Back to Iowa

We arrived home Friday evening, April 20th. It was great to see Zachary again. I think he grew a foot while we were gone!

Zach had all kinds of questions about Mason on the drive home. He was so excited to get home to play with him. He just shook his head and smiled when Mason would babble and point to something out the window as we drove home. "I don't know what he's talking about" said Zach.

Zach's been great at sharing and taking turns. He loves to see Mason laugh. He also loves it that Mason watches his every move. Any of you that know Zach know that Zach loves an audience. Right now Mason is intrigued with everything that Zach does.
Mason has been getting better with his eating since he's been home. Again I think this is due to Zach. He's eaten lasagna, tater-tot casserole and even grapes! This is huge progress since he basically only ate things that were white/off white in color in China!
We decided it was time for Aunt Marcia to try to get a handle on Mason's hair! She shaped it up and it looks wonderful! What a great Aunt!

After the haircut we threw both boys in the tub. Bath time has been a hit around here. Zach absolutely loves that he has a brother to bathe with. And Mason even likes Zach pouring water on his head. Let's hope he likes the pool as much this summer!

 All in all, we are trying to find a new normal in the Kragel home. Things get a bit easier each day. Mason's bedtime is still a big struggle for him--he screams at the top of his lungs til he falls asleep. We're pretty sure it's a cry of rage--that he's mad and grieving all of his losses--all of his "normal" have been stripped away. When the toys are gone and he's forced to be still, he remembers that this place and these people are not his normal. At least not yet. Please continue to pray for him to bond and attach to us securely so he will see us as his normal.