What A Difference A Month Can Make...

One month ago today Gao Ai Hua became William Addison Hellums...our son. He has progressed from the baby who made little to no eye contact, didn't know how to play with a toy, or be loved on...to a fun loving little boy who is playing with toys, interacting...and drum roll...crawling! We are completely amazed at his progress. We are very thankful that he is doing so well. Please continue to pray for our family...

"Firsts"

This has been an exciting time for our family. We have enjoyed visiting with family and friends and introducing the newest member of our family. Will has experienced many "firsts" recently. We attended church as a family of five. As we were singing, I realized that Will was probably in a church for the first time in his young life. We are so thankful that he will grow up hearing the Gospel.

Abby started middle school. She is doing very well...such a joy. Kai is enjoying life...full of energy...he keeps us smiling and on our toes.

When we began the adoption process over four years ago, we met a precious family. We have enjoyed their friendship over the years and feel very blessed to have shared this journey with them. We were able to get together to meet their sweet daughter this week. What a joy it was to see our children playing together...the children that we have dreamed of, prayed for, and waited for so long. It was almost surreal to see them in the same room...God's timing is perfect...

A Whole New World...

Will on the airplane...headed for home!

When Kai wants to hold Will, he says, "Kai hold it."

Brothers...together at last!

We made it to Houston around 8 pm Sunday night. We were greeted at the airport by Jay's parents and sister and her family. It was so nice to see familiar faces as we arrived. Will quickly received kisses and hugs from his Nona, Poppy, Aunt Rachel, Uncle TC, Cousin Ali and Cousin Clark! We were then greeted by Sheri Walling who picked us up from the airport in our vehicle and took us to a nearby Sonic where her family was waiting to see and love on Will. It was great fun to watch the excitement in the faces of the children and adults alike as they marveled at God's handiwork in the smiles and cues of our new little one. After Abby ordered a snack...and Jay and I enjoyed a drink with extra ice...we buckled Will in the car seat and headed for Westlake. Although the plane ride had been challenging and we had been up for more than 30 hours...I couldn't sleep a wink on the way home...I was too excited to see my sweet baby boy, Kai! We arrived home around 1 am. Mom and Dad had brought Kai home and spent the night so he would be there when we returned. Although we didn't wake him, we stood at his bedside and watched him sleep for a while. Even in the dark, it looked as if he had grown several inches. We kept Mom and Dad up until three...too excited to sleep...and they enjoyed meeting their new grandson...smiles all around! When we finally made it to bed, we crashed. It was not until we heard our sweet Kai...who was anxious to see us...at our bedside. Mom said he had been in our room three times to "look" at us before she woke us. I squeezed him tightly and didn't want to let go! He has changed so much in the nearly three weeks that we were gone. He is such a big boy...talks all the time...so precious. Words are inadequate to describe his first interaction with Will. Little brother was still sleeping...my first memory of them together is Kai standing on tip toes looking into the pack-n-play. When we woke Will up to meet his brother, Kai immediately wanted to give him a sticker and brought him a stuffed toy. Kai was so excited to finally see the "brutter" we had been telling him about.

Abby is glad to be home. She got sick before coming home...so between that and the jet lag, she had a couple of difficult days. She is now feeling better and enjoying playing with her brothers. Kai missed her terribly. They are so funny together.

Jay and I are doing well...very tired because Will is still on China time and is awake for about four hours each night. We are working with him to adjust.

It has been simply amazing to watch Will. It is a whole new world for him...everything is new! He loves to look around in his room. He LOVES Kai. When Kai giggles...Will giggles...it is too cute! When Will cries, Kai is quick to inform us, "Brother cryning!" I have prayed for and longed for the day that I would see my three children in the same room, playing and enjoying one another...what an amazing and overwhelming time this has been. I will never be the same! In the days to come, I pray that we have the opportunity to share with you some of the life changing experiences that have forever changed and shaped us...

Please feel free to call...we are settling in and would love to hear from and see family and friends who have so faithfully prayed, encouraged, and celebrated this journey with us! Can't wait to see you all...

Stay Tuned...

Yesterday we attended the oath taking ceremony. As we stood in a room full of families with their new children, right hands raised, stating that all information given was true to the best of our knowledge...I was moved to tears...what a powerful close to an incredible journey.

Will will now become a citizen of the United States when we land and go through customs in New Jersey. In just a few hours, we will receive his passport/visa and board a bus for Hong Kong. We will then fly out of Hong Kong on Sunday. Please pray for safe travel. Pray also that Will will tolerate the long flight.

This is our last post from China; however, I will post updates after we return home so that you can follow Will's progress. We cannot wait to share him with you all. Thank you for praying with us and for us over the past 4 1/2 years as we have waited to bring our precious baby home. Words are inadequate to express the indescribable joy that we feel.

We look forward to seeing all of our children playing together...Kai, we are bringing brother home! Thanks for all of the e-mails and comments...what an encouragement! We are honored that you followed this portion of our journey...stay tuned for great things to come!

Sweet

Will is playing with Abby's hair...he eventually went to sleep beside her...

Home Stretch

Will seems to be feeling better. He is taking his bottles and has rested better the past two nights. Thanks for your prayers. Yesterday, our group got together and took pictures. It was truly amazing to see all of the families with their new children.

We took Will for a quick dip in the swimming pool. He loved it...he didn't want to get out. He also loves his bath. He will not cry to get in the water, but he leans with all of his weight in the direction of the tub to let us know he is ready to get in.

Our Consulate appointment went well today. We are scheduled for the oath taking ceremony tomorrow afternoon. One step closer to home.

Will is lifting his arms when he wants to be picked up...makes a mother's heart melt! In a little over a week, he has gone from not knowing how to be held to expressing his desire to be held. His legs are much stronger. He is trying to stand when we hold him. He is gaining weight...not sure how much...but his face is fuller and he feels heavier. We plan to start him on baby food as soon as we return home...and some rice and gravy!

Thanks again for all of the thoughtful comments and e-mails...we will keep these and treasure them in the years to come. Can't wait to see you all!

Lord I am Amazed by you

What a difference a week can make in the life of a child...in the lives of a family created by our Heavenly Father. Will is doing well. He continues to interact well. He is growing more accustomed to us...to being touched, held, and loved on around the clock! Please pray for him...he is congested. Our guide said this is very common in the babies. They are not used to air conditioning. He is not sleeping well or feeding well.

Yesterday, we went to the Chinese Folk Art Museum. It was beautiful...but way too hot! When we were told that the group was going to a museum, I automatically assumed that it would be indoors...no...it was an open air museum...and very hot. Tonight we went as a group on a dinner cruise. The cruise part was beautiful - seeing the lights of Guangzhou by night was stunning...the dinner part...not so appetizing. Our guide just happened to be in line in front of me and told me what each dish was. It went a little something like this...chicken heads, chicken feet, snail over noodles, pig livers, fish heads....needless to say, Abby requested McDonald's when we returned to the hotel.We are waiting for our Consulate appointment...which is on Wednesday. After that, we will attend the oath taking ceremony, pick up Will's passport/visa, and be able to leave the country on Friday evening. We will travel by bus to Hong Kong, where we will depart on Sunday. This has been an amazing journey.

Today, Jay and I celebrated our 19th anniversary. We talked briefly this afternoon...in the quiet...we agreed that we would never have believed it, if nineteen years ago we had been told we would be in China...adopting our precious boy. When I stop to think how the Lord has worked his will out in our lives...I am completely amazed. We can't wait to return home and share our experience with you all. We have met some wonderful families and precious children. Thank you for you prayers and encouragement along the way.