We made it to Guangzhou! It wasn’t pretty and there
were tears- both Samuel’s and mine, but we eventually got checked into our
hotel and enjoyed some much needed McDonalds. I wish I were a humorous writer
because the events of that day were nothing short of torture for all 15
families and 17 children. If you enjoy dark humor, you would definitely be entertained.
All I can say is that I learned my lesson-This mama is no match for a 33
lb two year old boy on an hour long bus ride, followed by a 2 ½ hour plane ride
and then another hour + bus ride with lots of crying kids and a guide trying to
tell us everything we need to know for the week. Samuel did not enjoy being
strapped into an airplane seat or falling asleep in the ergo and let me know
it! Of course, our next big trip will be 24 hours with lots of airplanes and
seat belts, so I think we need some serious prayer! I will definitely be relying
on my husband more than I did on the last trip. I am so thankful for the
amazing help he has been. I could not have done this without him! These poor
kiddos go through so much change in a few weeks. As hard as it is on the
parents, I cannot imagine what is going through their little minds. The fact
that they act sweet at all is a miracle.
We are enjoying seeing our little guy continue to open up to
us and blossom. He is just so sweet! Poor Anna is having a hard time, but she
has no idea how good she has it. He wants to share with her, brings her
backpack to her, and wants to play together with her. Even though he is such a
big boy he is very gentle with her. Please continue to pray that we would have
wisdom in helping Anna adjust to having a little brother. They are so cute when
they play together, but she is definitely showing lots of frustration with not
getting as much attention. She is a very adaptable little girl so I am
confident that it won’t take too long, but it is a big adjustment throwing a
two year old into her life.
We have enjoyed all the amenities here at our hotel and the
surrounding area. Last time we squeezed all 6 of us into one regular hotel room
for 6 days. We learned our lesson and planned ahead this time using points etc…
to get two suites which come with Executive Lounge privileges. The breakfast is
simpler than in the main hotel banquet room and we basically get free dinner
every night. Including free wine! (And free beer for my hubby.) The business people
in the lounge have been very kind to our rowdy bunch! The hotel also has a
little courtyard with a waterfall and play area. Samuel loved playing there and
he also enjoys the swimming pool as long as you just let him play in the water
and don’t make him get all the way in. Too bad there isn't a baby pool.
Yesterday Samuel had his medical exam required for his US
visa. He was such a good boy. He easily let the doctors look in his ears and mouth
and examine his arms. The nurses had a good laugh when he got on the scale and
weighed in at 15 kilograms! That’s over 33 lbs! It wasn’t even on the
conversion chart! He weighs 8 lbs more than Anna and she is two years older.
When I pick him up I could swear he is double her weight! This is one well fed
little boy. He absolutely loves food and we make sure and pack lots of snacks
when we are out. Samuel gave me his first “smile for the camera”
smile yesterday. He looked so cute in his P.J.’s that say “Feed this Bear” so I told him
I would brush his teeth if he would let me take a picture first. He absolutely
loves baths and teeth brushing. I am sure this will change during his pre-teen
years!
Thank you for all of your prayers and encouraging words.
Adoption trips are stressful on everyone. We are so thankful for how seamlessly
Samuel is fitting into our family. He is so attached to his brothers! He loves holding
both of their hands when we go places. He gives me sweet kisses before bed and
loves to cuddle with me and look at his photo book. He is very protective of
his little sister and tells other children “no no” if they go near her. I think
her dating life will be pretty closely monitored during her teen years! And of
course he just loves his daddy. Daddy has taken over the “bad guy” job of
putting Samuel to bed, but when he wakes up he isn’t mad at daddy anymore and
usually calls for him first. We are just so impressed with Samuel’s sweet
spirit. He definitely lets you know if he doesn’t like something but he has
such a teachable spirit. We are so happy to finally be bonding with our
boy.
Here is a video of our “Gotcha Day” one week ago. It is
amazing to see how much Samuel has changed in a week. He was so dazed and
confused when they placed him in our arms and now he is just part of the
family. We are so thankful for how God has opened Samuel’s heart to our family.
We have loved him for such a long time and now we are receiving his love back.
What an amazing gift.
Tomorrow we head to the US Consulate to finalize Samuel's adoption. We are feeling very ready to be home with our little boy, and we can't wait for everyone to meet him. He will steal your heart for sure.
Tomorrow we head to the US Consulate to finalize Samuel's adoption. We are feeling very ready to be home with our little boy, and we can't wait for everyone to meet him. He will steal your heart for sure.