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6.27.2011

It's official! Adoption Day ~ June 27


We have the adoption decree to prove it!



So far Daniel is a darling little ray of sunshine who runs kamakazi toddler style and has the most darling, infectious giggle you've ever heard.  He seems to enjoy the attention of all his siblings, especially his oldest, and interchanges between Ian and I without difficulty.  In the short time that we've known him, we honestly believe that he is a wonderful fit for our family.  He also is grieving heavily for his foster mother and father.  Bedtime or rest time is where we've seen that manifest itself and it is heartbreaking.  It has also been keeping us up as he awakens many, many times through the night.  We're exhausted, both emotionally and physically and I'm dreadfully behind in documenting our time here.  I think that from this time I'll just be moving forward and if there is time to catch up on the days I missed I'll go back and add them later.  Right now I have to capitalize on sleep when I can get it...

Our harmonious period began as soon as we got to the hotel on Sunday evening.  




Mama signing the papers to officially begin our 24 hour harmonious period.


Once that bit of business was done, it was off to explore our dining options for the night.  As tired (both emotionally and physically) as we were, we opted for Ramen and hami melon from a vendor on the street so that we could get to bed quicker. 

 

Our sweet Uyrguhr street vendor.  He cut one melon and decided that it wasn't sweet enough, so he picked another one for us.  It was SO GOOD!

We did take a short walk down our street and noted that there are many, many dried fruit and nut stands.  If we had any communication skills, we'd be helping ourselves!



Most of the stands look just like this.





As I said, bedtime is when it gets hard, when the cries for "Mama Anna" (his foster mother) begin.  It was ~ and has continued to be at each sleep time ~ so hard to listen and be unable to help comfort him.  Sunday night he wanted NOTHING to do with me during his grieving time, but at least he let Ian hold him.  Finally he wore himself out and collapsed in Ian's arms sometime after midnight.





Heartbreaking, but so sweet to see him snuggled with his Baba.




Thankfully Monday morning he woke up and all seemed to be forgiven toward me.  He was back to the smiles and hugs that we had seen before.

On the way down to breakfast.




My big kids with smiles and fresh juice to go on the way back up from the wonderful breakfast spread in the buffet.  


We're exhausted, both emotionally and physically and I'm dreadfully behind in documenting our time here.  I think that from this time I'll just be moving forward because Urumqi is a fascinating city and if there is time to catch up on the days I missed I'll go back and add them later.  Right now I have to capitalize on sleep when I can get it...

But one happy image to leave you on ~ MY FOUR kids, together at last!





21 comments:

Di said...

He's adorable! I hope that he finds comfort with you all soon - it must be so hard for him and you. My thoughts are with you all. Hopefully the big 3 will be a huge help in this!

Jennifer Taylor said...

So happy for you! Will continue to pray for the rest of your trip and also pray for his grieving...so sad when you can't comfort your babies :(

Tina Michelle said...

he is so stinkin cute! I am glad you have him. I hope his grieving is short-lived and you can start the healing process!! Looking forward to more updates and lovely pics of your FOUR (yay 4!) kiddos!

P.S. I had a dream that we were all hanging out together and the kids were all playing. We (the adults and kids) were all laying around on the floor playing, drawing, doing art work and just having a good time chatting and laughing. I could see your faces clear as day. It was nice. You all have been on my mind a lot since you have been in China, that is for sure!

Traci said...

Yippie!!!

Chris said...

He is precious!!

Congratulation!

Poor baby....my heart breaks for him as he grieves. My Shea did the same exact thing....always at nap & bed time. :(

Can't wait to see how the days to follow shape up to be. :)

Y'all are in my prayers!

Lee and Sarah VanGrunsven said...

Yay! Congratulations:)! (Came over here from another blog) Your children are adorable:)!

Anna said...

What a beautiful family! Daniel is just adorable! You have been in our prayers and we will continue to pray for you and for Daniel as he adjusts.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful picture of your sweet babies!!! Hope life is good and sweet going from three to four! I hope that things get easier at bedtime soon - - - he is so cute!!!

Amanda

Anonymous said...

The smile on your face exudes JOY. We will be praying for Daniel and you guys! Lov ya, Michelle P

anything but LoKEY said...

Hey Kristie, how old is Daniel? I was trying to find it on your blog, but can't seem to. Just wondering? :) I know your busy but if you have a sec...

Nancy said...

Congratulations! So happy for you! I'll be praying for Daniel and your family as you all adjust. I just can't imagine how heartbreaking it is. I LOVED the photo at the end of the 4 kids. Wow, what a sight! So many people have been anxious to see that photo!

Gwen said...

Woo hoo! Daniel is such a cute boy. Love the picture of your FOUR beautiful kids!

j-chin said...

Congratulations, for finally able to hold Daniel! May God bless your beautiful family.

Lisa said...

GLORY! I'm thrilled beyond words that Daniel is in your arms! Praying that you got some rest and that adjustments go well!

Jenna said...

together at LAST! It's awesome to see- even form where I sit! :) Poor baby! Cooper had the hardest time at sleep times for such a long time! It was so hard. Praying it gets easier daily!!

I recognize that office in the first picture! That's the one where our lives changed forever too! CAN. NOT. WAIT. to see pics of you exploring the city!

Our Journey said...

So happy for you all!! He is such a C-U-T-I-E!!!! Can't wait to see more pictures of your family of 6!!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to see Daniel in your arms. Praying for God to fill the cracks in his heart as he learns to love and accept his new FOREVER family.

Get some rest!!!

Congratulations!!!

Lisa Osborn

Sarah said...

All I can say is congrats.
I'm loving the picture of the 4 of them together.

Heather said...

So Sooooo happy!!! He is absolutely beautiful. We will be praying for him as he grieves. I know how heartbreaking it is watching them go through it. Your pics are making me miss China. Great shot of all of them together. Praying for you guys!!!!! Happy Family!!!

Amy Murphy said...

Hooray!!! You're all together! Praying that his grief is short and complete.

Rachelle said...

Thinking of you all. So glad you are all together. Prayers for Daniel and his grieving...