Judd's party

We wanted to share some pictures of Judder's party.

Here is his Hungry Caterpillar cupcake cake, from the Eric Carle book. It seemed a fun idea, plus, Judd is a hungry little caterpillar.

Judd with cousins Mercy and Jadon.

Happy birthday Judder. 

Judd is two

Today, Judd Longshan Graves is two years old.

We have only been with Judd for four months (one-sixth of his brief life). But we are learning a lot about him. Here are a few words that Anne and I would use to describe Lil' Genghis. 

Smart. One of the first things the orphanage worker told us was how smart he was. She was right. He knows what everything is and how to use everything. Last week he put on my deodorant. I catch myself daily wondering how he knew something. He just knows everything.

Busy. He dances. Yells. Sings. Dismantles. Destroys. He is an active, fun little guy. And man, he wears us out.

 

Compulsive. This isn't a word to describe most two year olds, but it fits Judd to a T (errr... to an OCD). He freaks if he doesn't have on shoes. He must shut any open door. He has to put everything back in it's place. Everything. Our former (favorite) pediatrician told us that a kid like him will probably be a doctor. I believe it.

Hungry and thirsty. He still weeps daily for food and his cup. And it's not like he's deprived. I've lost count of how many people have told us that he's chunked up. But he still acts like the same under-fed orphan we met in China. I'll never forget Judd's almost-correct sign for a cup and him saying "ugh" "ugh" "UGH" for cup. And he'll do that half a dozen times in a ten-minute car ride.

Determined and demanding. Here's the script: Judd yells and points for something he wants right then. We say no. Judd weeps. Above is a picture as proof. We told him no. Don't feel sorry for him folks. It's just anger for not getting his way. But his determination isn't always a bad thing. He is a focused, problem-solving, strong-willed guy.

Loved. I can't write a post without bringing up the miracle that a little boy from North China was meant to be a Graves boy. Two years ago today, Judd was abandoned and alone under the flags at Tianyuan Mall in Hohhot, China. Today he is surrounded with family in East Tennessee. Tonight he sat with a mom and dad and two silly brothers eating ice cream. This week he will see grandparents, an aunt, and cousins. For most people I know, that isn't anything noteworthy. For Judd, that is nothing short of a miracle.

Judd belongs. Judd is loved.

Happy birthday Judder.

-chris