Ian In the Spotlight (and other weekend footnotes)

A few weeks ago, we were contacted asking if we would participate in a photo shoot for our adoption agency, with the volunteered resources of Shawn's Alma Mater, The Seattle Art Institute. Annually, the AI donates student resources and studio time to do photo sessions for children and families to obtain materials used for their website, marketing materials, etc. In return, the students can use photos in their portfolios and we get copies of the photos taken. We jumped at the chance.

Partially, we wanted to participate because it really is those little faces that help wash away fears and apprehensions about "why adoption, why special needs, why China (or other countries)". Another part of us wanted to see Ian get an opportunity to be involved with something fun and unique. Another part of us wanted to get a free family photo, and yet another part of us wanted to do it because Shawn was one of them... different medium, but still... the practice, experience, and portfolio materials could make or break their future career... and the girls who ran his shoot will show their kids their portfolios some day, and there will be Ian.

We arrived right on time and Ian was squeaky clean and in a good mood. It was daring close to nap time zero hour, so we know the smiles would fade fast once strangers were introduces and bright lights started flashing. We were right. He was great for about 15 minutes and then nothing would make him smile. They took about 5 minutes of photos of each of us with him solo, then us with him together, and then Ian alone. Getting a 2 year old to pose, smile, and not touch the VERY expensive equipment, was interesting to say the least. In the end, he did great. Whether we'll get a decent family photo out of it remains to be seen, but I know he gave them some good shots of his pearly whites, destined for the pages of their 2009 calendar.

We were in and out in less than an hour and back home less than 2 hours from the time we pulled out of the driveway. It made for a long nap and an exhausting day overall. We were sad that it wasn't feasible to take him through the Pike Place Market. We drove through Pike street on our way to the school and although it was barely 10am, it was already a crowded touristy Saturday. Shawn made a comment "I wonder if these are all tourists"... My answer: If they weren't tourists, they'd be home sleeping right now. As a city, we really take our many landmarks for granted. One day, we will take him down to see the Flying Fish, and get a drink at the first Starbucks store, ride a ferry, ride to the top of the space needle... all those things his little brain could have never fathomed a short year ago.

All these things, plus the photo shoot, and more... a lifetime's experiences since coming home from China. What a brave little boy to take it all in with stride.

Also of note this weekend, he helped me make banana bread today (stirring and chocolate chip taste tester). I wasn't able to get my hands free to grab the camera, though. Also, I turned a corner while putting groceries away and found that he was turning several items from my shopping trip into a ramp for one of his cars. Between watching Shawn do this several times, and simply getting more and more creative lately, it was great to see that he is doing something that is definitely age appropriate and oh so all-boy. Making ramps. Next it will be forts.

Also, in an effort to get him interested in educational programming, I recorded some Sesame Street episodes (on at 2am on Sprout) and he actually watched more than a half hour today. I know, what a problem to have...my kid would rather read than watch TV...But I do want him to have some structured TV time with this kind of programming. He is most interested in Elmo, although except for the possible interaction at school, he has never seen beyond the picture on his diaper. Ironically, he calls his diapers Elmos, and came up with that name on his own, meaning he learned it somewhere other than from us (maybe that's the same source we can thank for teaching him "boobs", which he blurted out one day a month or so ago and hasn't let go of. Thanks, whoever you are!

Below are a few pictures from the weekend, including a few of Ian roaming the halls of the Art Institute with Shawn. Unfortunately, we couldn't take pictures inside the studio.

On the way to the photo shoot. Squeaky clean and not a scratch on him. With a recent 'hand-foot-mouth disease' outbreak at his school, I was sure he would be covered in sores just in time for pictures.

Raring to go! He darted out the elevator and headed straight to the photography studio...still all smiles.

"Come on dad, this way!"

The strangeness of it all was sinking in. The smile was fading. Not yet, Ian! We haven't even started!

Once we were done, we couldn't get him his blanket fast enough. You can see the relief to have his best friend in hand...and his eczema is flaring around his cheek and eye already.

Helping dad give Polli a bath. Afterward, he assumed she was going "night night" like he does after his bath.

Getting up close with Elmo. My brother used to sit this close to the TV and wears glasses now. At least Ian looks cute in specs.

I heard him play counting and talking to himself...and when I turned the corner, this is what I saw. A ramp for his car made from mouthwash and toothpaste.

After helping with the chocolate chip taste test. I agree, definitely worth smiling over!