Our Little Jeremy

We’ve known Jeremy for 6 days now, and are beginning to get to know his personality. He is such a little sweetheart! His favourite activity by far, is sleeping. We have not yet had him awake for long periods overnight, and he sleeps for great stretches during the day. His favourite place to sleep is in the car or in the baby wrap, but really, anywhere will do.

Jeremy only cries when it’s time to eat, and then is very quickly satisfied with the bottle. Once he’s fed and burped, he’s a happy, smiley little guy again. Jeremy has a great sense of humour, and he thinks both his parents are spectacularly funny.

Already since we’ve met him, we’ve noticed changes in Jeremy. When we first picked him up at the orphanage, he could not hold up his head because his core muscles were underdeveloped. Taking his passport and citizenship photos was quite difficult because of this. But just after a few days of playing with his Mom and Dad, Jeremy can hold his head up for long periods of time. He’s also learned to click his tongue, and today he mastered the game of peek-a-boo.

Jeremy has big bright eyes that watch everything carefully. His favourite things to look at are the ceiling fan and the lights. Have to admit, they are pretty mezmerizing! He loves to talk when our faces are close to his and he is really enjoying the books we brought.

Jeremy has a bit of a cold right now and his sneezes are extremly cute! He has a slight cough and has difficulty breathing through his nose. It doesn't seem to bother him; in fact, he laughs after he sneezes (which makes them even cuter!) Jeremy also has quite a bit eczema and very dry skin. But thanks to Jeremy’s Aunt Bonnie, a pharmacists’ assistant, we came prepared with great skin creams.

Jeremy loves his bath, and kicks his feet and flails his arms because he’s so excited. He tires himself out completely. After his bath time he’s ready for some snuggle time and a nap.

Not only is Jeremy becoming tri-lingual (the baby house was staffed by Zulu and Africaans speakers, and we find he understands our English perfectly!) Jeremy is already showing his brilliance through his ability to multitask. Today Jeremy discovered that he can bond, snuggle and nap all at the same time while lying peacefully on his mom’s tummy. So lovely!

It is wonderful to have this long period of time where we can enjoy South Africa and bond with our son, and he with us. This is a time of great joy and delight for us and for our little Jeremy.