Wings

This afternoon, I took Kai and Abby on a special outing to pick out costumes for our annual Trunk or Treat event at church. Will enjoyed some special time with his Dada. After almost an hour of looking up and down aisles and giving them individual time and attention in choosing just the right thing...we walked out with a holster and red plastic pistol so Kai could be a cowboy...and a beautiful set of wings so Abby could be a fairy. Kai couldn't wait to get home to strap on his new holster...he said "Kai a cowboy...." Abby excitedly tried on her dress and wings. She twirled...and twirled...Later, she looked at me and said "thanks for my wings, Mama." Wow...I was immediately overcome with emotion...it was as if she read my mind because just a couple of minutes later, she stuck her head back in the room and said..."I mean thanks for giving me my wings...you know"...I knew exactly what she was saying...At age eleven, at times anyway, we are letting her stretch her wings as we see her changing before our eyes. Just this morning Jay and I were reminiscing...recalling some of her sweetest "Abbyisms." She is such a blessing. Yes...today I gave my daughter wings made of wire and netting...and she was delighted...she is stretching her wings...to one day take flight...and I am delighted...proud to be her mama.

Our Miracle Man Turns Two!

Two years ago today we welcomed Wyeth Kai Hellums into the world - weight: 2 lbs 4.2 ounces, length: 14 3/4 inches, status: a fighter! He has brought more joy than he will ever know. We are so blessed to be his parents. Happy Birthday Kai...our miracle man!

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...