at long last... an update

Alex
It's coming up on the two year mark since we placed Alex outside of our home. So hard to believe it's been that long, yet it also seems like forever. We are starting to notice that Alex no longer sees us as his most important people, and that fact is ripping my heart to shreds. Alex only sees us once a week versus the 5-7 days a week he sees his caregivers...it was bound to happen, but still has taken me by surprise. I remember the look of joy that he'd give us when we first went to visit. The cuddles and such that have gradually lessened. And now...now he gets timid and shy around us, hiding behind furniture to get away. He used to look at our pictures in his little photo album. It's still sitting out on his nightstand, but I doubt he looks through it anymore. A part of me is happy that he feels comfortable with the people who care for him on a regular basis, but damn it...it should be us. I'm happy that he isn't miserable and spending his time missing us...but he wasn't supposed to forget who we are. I was prepared for this to happen. My heart wasn't prepared for this to happen.

Ben
What to say? He's doing well in school (he's excelling at math, and, as he has for so long now, is doing well with reading and vocabulary). His teacher says she sometimes has to remind him to stay focused, but otherwise he's following the rules. He made out like a bandit at Christmas (we are about up to our ears in Legos). His front teeth are almost in all the way, and he looks so much older now because of that. He's still majorly in love with his sister...he rushes in to say good morning when he wakes up, throws his backpack and coat to the ground and runs in to say hi when he gets home from school, and always makes sure to say goodnight before bed. In the car, he reaches over and holds her hand. He likes holding her (especially when she has the hiccups). He really is a great kid!

Claire
My little Claire is growing fast! She has a bit of reflux, so she's on Zantac twice a day. It's helped a lot with her evening fussiness...and now she is happy to be lay on her back and play, even if she still gets hiccups 98% of the time when doing so. She's smiling like a pro now, cooing, making great eye contact, and practicing grabbing (and letting go of) toys. We're still waiting to hear giggles and belly laughs. I don't really have any worries regarding her health or cognitive abilities....though I won't breathe my sigh of relief until she hits a year old. She spends her days being the model for her crazy mother's photo shoots.