A Boy Asks For A Doll

I love girls of the preteen variety. One minute they are telling me how to solve the world's problem and the next they are playing with dolls. So it goes, one foot in both worlds. Confusing and exciting all at the same time.

Similar for Joshua caught between the big girls who are only a year or two older than him, and the little boys who are much younger but on about the same level emotionally.

It is fascinating to watch him learn to express himself as his English vocabulary grows daily. Joshua is very bright, there is no doubt about that. He's been through a lot in his 8 years although he seemingly takes it in stride. Realistically, we have only known him 4 months and we are still trying to figure out exactly where he is at. I am grateful that we have bonded well because the length of the road we walk with him is uncertain. Clearly God prepared Joshua's heart to be adopted long before we arrived on the scene.

Second time holding a new baby. Thank you, Levi, for being so cooperative. I think Joshua is thrilled.

Joshua's physical limitations came up this week. I knew it would happen. Trey signed up for a 4 & 5 year old basketball program. 

Certainly, Joshua understood that he was older but he does everything else with the little boys and he would have loved to play basketball. Except he can't. The discussion at the dinner table ensued to include "what about....soccer, baseball, etc." I had to shut everybody down and say, "OK, we need to focus on what Joshua CAN do. Not what he can't do." My girl Cora piped up, "He can draw with me  in my art classes on the computer." Love that team spirit. You go girl! Heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time.

Been meaning to share this picture. Cora is quite an artist and her collage of colors put anything I could ever make to total shame. I am grateful that she willingly shares her gift with Joshua.

The girls have dolls laying around and one of the kids got hold of the camera and snapped a picture of our one Asian doll lying on the ground. Obviously stripped. What can I say? Seeing the girls play with their dolls, Joshua declared that he wanted one too.Who am I to deny a request?

Gender is very different in China. I wish I knew more about it. When we were shopping in Guangzhou, our guide was looking for a baby outfit for her pregnant sister-in-law. There are no "blue" sections nor "pink" sections like we have in America. 

Joshua emphatically decided that he would spend his Christmas money that he got from relatives on a doll. We convinced him to get a boy and found this respectable Asian doll on Amazon which he loved.

Our oldest daughter had tonka trucks and now our son has a doll.

All's fair and Joshua is happy.