He is much less controlling. He almost never asks me for my keys anymore, and he doesn't mind listening to music in the car. He likes to choose which car we take, but does better in the car than he did, he just talks constantly. He is still incredibly busy and hyper, but he can sit and play, and he even does so on occasion. He whines, but not nearly as much as before. Now he is more likely to argue than complain. I am still worn out most of the time, but that is no longer all because of Charlie.
He does some pretty crazy things that would be funny if they weren't so annoying. Like the other day, he put a radio with Christmas music on in the front yard, cranked it way up and pulled numerous toys outside and got ready for a "party" which no one came to. A few nights ago, he said he was going to take a bath, but then realized Sam was still in the back yard playing. So, wet and naked, he opened the bathroom window and started throwing bath toys out to Sam in the back yard. Of course Sam thought it was so outrageous he could not contain his delight, even though I've asked him not to encourage behavior like that.
Charlie is finally in love with me. He loves me so much he doesn't want to go to school anymore. He loves me so much, he doesn't want Stephen to do anything for him. He loves me so much he sleeps on my floor almost every night. His new favorite thing is me rocking him and singing "Rock-a-Bye Charlie." The other day, he asked me what he will do when I "get died." Y'all, this is huge. He went from scoping out a new family just two months ago, to depending on me and preferring me over anyone else. We are now working on nurturing his bond with Stephen too.
For months, when I would do something nice or kind for him, he'd say, "Why you do that for me, Mom?" And I'd say, "Because I love you. Because you are my son." A few days ago, he asked me that, and I said, "You tell me. Why do I do that?" He grinned and said, "Cuz I your son. You love me!" You got it, Buddy!
He used to act so confident, when we first got him. (He was trying to hide his fear.) Then later, he acted scared of everything. (Showing vulnerability.) Now, he is not as fearful, but he still has a good bit of anxiety. He'll say things make him "nerbous." He sleeps on our floor more than in his bed, he still likes to be held A LOT and he asks people to go with him when he goes upstairs or downstairs and no one is on that floor. When Stephen leaves to go out of town, Charlie will say, "Is he going to come back?" Of course. He always comes back, but Charlie is still needing him to prove it. I am pretty sure that once he feels secure, he will have a brand new, true and genuine confidence that will make us all very proud.
I think I say something about how smart he is every single blog, but it is just amazing. The words and vocabulary he uses astound me. Stephen and I lived in Costa Rica for a year and a half many years ago, so we speak some Spanish. It is very convenient when we don't want the kids to know what we're saying. A few weeks ago, we were leaving town for 2 nights and I hadn't set up for anyone to feed the cats. That is something that would really worry Charlie, so in Spanish I said, "Ai, olvide de pedir a alguien para dar de comer a los gatos." He gasped and said, "Oh! Who gonna feed da cats!?" Stephen and I just stood there in shock. The kid who says he no longer speaks Chinese, understands SPANISH!? I posted about this on Facebook and found out from someone at Bethel that there was a Chilean woman who used to volunteer there and hang out with Charlie on Saturdays. So apparently he learned some Spanish in China too. Lol!
We would appreciate your prayers next week. I have a feeling being out of his routine and the craziness of the Christmas week could really be hard on Charlie. We are going to try to have some sort of routine, and keep things relatively simple, but that is easier said than done. It will definitely be a Christmas to remember-- hopefully in positive ways! ;)
I'm sorry, but the bath toys outside is hilarious!
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