Today was a great day. Our group came back together (twenty-six families total) after having been in different provinces to receive our children. This was such a neat experience to see all of the families with their new children...God is so good. We went back to the island for some of the kids to have medical checks done.The biggest news today is that Will is now holding his arms out/up for us to pick him up...it's the little things that bring such joy and comfort to us as we watch him blossom. We have enjoyed passing him back and forth just to see his desire to come to each of us. At this point he seems to like all of us equally...some families are working through their children being partial to one parent. At dinner tonight, he actually played with his toys. He is manipulating things with his hands much better...When we received him, he obviously had not had the opportunity to develop fine motor skills. He is changing almost by the hour. He started drooling at dinner...we think he is cutting another tooth.
On a funny note, our guides took the group to a Japanese restaurant tonight. Having never been to a Japanese Restaurant, we didn't know what to expect. We were led to a room with a table very low to the ground and chairs on the floor. We were instructed to remove our shoes before entering our dining room. Jay and I sat down the best we could. I watched Jay try to fold his 6'5" frame to sit somewhat properly at the table. Neither of us realized that there was a cut out under the table for our legs...let's just say it was quite funny when the other family eating with us realized this...
Abby has been writing poetry to express her thoughts and document her experiences. I'll leave you with one tonight...
"The Blessing" (Written about her brothers Kai and Will)
Of all the people in the world
Of all the things I could receive
The Lord has blessed me with two very precious things!
How could this happen to me?
What did I do to deserve these wonderful blessings?
Of all the experiences for an eleven year old - How could I get these wonderful ones?
Oh thank the heavens for all my wonderful blessings and dreams
And thank the Lord Almighty for creating y'all just for me!
Hey Kai...we love and miss you very much! Brother can't wait to meet you. He is getting stronger each day and will be ready to play when we get home! Love you...MommyThank you for praying for us...we see God's hand on Will...it is amazing to watch him. Please continue to pray for us each day...We miss you all so very much...
Hi Guys,
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to see all the photos with your smiling faces, and that precious new boy. I'm so thrilled to hear all the positives about him each day. I know it is a blessing to you that he is so healthy and happy. And maybe he will decide that Kai is his "favorite!"
love, Janise and the gang
P.S. Abby, Cole says "hi."
Hi, so glad you all had a good day----a happy day to remember. I am glad you are writing in your journal, Abby. You will forever be glad that you have these experiences written down for you and for Will. We can see such a difference in Will’s expressions and his apparent bonding. It seems like he loves all of you. He becomes more secure each day. Will is eating well therefore he feels better. The Japanese meal was quite an experience, wasn’t it? How did you like the tea, Jay and Paula? Abby loves hot tea so she had a good time. Dad has had some bad days but today was a little better. Because of the screws he has to be super careful. He must elevate his foot to keep his leg from swelling. He can’t wear those tight stockings for several weeks. Little Kai has done well. I know you are proud of him. Paula, your parents have done a great job. It has been about 100 degrees today. It was 100 on our inside thermometer that measures the outside temp. We hope little Will will continue to expand his horizons. You have all done a great job. Thanks, Abby, for helping out so much. Will and Kai couldn’t have a more devoted sister. We love you. We send love and prayers across the miles to you, Poppy and Nona
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I laughed out loud at the thought of you, Jay, trying to fold those long legs beside the table! :) We've been to a restaurant like that, and it took us a bit to realize the opening under the table also. If you don't get home soon, I might have to fly to China myself to get me some Will sugar! (ok, maybe not...I'll just have to be patient until next Sunday!) Each post brings more and more cute pictures...he is so adorable! Yesterday was Clark's 3 year Happy Adoption Day. We had a great time checking out some Russian markets in Houston, eating at an Ethiopian restaurant, and taking the kids ice skating for the first time. It's neat that Clark and Will's adoption days are so close together. Clark's is July 31st. Abby, we loved your poem...a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. You are a fabulous big sister. Love you guys...praying for you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Rachel, TC, Ali, and Clark
Hey guys, we just got back from Chandler's b-day party (missed y'all being there). We had a great time, but wished Abby could have been there. We had to write & tell Abby that her poem just blew us away! She must be a 25 yr. old wrapped up in an 11 yr. old body---she has such an 'old soul' and tender spirit. The poem was really good & we always awed by the words and phrases she uses---words and expressions wayyyyy beyond her age. We love you Abby girl!
ReplyDeleteWith her, Chan, and Mckinna, we have the best nieces and nephew in the WORLD!! ;)
UNCLE TIM & AUNT KYM
Glad to hear all the good news and see smiling faces. Abby that was a very beautiful poem!
ReplyDeleteKristine
Happy Anniversary, Jay & Paula!!! Hope y'all had a great day! We celebrated our 20 yr. first date anniversary today. 20 yrs. ago right now, your brother was sweeping me off my feet. :) We love y'all!
ReplyDeleteKYM & TIM