We had a great discussion about race and identity with my dad while the food was cooking. My brothers rented a batch of sports video games and were having a grand old time in the living room. The kids were running through out the house screaming and laughing. A painting Norman Rockwell forgot to paint.
This was our first time to really spend some time with Marty and we're all very happy with the fella my dad has been dating the last few weeks. He's a teacher (we've been attracting a lot of them lately into our lives) for the 2nd grade and a sweet soul. It is very obvious that he has a deep fondness for my pappa which always wins you points in my book. More importantly though, he was engaging and present with us during the time he was at our house. He was welcoming and open which speaks volumes about his own confidence with the relationship and himself. So while I am trying to not pressure my father I can say I would not be adverse to seeing more of Marty in the future.
Larry's mother Joannie (call sign Grammy Joe) arrived yesterday afternoon and the Boy has taken a shine to her almost immediately. As predicted she is/has been awesome with Tre. In fact over dinner he informed us that he wanted some alone time with Grammy Joe after he finished eating. It means a lot to all of us, especially Larry that she has made the time and space to meet the Boy. It is clear that she sees Tre as a grandson and has no issues with how he came to be family and that says volume about her love and compassion for him. It's great to soak up all the grandmother energy as well. Also it's a joy to see Larry's face light up when he sees her and hearing their happy voices as they talk all over the house. Hats off to Grammy Joe.
Speaking of grandmothers, Regina has also been rocking Tre's grandparent world. She sent over this bag she hand painted for Halloween filled with books and treats. I have been meaning to mention it but keep getting swept away in the tide of new events and forget to blog about it. Despite her crazy schedule she finds the time to make sure we know and he knows that she cares. She's always available with health advice as well. Tre had a nasty cold/flu a few weeks ago and she was great when I called to ask questions. She addressed all my concerns and then gave me a follow up call the following day to check back in and make sure we were all doing ok. Hats off to Nana Regina.
We've had a little bit of a setback with the adoption. Tre's biological mother has been difficult to reach and that county was unable to notify her of the .26 hearing so our court date was pushed back another 30 days. I'm feeling a little frustrated after running around like a crazy person for the court hearing to find out that nothing will happen until next month. *Sigh*
I've been adding new pictures to the Flickr site so take a look when you get a chance. Uploaded pictures from Dan & Megan's wedding, a few more Halloween ones and shots from Tre's 4th birthday party. I should have the Thanksgiving photos up by the weekend. We took a lot of pictures at the wedding (778 to be exact) so that may take me a little bit. :)
The next week we have Larry's brother Joe coming for a visit and this Sunday a big family outing to Legoland so there will be some photos from that and more to report from Tre's whirlwind month of meeting family. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and look forward to see many of you over the Christmas holiday!
