The concept of a new belly button

Well, as we approach Tuesday I have been trying to figure out how to get Akins buy in on the next doctor appointment. So, I have been asking him if he would like a belly button like Mommy's. Initially, he said yes. Then I said "okay, let's go next week and find out about it". He vehemently said "NO"! The next day when I picked him up from day care he was pushing on his belly button (hernia) saying it hurts. It doesn't, but he suddenly is aware of it being different. So, again I asked if he wanted it to be flat or small like Mommy's. By the way small is a big thing with him. He will say "I want a small drink of water" or "Turn the water on small" and he does this in a very funny voice, while holding his hands up with his fingers pinched depciting a small amount. So, I thought having a "small" belly button might do the trick. Again, at first he was agreeable but then when I said we would have to go see about it, he said no. Great - Tuesday ought to be a real good time!

Rockin' the House! - Jimmy Hendrix Lives

Since we got home from Africa there are few things on the TV that catch Akins attention. Which frankly is good, but last night we had the tube on and he saw the "Singing Bee" and got really excited. I've never watched it and actually think it is pretty silly but he loved it. The only other time I have seen him get really excited was when the girls walked out onto the stage for "Deal or No Deal" and let's face it that gets everyones attention. So, after his doctor appointment (we'll talk about that in a moment), Lorea gave him a toy guitar that we had been holding back so he did not get so many toys all at once. Well, between his new guitar and the "Singing Bee" the house began to rock and here is what happened next - a full on rock concert right in our living room.






Tonight he is asking for dancing - so I had to bust out some videos the only thing close I could come up with was my Turbo Jam exercise video and right now he is trying his Turbo Jam workout moves on for size! He's a bit frustrated at the pace but he is giving it a heck of a try!

Now for the doctor update... Well, I thought we had all results in but it seems his stool sample was well ummm lost. What!!! Okay, so we have to do that over. The Hep A, B, C had not been faxed over and so I still need confirmation that these are clear but I am sure they are. While there I re-addressed the hernia and circumcision issues and now have a referal to a surgeon for Tuesday. Great... another day of complete meltdown. The doctor is not a good time! He got two more shots so you may note in his "sexier shirtless" rock star photo that he has two band-aids one on each arm. He was so distressed before even entering the building that I am not sure we got an accurate weight but it said he gained 2 pounds. Keep in mind the first two weeks we had him were prior to doctor appointments because we got him the first night in Africa. So, really this is a measurement of about 5 weeks. He also grew 3/4 of an inch! Other than being completely stressed out, the health report was good!

Remember

I have some new photos to share and also a doctor update, but I want to save those for tomorrow because there is something more important for today and that is to remember why this blog is here and why Akins Junior is with me now. Please click on the link to Sue Richardson's blog, read and watch the video on her adoption story as it does such a great job of reminding me why it was so important that I help "Junior" make this journey in the first place. The video brings tears to my eyes as I see just how far this journey is and how many more miles need to be walked for all the others.

Finishing off the birthday celebration

The weekend was capped by another round at the fair. This time the Tulsa State Fair. We did not think we were going to make it to this one but it turned out we could and so Akins got two fairs this year. Then tonight Grandma came over for dinner for the final birthday celebration the grand finale was getting a baby doll, slippers and a card from Uncle Robbie and Uncle Marcus.

A footlong corn dog - oh yeah!

The cool cat in the pink ride!

Big flyin' saucer.

Wiggly scooters.

Akins with the "very important man". Important man is any one who wears a uniform, camo clothing or carries a gun. Remnants from the rebels that can still be seen around Monrovia.

A very extreme reaction to the animated card from Uncle Rob and Uncle Marcus.

Again and again and again!

Spiderman slippers from Grandma.

Cho Cho the babydoll also from Grandma. Oh - no Grandma is not spoiling him or anything.

Getting Cho Cho out was like performing surgery.

The Birthday Bash was a Success!

We did it all... games, swimming, a pinata that was hand made by Minerva (imagine Akins face - food that falls from the sky), presents, cake and ice cream, candles and ended with a shootout with Suzi! Then he wanted to sleep in his Spider Man tunnel fort and so he did until about 3:30am when he ended up in bed with us!

The Spiderman Cake

Attempting to blow out the candles with the noise maker. New concept had to get the hang of it!

The gift frenzy!

Putting money in the piggy bear from Uncle Del and Aunt Sondie.

More gift frenzy. Aidan is thinking these are just about my size. "Are these mine Akins"?

Erin's girls wanted to swim - brrrrrr. Even little Owen thought he might give it a try, but Mom wasn't having any of it.

Games - Seth, Akins and Aidan shooting a game of 9 ball- hey where are the pool cues? Harrison and Laken playing foosball.

Mike palying T-ball with Laken and Harrison

Grubbin' with Grandma and Erin

Chillin' with Momma Lorea.

Up it goes!

First good whack!

After all the kids had a least one whack at it!

The fatal blow!

Grab bags!

The war begins.

I got you Suzi!

Hey no fair I'm losing my holster.