Celebrating our "Gotcha" Day

ONE YEAR !!
Yes, one year ago today Dave and I met Judah face to face for the first time ever. We took him in our arms and our hearts have never let go.

In the past year Judah has had a lot of firsts:

>Gone swimming

>Flown in an airplane

>Had a birthday party

>Had a Christmas tree

>Had McDonald's

>Gone to church

>Attended Sports Camp

>Taken a road trip

>Gone to school

Any many more things.

He speaks English like a pro, he knows his alphabet and can count to 20. He dances like an American and loves rap music. He loves swimming and watching movies, drawing and playing super heroes. He's a 6 year old genius when it come to electronics. He's super social and will make friends with any kid he meets at the park. He's changed so much in the past year that it's so hard to put it all into words. But what an awesome journey this has been and we're blessed to have our little Ethiopian son!

First family Picture


In the first week home, Judah and Gabriel side by side (almost the same height)


Now, Judah has sot up so much that Gabriel is clearly shorter!


And here is Liam with Judah in the first week:


And now:


Judah's first hair cut 9 months after coming home:


The Oldenkamp Family NOW:

Speach

Judah is understanding almost everything we say. He is so curious and repeats everything he hears. He's just a little sponge.

He picks up the camera and says, "Mommy Smile. Cheese!"

He tries turning something on and if it doesn't respond he'll say, "It's not workin'."

He will say "I love you." but only after I say it.

He loves telling Gabriel "no".

He picks up my cell phone and say, "Hello!" then jabbers on in Amheric and ends with, "Bye bye!"

There are a lot of other things he says but I'm drawing a blank right now. He seems to get most of what we say though and I think soon he'll be responding in English to it.

God is so Faithful

So Dave and I were just talking today about how every day we have at least one small break through or victory with Judah. It just seems like after having a few really hard days everything is getting so much easier and he is responding to us so well.

He is saying sorry to his brothers when he hurts them.
He took a nap in his bed today without crying.
He is starting to share more.
His fits are starting to be less frequent and are shorter.
He isn't asking for food once every hour anymore.
He is *usually* sleeping through the night.