Wahe's World

Summer Fun and Settling In

Michelle Here.

Well, here’s to a long overdue post.    Things here are going well, and we’re settling into our new reality.    Or should I say our new balance of 4 humans in the Wahe household.

Alex has started to become more “himself”.     The first weeks that Michael was home, he was hyper-aware of his little bro.    He would always watch what Michael was playing with, what he was eating, if he was looking at him sideways, if he pooped, if he took 3 steps from the bedroom to the living room instead of 4 steps, and if he squealed a little too loudly.    Oh, and only a few of these are exagerations, but not all of them.   Then Alex would react in his big brotherly fashion, based on what Michael was doing.    Now, Alex is getting back to minding his own business, and the tension level is much better….both for him, and for me!

Instead of rambling some more, here are photos from the last 3 weeks….enjoy.

Posted by Michelle in About

Finally a few action clips …

Stefan here …

I reprogrammed my first video game back in 1983. It wasn’t much but I never thought I would make a livelihood in computers. That is why I am a bit remiss to finally be posting video to our blog after three years. It really is not a difficult thing to do. But it never got a priority. However, when we were in Korea in June we heard both Michael’s and Alex’s foster mothers say they would love to see video of the boys as they grow up. Nothing motivates me more then the wishes of a mother.

Pool Fun! (1 of 4)
One of the boys favorite activities is to play in the pool in the side yard. Actually, anything outside is good. The pool has been a godsend on these hot, humid days. The video ends with a classic Alex meltdown. How can he be that cute when he is that upset. We have learned that Alex needs the “count down” approach before switching to a new activity.

Pool Fun from swahe on Vimeo.

Michael’s Dance Moves (2 of 4)
This video gives a whole new meaning to Mr. Roboto. Michael does love to dance! Grandpa also loves to play with his grandchildren.

Michael Dancing from swahe on Vimeo.

Alex Batting (3 of 4)
The damage is already done. Yes he is wearing a Cubs jersey. But as you can see in the video, he was hitting the ball better the D. Lee has been all of 2010.

Alex Baseball from swahe on Vimeo.

Alex Swinging (4 of 4)
Alex is swinging up high. We are also trying to get him to talk about. One of the other things Alex’s foster mother was interested in was knowing what Alex sounds like. And yes Michael was helping push his big brother high.

Alex from swahe on Vimeo.

Our Sweet Dog, Meeka

This message comes with my very heavy heart, to say that our sweet dog, Meeka has passed away.

She passed away a few weeks ago, but I could not write this post without totally bawling my eyes out, so I did not.

Meeka was a very special, and extraordinary dog.    She was 16 (yes, 16!!) years old.    Here are my thoughts about Meeka, probably a little random, because again, I’m typing this through my tears.

I got Meeka from an animal shelter….a mixed breed dog, who came in as a stray, with matted fur, shaved, and with heartworm.    I heard about this “sweet, docile” dog at the animal shelter, and decided to go meet her.    After our intital meeting, I decided I needed to adopt her.    Mind you…..I was single, starting my own business, and traveling a lot.   What was I thinking?   Well, we fell in love with each other, so that was my answer.

I have many fond memories of my companion.   She witnessed many chapters in my life  where she saw some of my most joyous joys, and my most heart-wrenching lows.   She gave me love every time.

She came to work with me every day that I had my business and warehouse.    She made many  friends while at work—of my employees, and of others in our building.     Other people would come to our warehouse, just to visit Meeka.    To some people in our building, I was only known as “Meeka’s Mom”, and many people did not even know my name!    Every day, at about 2 pm, Meeka would come to me, and nudge my elbow.   This meant she wanted to go and visit her friends in the building.    So we would.   She knew all the people in the other offices in our building who loved her, and she knew all the stops she needed to make to get doggy treats, brought in especially for her.  This was a special time for both of us, and a good break in my day where I was reminded of what really mattered in life……a little snack, a little love, and a little walk would make all the angst of the day go away.

A few years ago, as she was getting older, I wanted to see what breed she really was.   Logically, I know I will never be able to replace Meeka, but in my heart, I would love to.    Her breeds were  always a mystery, and I had my guesses, but wanted to know for certain.   I found a DNA test ($60), and sent in a swab/sample from her cheek.    Well, I was right on half of it, and then totally wrong on the other half…..It turned out that she was half Chow Chow (that I guessed), half German Shepard (!!), and a little Doberman Pinscher thrown in to make things interesting.   Wow!   Well, that solved the mystery, and I have to admit my perception of German Shepards totally changed after getting back the results.

She was the perfect dog.   She touched a lot of people, and she will always hold a very special place in my heart, in our family’s heart, and in many other people’s hearts.   She is the definition of extraordinary.    I miss her so much.