family looked like last week. Naso wanted to make sure that his family didn’t get lost, so we hung it up at home.
Today she drew this picture of Naso at church. Before she had finished, he borrowed the pencil and said, “You forgot my Harry Potter scar!” Then he promptly added it.
