Samuel's 1st Year Home

Our family has come so far...

So far from...

• Hoping and asking the Lord to grow our family.   And then seeing a small picture on our computer screen of that faithful answer.  

• Daddy hugging tightly to a confused, distressed little boy who wanted nothing more than to be back in the familiar arms of his nanny.

• A moment to step away in China while Daddy held and tried desperately to win over his affection (or even just acceptance) while Samuel screamed at full force.

• Visiting Samuel's "home" in China where we were greeted just outside the building by a selfless woman who loved our sweet boy.  With tears streaming from her tired eyes, she was anxious to spend a few last moments with him. 

• Us sleeping on the Samuel's firm bedroom floor because the air mattress made the teeny tiniest sound that would wake the sleeping child.

• Watching the brothers learn their new roles in the family with Samuel holding tightly to anything and everything Joey did/does.

• Samuel's immediate obsession with a tiny furry creature living in our home who drank from a bowl and ate willingly (read snatched) from his hand.

• Me wearing a 23 pound little boy in a carrier while attempting to prepare a meal without burning his tooshy on the stove.

And now...

Some days I still gaze at him over breakfast and wonder about his days in the orphanage.  The days before he knew family.  A day before we knew his sweet little personality.  His environment remained constant day after day after day.  There are so many new experiences he had had since coming home - and not just the adventuresome ones either.  The daily life of a family.  He has been cuddled and rocked to sleep almost daily (since he started allowing us to do so in March).  Samuel has been tucked snug into his bed under a quilt made especially for him.  His closet is filled with his very own clothes and shoes.  He has enjoyed a sunny day at the park, running through the lush grass, chasing squirrels and birds.  He has been excited to ride in the car on a cool windy day, feeling the breeze blow through his jet black hair while he and Joey belt out Veggie Tales tunes.  He runs at full force to greet his Daddy when he walks in from work.  Samuel and Joey have enjoyed, on more than one occasion, the thrill of blaring Funky Jesus in the living room and demonstrated extremely rare and unique dance moves.  Life is vastly different for us all - different in a way we could've never imagined or planned.

A glimpse at our first year together...