Our Son Seth
Since bringing our son home from China about six months ago, Seth has recently turned three years old. He is a very handsome, outgoing and bright little boy.
As a special needs child, born with congenital leg deformities, diagnosed us Fibular Hemimelia, Seth has had a successful operation to correct this condition. About a month after his sutures had dissolved and his legs were healed, he was fitted with two prosthesis at the Schriners Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, a hospital which treats only children and does so at no cost. Within days Seth was walking with increased confidence, steadiness and good balance. Currently he walks normally and can run and climb without effort. He has made a complete and impressive adjustment to his disability which one could hardly consider such, as he is so ambulatory and active.
Seth was clearly a very bright, inquisitive, and fast learner from the day he was placed with us while in China. The first morning he woke up in the hotel he repeated after his mother, 'Good Morning', as if he always used this greeting. He called us Mama and Baba and with remarkable speed he began to comprehend almost everything said to him in English.
He has a very good attention span and loves to be read to along side of his sister Stephanie. He likes to sing and knows the words to Amazing Grace;
Overall his adjustment has been steady and positive. The first week after returning home with Seth, was particularly trying since he was openly defiant and would throw fits over anything. He clung to his mother and would not let her out of his sight. At the end of the week, mom insisted that dad stay with Seth while she put Stephanie to bed. He kicked, screamed and resisted being with his father until dad just held him tight for ten minutes. After Seth calmed down his father asked if he wanted to read a story to which he responded "yes". After this episode, Seth and his father bonded and are now the very best of friends.
We could not be more proud of the way Stephanie has reacted to having a sibling. She has never demonstrated any jealousy or resentment, but only kindness, gentleness and generosity toward her brother. They interact extremely well together since their ages are so close. They are constantly learning something or reinforcing good behaviors and habits as they play off of each other.
Everyone in their church has come to adore Seth who is the center of attention when he makes his appearance, surrounded by friendly greetings. He has been embraced by his extended family and has a very special relationship with his paternal grandmother with whom he has stayed along with his sister.
Our family has bonded and is happy, stable and cohesive. Seth is clearly thriving and making incredible strides since coming home. He is a very intelligent, resilient and active child who will continue to flourish in this very nurturing, stimulating and loving home.
Adam and Deanna McKelvey