Amazing Aaron

39 days after we met, one month after arriving to his new home, tonight Aaron rode his bike up and down the entire Rustic Drive, twice! Our new son continues to absolutely amaze us. We would have never imagined that a little boy who had lived 3 years in a Chinese orphanage, one month after arriving home would be riding a two wheel bike (with training wheels) down our road and back to our house. Before we met Aaron we already knew he was a little boy who had persevered against the odds, and survived. What is clear to us, is that Aaron is a very, very determined little boy. We see this every day in everything he does. We are so lucky to have him as our son!
(On the weekend he arrived in his new home, he was riding a tricycle - very competently, which surprised us very much. Aaron was clearly devastated to see Donovan ride a BIG two wheel bike (with training wheels) and Aaron told Daddy, "I want a big bike like that." Rupert took Donovan to Toys R Us the next day and they got a big bike (well, a 12 inch one, not quite as bit as Donovan's 16 inch bike - but then again, Donovan's legs are a lot longer than Aaron's). Aaron was thrilled, but clearly had difficulty keeping his feet on the pedals (even after we bought him a pair of appropriate sneakers, instead of the slip on shoes he came to us in), had difficulty braking (with either the handbrake or peddling backwards), and while his body is very muscular and strong, his little legs just did not seem to have the strength yet to pedal very far. Each day he's tried to ride his bike, and each day he's ridden just a little ways before hopping off. And, then tonight...well he was off and flying down the road on that bike, and smiling from ear to ear - and then he did it again!
Amazing...simply amazing...