After our appointment, Tuck fell asleep so I laid down by him. Abbey went out with the Ponatoski's to find some lunch. They ended up finding yogurt by the ounce!!! They were thrilled.
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tuck Days 2 and 3: Taitung to Taipei to AIT to Snake Alley Market
After our appointment, Tuck fell asleep so I laid down by him. Abbey went out with the Ponatoski's to find some lunch. They ended up finding yogurt by the ounce!!! They were thrilled.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday Morning
I'm sorry there are no pictures to go along with this. Actually, there are, but Jeff is still sleeping and there's a mix up about the card reader. I promise there will be more later.
Sunday night, after our celebration with the church, I was invited to the hot springs with Deana for a ladies night. I fully prepared myself for a quiet night of reflection, assuming the ladies there would only speak Chinese. I was right about them speaking Chinese, but they also spoke English as they were Americans! I learned this was Deana's birthday celebration with two other Americans living in Taiwan, S and S. Deana, Jessica (a Canadian girl living with the Pans right now), and I headed to the springs. Deana drove, and drove, and drove. I wondered if we would ever get there! The plus side was Deana is always a very busy person, and I enjoyed a whole car ride when her phone didn't ring once! I think that's a record. We talked about a lot of things. I was able to ask questions about our birthmother, trying to understand her better. I asked more about the ministries Deana is involved in, as well as more background on birthmothers in Taiwan in general.
We arrived at the hot springs, and I had to laugh when I saw girls nights in Taiwan consists of things very similar to those in America - Pizza Hut, birthday cake, and peanut butter cookies! I laughed when I saw that S had a frequent flier card for the hot springs and used it to get us all discounted tickets in! We set all our stuff down and headed to the showers to change. I've never experienced hot springs before, so this was all new to me. I put my suit on, and Deana handed me a shower cap to wear. Everyone has to wear one, but your hair doesn't have to be tucked in it. I still don't get that one. I imagine we were quite a spectacle as a group. One of the ladies had brought her daughter along to enjoy the fun. so here was a group of 6 white ladies in bathing suits amongst a sea of Taiwanese people. I loved being there with people who understood what the others were saying, and they didn't realize the ladies spoke Chinese. They had a little fun with that one. Several younger boys hung around for a while, apparently bragging (in Chinese) that they could understand what we were saying.
I sat with them in the really hot water (around 40 degrees Celsius) for a while, then we had dinner by the springs. S being a frequent flier recognized and spoke to at least one person that was there. After dinner, S invited me to visit the Spa area. This consisted of a large pool with jets and buttons you push. One you held onto the rails and let the water hit your stomach or back. Another one she warned me might tickle my feet. Oh my goodness! I already have a large, loud laugh, and you can imagine what it was like while trying to stand on a gushing geyser of water!
While S and I were experiencing the spa, I got the delight of getting to know her better. I learned about her ministry in Taiwan, and that she has 3 children. One is currently in the states finishing his senior year to prepare him better for "university" as they call it. I call it college! He only comes back once a year in the summer. S and her family work with children's homes that take in children who need a place to stay. Even more amazing is they have gone a step further to work with "Graduates" of the program. They've moved outside the home to be accessible to kids who have aged out of the home. They provide support and counseling for them to make it in life. They have made Taiwan their home.
We talked about family, and the gift of life. We both have experienced struggles with fertility and loss of life early on in pregnancy. That experience in life takes your relationship with a new person to a different level, one with understanding of burdens you've bared. We marveled at the gift of children and how differently life is viewed in Taiwan. The conversation was rich, meaningful, and one I'll reflect on and treasure in the future.
S and I moved on to one of the calmer pools. They had 3 to choose from, and we started in the beauty one, I think? The girls said it was mainly tinted water! The other S and Deana joined us there. I learned S had three boys, like I used to have. All 3 ladies homeschool, and I thought it was hilarious that I was in Taiwan hearing some of the same comments from homeschool moms that I would in America! If I could pretend we weren't surrounded by Asian people in speedos and little children that reminded me of my own, I would never have believed I was halfway around the world.
The ladies were kind to humor me in talking about my boys as they discussed dental appointments and what they were doing that week. It sounded just like I would be talking with Michelle. Again, I was reminded how a different location didn't necessarily mean a different life. I shared many common bonds with these ladies, and the more time we spent together, the more apparent that became. We switched to a different pool that contained Chinese medicine and enjoyed that for a while. Then Deana and I got this idea to go to the "regular" pool which translates to not heated! We debated if the coolness was worth it for quite a while, and Deana schooled me on some words I had heard in the sermon that morning. I noticed several words that sounded like American words, and we finally figured out what they mean. I did get at least one Chinese word to take away with me besides Ni Hao and the word for thank you! Now I have 3 words I can say!
I got to hear Deana talk about the future of the ministries she is involved in, and I got to hear her heart. Plus it was another conversation without her phone ringing. That lady is busy! Things in Taiwan are changing, and we continue to pray for the Pan family and what all the changes mean to the ministries they serve in.
After several hours at the hot springs, it was time to leave. I left feelings blessed by the unique experience I had, and grateful I was able to join in celebrating the life of Deana. She is an amazing woman with many talents and a passion for life.
Monday morning we packed up our things and headed to Household of Registry. This is where we have to go to change the address of our children to our new address. At least this is how I understand it! After that, we headed to the church and I got the joy and honor of meeting several beautiful babies waiting on their parents to bring them home. I loved on them, told them their parents loved them so much, and took a gazillion pictures. I've been where those parents are right now. I understand how every little thing that connects you to your baby matters and encourages you that you will be with them soon. The babies are amazing, and I can't wait to see pictures of them with their parents holding them. I wish we could post pictures of them on here, but we can't. I'm sure if you know these parents, they would be willing to share them with you through email, though!
We got to visit several places that Deana and Luke are working on to expand their ministry. They have a huge vision, and I can't wait to see it all come together! By the time all is up and running, they will be reaching many moms in many ways. They are funded by private donations that are tax deductible. I can tell you how to help if you feel led. It's easy, every amount helps, and I promise you that I have seen firsthand the way God is using them to save lives and teach others to value life that God gives.
As the day wore on, it was time to go back to the airport. We had to say good bye to our friends Deana and Luke. I was sad to leave the city that 3 of our boys are from. I hope one day they are satisfied with the information I can share with them. As adoptive parents, it's impossible not to wonder "what if". I look at people there and wonder how different our sons' lives would be. I have to be content knowing God is in control, and He has great things planned for them no matter where they live.
The flight back to Taipei was quick, and Tuck did an amazing job. That guy! We call him Happiness and I've added little Elvis to the mix. He does this little thing with his lip just like Elvis. I find that hilarious since we are living in Tennessee, hours from Graceland. He really is a joy. He is only unhappy when he is hungry or tired. The boy sleeps great, and he seems to love life already. My heart is full.
This morning when I woke up, I was overcome with emotion. I miss the boys so much it hurts. I can't help but wonder how on earth birthmothers make the choices they do. I walked away from a birthmother on Saturday night with the child she birthed, and more than likely she will never see again in person. I have been away from my boys for 48 hours and feel like I can barely breathe without them. As our friend and traveling partner said yesterday, without birthmothers, I wouldn't be a parent. I'm indebted and grateful, but I have no understanding or concept how on earth they make the decisions they do. I guess as cheesy as it sounds, it reminds me of a VBS song, "It All Comes Back to Jesus" (or something like that, the song, not the message). He gave His Son for us. He watched him suffer and die, a sacrifice beyond comprehension. Parental instinct tells me to step in and take the place of my child and his suffering. I can't imagine how God didn't use His power to stop Jesus's death, but I'm so grateful He loved us enough to make the sacrifice. We have the opportunity of the joy of spending eternity with God because of that sacrifice.
I'm grateful for the sacrifices of birthmothers, too. For the joy my family has in the midst of the sorrow of others, I am thankful for the beautiful journey God has brought me on. No doubt there have been tears, frustration, and anger along the way, but all pales in comparison to the opportunity that lies before me to raise Godly children that give Him the glory for all He has done. May God receive the glory for my family and the life we live.
Sunday night, after our celebration with the church, I was invited to the hot springs with Deana for a ladies night. I fully prepared myself for a quiet night of reflection, assuming the ladies there would only speak Chinese. I was right about them speaking Chinese, but they also spoke English as they were Americans! I learned this was Deana's birthday celebration with two other Americans living in Taiwan, S and S. Deana, Jessica (a Canadian girl living with the Pans right now), and I headed to the springs. Deana drove, and drove, and drove. I wondered if we would ever get there! The plus side was Deana is always a very busy person, and I enjoyed a whole car ride when her phone didn't ring once! I think that's a record. We talked about a lot of things. I was able to ask questions about our birthmother, trying to understand her better. I asked more about the ministries Deana is involved in, as well as more background on birthmothers in Taiwan in general.
We arrived at the hot springs, and I had to laugh when I saw girls nights in Taiwan consists of things very similar to those in America - Pizza Hut, birthday cake, and peanut butter cookies! I laughed when I saw that S had a frequent flier card for the hot springs and used it to get us all discounted tickets in! We set all our stuff down and headed to the showers to change. I've never experienced hot springs before, so this was all new to me. I put my suit on, and Deana handed me a shower cap to wear. Everyone has to wear one, but your hair doesn't have to be tucked in it. I still don't get that one. I imagine we were quite a spectacle as a group. One of the ladies had brought her daughter along to enjoy the fun. so here was a group of 6 white ladies in bathing suits amongst a sea of Taiwanese people. I loved being there with people who understood what the others were saying, and they didn't realize the ladies spoke Chinese. They had a little fun with that one. Several younger boys hung around for a while, apparently bragging (in Chinese) that they could understand what we were saying.
I sat with them in the really hot water (around 40 degrees Celsius) for a while, then we had dinner by the springs. S being a frequent flier recognized and spoke to at least one person that was there. After dinner, S invited me to visit the Spa area. This consisted of a large pool with jets and buttons you push. One you held onto the rails and let the water hit your stomach or back. Another one she warned me might tickle my feet. Oh my goodness! I already have a large, loud laugh, and you can imagine what it was like while trying to stand on a gushing geyser of water!
While S and I were experiencing the spa, I got the delight of getting to know her better. I learned about her ministry in Taiwan, and that she has 3 children. One is currently in the states finishing his senior year to prepare him better for "university" as they call it. I call it college! He only comes back once a year in the summer. S and her family work with children's homes that take in children who need a place to stay. Even more amazing is they have gone a step further to work with "Graduates" of the program. They've moved outside the home to be accessible to kids who have aged out of the home. They provide support and counseling for them to make it in life. They have made Taiwan their home.
We talked about family, and the gift of life. We both have experienced struggles with fertility and loss of life early on in pregnancy. That experience in life takes your relationship with a new person to a different level, one with understanding of burdens you've bared. We marveled at the gift of children and how differently life is viewed in Taiwan. The conversation was rich, meaningful, and one I'll reflect on and treasure in the future.
S and I moved on to one of the calmer pools. They had 3 to choose from, and we started in the beauty one, I think? The girls said it was mainly tinted water! The other S and Deana joined us there. I learned S had three boys, like I used to have. All 3 ladies homeschool, and I thought it was hilarious that I was in Taiwan hearing some of the same comments from homeschool moms that I would in America! If I could pretend we weren't surrounded by Asian people in speedos and little children that reminded me of my own, I would never have believed I was halfway around the world.
The ladies were kind to humor me in talking about my boys as they discussed dental appointments and what they were doing that week. It sounded just like I would be talking with Michelle. Again, I was reminded how a different location didn't necessarily mean a different life. I shared many common bonds with these ladies, and the more time we spent together, the more apparent that became. We switched to a different pool that contained Chinese medicine and enjoyed that for a while. Then Deana and I got this idea to go to the "regular" pool which translates to not heated! We debated if the coolness was worth it for quite a while, and Deana schooled me on some words I had heard in the sermon that morning. I noticed several words that sounded like American words, and we finally figured out what they mean. I did get at least one Chinese word to take away with me besides Ni Hao and the word for thank you! Now I have 3 words I can say!
I got to hear Deana talk about the future of the ministries she is involved in, and I got to hear her heart. Plus it was another conversation without her phone ringing. That lady is busy! Things in Taiwan are changing, and we continue to pray for the Pan family and what all the changes mean to the ministries they serve in.
After several hours at the hot springs, it was time to leave. I left feelings blessed by the unique experience I had, and grateful I was able to join in celebrating the life of Deana. She is an amazing woman with many talents and a passion for life.
Monday morning we packed up our things and headed to Household of Registry. This is where we have to go to change the address of our children to our new address. At least this is how I understand it! After that, we headed to the church and I got the joy and honor of meeting several beautiful babies waiting on their parents to bring them home. I loved on them, told them their parents loved them so much, and took a gazillion pictures. I've been where those parents are right now. I understand how every little thing that connects you to your baby matters and encourages you that you will be with them soon. The babies are amazing, and I can't wait to see pictures of them with their parents holding them. I wish we could post pictures of them on here, but we can't. I'm sure if you know these parents, they would be willing to share them with you through email, though!
We got to visit several places that Deana and Luke are working on to expand their ministry. They have a huge vision, and I can't wait to see it all come together! By the time all is up and running, they will be reaching many moms in many ways. They are funded by private donations that are tax deductible. I can tell you how to help if you feel led. It's easy, every amount helps, and I promise you that I have seen firsthand the way God is using them to save lives and teach others to value life that God gives.
As the day wore on, it was time to go back to the airport. We had to say good bye to our friends Deana and Luke. I was sad to leave the city that 3 of our boys are from. I hope one day they are satisfied with the information I can share with them. As adoptive parents, it's impossible not to wonder "what if". I look at people there and wonder how different our sons' lives would be. I have to be content knowing God is in control, and He has great things planned for them no matter where they live.
The flight back to Taipei was quick, and Tuck did an amazing job. That guy! We call him Happiness and I've added little Elvis to the mix. He does this little thing with his lip just like Elvis. I find that hilarious since we are living in Tennessee, hours from Graceland. He really is a joy. He is only unhappy when he is hungry or tired. The boy sleeps great, and he seems to love life already. My heart is full.
This morning when I woke up, I was overcome with emotion. I miss the boys so much it hurts. I can't help but wonder how on earth birthmothers make the choices they do. I walked away from a birthmother on Saturday night with the child she birthed, and more than likely she will never see again in person. I have been away from my boys for 48 hours and feel like I can barely breathe without them. As our friend and traveling partner said yesterday, without birthmothers, I wouldn't be a parent. I'm indebted and grateful, but I have no understanding or concept how on earth they make the decisions they do. I guess as cheesy as it sounds, it reminds me of a VBS song, "It All Comes Back to Jesus" (or something like that, the song, not the message). He gave His Son for us. He watched him suffer and die, a sacrifice beyond comprehension. Parental instinct tells me to step in and take the place of my child and his suffering. I can't imagine how God didn't use His power to stop Jesus's death, but I'm so grateful He loved us enough to make the sacrifice. We have the opportunity of the joy of spending eternity with God because of that sacrifice.
I'm grateful for the sacrifices of birthmothers, too. For the joy my family has in the midst of the sorrow of others, I am thankful for the beautiful journey God has brought me on. No doubt there have been tears, frustration, and anger along the way, but all pales in comparison to the opportunity that lies before me to raise Godly children that give Him the glory for all He has done. May God receive the glory for my family and the life we live.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Day 2 in Taitung
I woke up and decided to head to the gym this morning. Apparently I had misread or misinterpreted the hours of the gym, and it wasn't open at 7 A.M. I'm guessing maybe people here are morning people? I ventured outside and decided to make use of the well-visible, very populated walking trail next to the hotel. I retraced my steps quite a bit, back and forth. I couldn't help but notice the majestic mountains in the background and the vivid green clumps of grass along the trail. I watched people as the ran and walked past, and others as they exercised in place. Some smiled at me while others stared. I reflected on how different our lives were, and yet how similar.
After getting ready, we headed downstairs for breakfast with Kathy, Kai, and Barbara. We weren't sure what to expect, and either we were so hungry, or the food was great, or both! I enjoyed several favorites from home while trying a few new things as well. One thing I tried was called Money Steamed Buns! While eating, one little girl kept yelling, "Hello, baby!" One woman stopped by to talk with both babies and ask how old they were. We've received gifts from the baby store we visited as well as the hotel.
Soon after finishing up breakfast, Luke was there to pick us up. We had to purchase plane tickets back to Taipei on Monday. Then we headed to see the beach. The view was beautiful, and the water was amazingly clear. A nice breeze blew the whole time we were there. We enjoyed walking around and taking a few pictures. I thought about how in just a few weeks, my entire family would be back at the beach enjoying the sights and sounds. This beach was rocky, though, so no kids were playing in the surf, and almost everyone around us had on long sleeves! We found that funny, because Jeff had on short sleeves and shorts, and the rest of us at least short sleeves. From what we can figure out, they don't want their skin to be darker, quite the opposite of many Americans' goals!
Luke dropped us back off at the hotel, and we decided to go to McDonald's for lunch. We piled into a taxi and quickly found ourselves at the fast food joint. You would have thought we were celebrities! We all agreed it was the most stared at we've ever experienced! No one tried to be inconspicuous at all. You would see them whisper, then all heads turn at the same time and stare. I think I either got used to it or was able to ignore it. We finished up lunch and walked around town a bit. We visited a grocery store and looked over some jewelry, then realized we hadn't seen a taxi pass by. As Deana says, this isn't Taipei! So, finally, Jeff decided to walk in a store and ask them to call us a taxi to take us back to the hotel. Thankfully, the shop he chose had a kind woman who had excellent English. We've all talked about how so many people here try to make us feel comfortable and welcome by speaking (or attempting to do so) our language. The children love to "practice" their English on us (Except those Deana and Luke's kids, who like to pretend they don't speak it!) In America, our view is quite different on that subject. Many feel if you come to America, you should know the language.
The taxi took us back to the hotel and we shopped in a few stores at the hotel, then headed back to our rooms for naps. Later that night, Luke picked us up and we ate a family-style dinner with a large group. Tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of the church that Luke preaches and pastors, so it was a celebration meal of sorts. The man who helped build the church owns a restaurant, and he had us to dinner. Several other pastors were there, along with the couple who founded the church 30 years ago. Several of the staff members we have worked with during our adoption were there, and so was Tuck's birthmother.
(according to the restaurant owner, all the food they served came from Taiwan; I was adventurous and tried a few new things)
Tuck's birthmother held him and fed him. I wish I could explain the feeling of sitting next to the woman who has helped make you a family. The emotions run a large spectrum, from gratitude to just no concept of her ability to make the decisions she has. With the language barrier, it was difficult to communicate much. We had some conversation and took quite a few pictures. I can't help but wonder how Tuck will feel one day when he sees his mother and birthmother had dinner. I'm guessing he will wonder what we talked about. We tried to convey our love for our kids to her. We try to assure her we will take great care of her son, and how much love we already have for him. We try to give her as much time with her son as we can, feeling awkward when she hands him back to us. We have the rest of our lives with him, and she has just a few short moments. I wondered how she felt when she saw us leave with him, knowing the possibility of ever seeing him again is quite small. Thank you was the best we knew to convey our feelings, and she thanked us as well. I hope it's enough for Tuck one day.
We've kept up with our boys at home through texts and a few attempts at facetime. We miss them terribly, and I think it's safe to say that Nash and Reed are a bit unhappy with us right now. They had little to say, and what they said broke our hearts! Reed wanted to jump through the screen and be with us in Taiwan. He told us he didn't want presents, he just wanted us to come home. Nash would speak some with Jeff, but had little to say to me. He did ask to see Baby Tuck. Will, on the other hand, still would wave, blow kisses, and say our names. I think it's safe to say his feelings might change once Tuck is there in person. We will have to wait and see. I've never had such feelings of joy and grief at the same time. I am so ready for our family to be together. I'm so appreciative of everyone at home stepping in and doing their best to keep our boys happy and their minds off the fact we are gone.
Tuck is beautiful, and he has been a great baby so far. He eats well and sleeps well. He snuggles, and he smiles while doing this cute little eye-scrunch thing. His personality seems all his own, which I love. He has the biggest, most beautiful eyes, and he seems to just go with the flow. He does love for you to stand up while you hold him. I decided this shouldn't be much of a problem, because I don't sit down much at home, anyway! Praying through that about the plane ride home, though! It could make for an interesting time. He has quickly stolen our hearts, and he feels like he's been with us forever already. We can't wait to experience the rest of our trip with him and introduce him to his brothers. I can't believe God has given us the gift of another son, one we certainly didn't expect or deserve. Thankfully, God's plan is best, and we have had perfect peace throughout this trip that we were meant to be family. God has given us a gift that we hope never to take for granted and know others will be blessed by. Thank you for your continued prayers, support, comments, and love for our family. We know God has answered many prayers during this journey, and we want to make sure He receives all the glory for what He has done.
(snuggling before breakfast)
After getting ready, we headed downstairs for breakfast with Kathy, Kai, and Barbara. We weren't sure what to expect, and either we were so hungry, or the food was great, or both! I enjoyed several favorites from home while trying a few new things as well. One thing I tried was called Money Steamed Buns! While eating, one little girl kept yelling, "Hello, baby!" One woman stopped by to talk with both babies and ask how old they were. We've received gifts from the baby store we visited as well as the hotel.
(pretty close to a smile)
Soon after finishing up breakfast, Luke was there to pick us up. We had to purchase plane tickets back to Taipei on Monday. Then we headed to see the beach. The view was beautiful, and the water was amazingly clear. A nice breeze blew the whole time we were there. We enjoyed walking around and taking a few pictures. I thought about how in just a few weeks, my entire family would be back at the beach enjoying the sights and sounds. This beach was rocky, though, so no kids were playing in the surf, and almost everyone around us had on long sleeves! We found that funny, because Jeff had on short sleeves and shorts, and the rest of us at least short sleeves. From what we can figure out, they don't want their skin to be darker, quite the opposite of many Americans' goals!
(sleepy boy at the beach)
Luke dropped us back off at the hotel, and we decided to go to McDonald's for lunch. We piled into a taxi and quickly found ourselves at the fast food joint. You would have thought we were celebrities! We all agreed it was the most stared at we've ever experienced! No one tried to be inconspicuous at all. You would see them whisper, then all heads turn at the same time and stare. I think I either got used to it or was able to ignore it. We finished up lunch and walked around town a bit. We visited a grocery store and looked over some jewelry, then realized we hadn't seen a taxi pass by. As Deana says, this isn't Taipei! So, finally, Jeff decided to walk in a store and ask them to call us a taxi to take us back to the hotel. Thankfully, the shop he chose had a kind woman who had excellent English. We've all talked about how so many people here try to make us feel comfortable and welcome by speaking (or attempting to do so) our language. The children love to "practice" their English on us (Except those Deana and Luke's kids, who like to pretend they don't speak it!) In America, our view is quite different on that subject. Many feel if you come to America, you should know the language.
(one-half of our family - ahhh! that is crazy!)
(a view of one street in Taitung)
The taxi took us back to the hotel and we shopped in a few stores at the hotel, then headed back to our rooms for naps. Later that night, Luke picked us up and we ate a family-style dinner with a large group. Tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of the church that Luke preaches and pastors, so it was a celebration meal of sorts. The man who helped build the church owns a restaurant, and he had us to dinner. Several other pastors were there, along with the couple who founded the church 30 years ago. Several of the staff members we have worked with during our adoption were there, and so was Tuck's birthmother.
(getting closer to catching that smile)
(according to the restaurant owner, all the food they served came from Taiwan; I was adventurous and tried a few new things)
Tuck's birthmother held him and fed him. I wish I could explain the feeling of sitting next to the woman who has helped make you a family. The emotions run a large spectrum, from gratitude to just no concept of her ability to make the decisions she has. With the language barrier, it was difficult to communicate much. We had some conversation and took quite a few pictures. I can't help but wonder how Tuck will feel one day when he sees his mother and birthmother had dinner. I'm guessing he will wonder what we talked about. We tried to convey our love for our kids to her. We try to assure her we will take great care of her son, and how much love we already have for him. We try to give her as much time with her son as we can, feeling awkward when she hands him back to us. We have the rest of our lives with him, and she has just a few short moments. I wondered how she felt when she saw us leave with him, knowing the possibility of ever seeing him again is quite small. Thank you was the best we knew to convey our feelings, and she thanked us as well. I hope it's enough for Tuck one day.
(from left to right, you can see Wuli, Deana, Anna, Lily, Jessica, Tuck's birthmother, then me)
We've kept up with our boys at home through texts and a few attempts at facetime. We miss them terribly, and I think it's safe to say that Nash and Reed are a bit unhappy with us right now. They had little to say, and what they said broke our hearts! Reed wanted to jump through the screen and be with us in Taiwan. He told us he didn't want presents, he just wanted us to come home. Nash would speak some with Jeff, but had little to say to me. He did ask to see Baby Tuck. Will, on the other hand, still would wave, blow kisses, and say our names. I think it's safe to say his feelings might change once Tuck is there in person. We will have to wait and see. I've never had such feelings of joy and grief at the same time. I am so ready for our family to be together. I'm so appreciative of everyone at home stepping in and doing their best to keep our boys happy and their minds off the fact we are gone.
(group shot, sort of)
Tuck is beautiful, and he has been a great baby so far. He eats well and sleeps well. He snuggles, and he smiles while doing this cute little eye-scrunch thing. His personality seems all his own, which I love. He has the biggest, most beautiful eyes, and he seems to just go with the flow. He does love for you to stand up while you hold him. I decided this shouldn't be much of a problem, because I don't sit down much at home, anyway! Praying through that about the plane ride home, though! It could make for an interesting time. He has quickly stolen our hearts, and he feels like he's been with us forever already. We can't wait to experience the rest of our trip with him and introduce him to his brothers. I can't believe God has given us the gift of another son, one we certainly didn't expect or deserve. Thankfully, God's plan is best, and we have had perfect peace throughout this trip that we were meant to be family. God has given us a gift that we hope never to take for granted and know others will be blessed by. Thank you for your continued prayers, support, comments, and love for our family. We know God has answered many prayers during this journey, and we want to make sure He receives all the glory for what He has done.
(Really, mama, you don't think my brothers can resist this face, do you?)
We are blessed, times four.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Land: Table for å…
First, Kathy got to meet Kai while we took pictures, videos, and cooed.
Then it was time for Mr. Tuck to make his entrance. Isn't he beautiful?
My Dear Tuck,
I love you. No words are better to describe it than that. I've loved you since the day I first heard about you 5 months before you were even born. God has a plan for you. God knew you would be a part of our family before we even knew who you were. We are so glad that God chose us! You are beautiful. You are soft, you are sweet. Tuck, we have looked forward to your arrival so much! There were many bumps in the way trying to keep us from getting to you, but each time, we asked people to pray and each time, God just smashed those bumps. I pray that God will use you to do amazing things in your life. I pray that you will know Him, love Him, and serve Him. You are special. Tuck, one day when we look back on this time of how you came to be a part of our family, I want you to understand how much your birth mother loves you. She loves you so much! She chose to give you life. We gladly accept the responsibility God has given us to be your parents. We love you. We love you. We love you.
love, dad
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