6 months with Benjamin...

I cannot believe it's already been 6 months (Jan. 20) with our little guy. At the same time, it feels he has always been with us.

Almost 6 months from having Benjamin in our arms, we met with our social worker, DJ for Benjamin's 6 month Post Placement Report (Jan. 16). China requires a special report to be written and mailed with 4 pictures just to make sure Benjamin is happy and healthy. It was fun meeting DJ and talking about our sweet boy.

So what is Benjamin up to? Describe Benjamin's personality.

He's very lovable, affectionate, and caring. He is always making sure Hudson's needs are met. They continue to be best buddies. From time to time, we might hear some crying...and a little biting from both of them. Overall, they play really well together and love each other.

Benjamin is very independent, persistent and determined. We are so proud of him and always amazed at his abilities. Really, the kid is amazing. He likes to do things by himself, no matter how challenging it might be at first. He works at something until he gets it, and normally it's pretty quick. It only takes him minutes to do something, even quicker than other kids his age. There are times when I help him do something. He will put things back the way they were before I helped him and redo them so he can do it himself. He's not being defiant or mean about it. He sweetly wants to do it himself. I'm so happy that he is determined to make things happen. He will have no trouble at all in life accomplishing anything he wants to do.

He is doing really well in Sunday school class since we put him in Hudson's class. The teachers say he is very well behaved. He follows along even though the kids are one year older than he is, doing whatever the teacher instructs. They don't baby him and purposefully allow him to do his crafts by himself. Most people don't even notice or realize he is missing fingers on his left hand. They love him and are so amazed by him. He's interested in sitting on the potty and actually put something in it one time a few weeks ago. We are still working on this area...and we have a long ways to go...with both boys...ugh. He wants to wear his Elmo underwear over his diaper. "Melmo" (Elmo) is still his favorite!

He LOVES music and attempts to sing and is actually in tune. He knows several songs. He can say anything now but we are not always sure what he is saying. I normally can tell what he wants or is saying. He loves Baby Einstein and sing along song DVDs. So cute when he is tilting his head and dancing.

He and Hudson still love trucks and Hotwheel cars. They play with dolls...making sure their babies are warm and fed. So cute. They are getting really good at building with (age appropriate) Legos.

Benjamin is such a happy little guy...always smiling and laughing....(but knows how to cry persistently,too). We can't imagine life without him. We love you Benny HuiHui!