March 5, Police Station

This picture of Daddy and his boy are from March 4, but isn't it so precious! Makes Mommy's heart sing!
Beautiful sleeping boy. Yes, I'm hovering, just waiting for him to wake up!

I got lots of giggles this morning while dressing him.


All boy, everything is made for hitting! The adorable shoes and clothes were a hunted treasure from the night before. Smiles for mommy. The dinosaur is his favorite toy. A last minute find in Kuyler and Kolton's matchbox car collection (thanks, Bubbas!)
The police station.
First, I'm trying to recreate this post after spending an hour and losing the entire entry. I'd like to know just where the "save as draft" goes! Moving on ...

Today was light on pictures but high on emotions! We had a leisurely morning with breakfast and shopping the island. The kids had a short nap and then we went to the Deli Shop for lunch, followed by ice cream. We met Rebecca at 3:15 to go to the Police Station where they begin the paperwork for Kaeleb's passport. We then went to an electronics superstore to replace April's battery charger. the 220 voltage did a number on her old one! Then on to a baby store for a few more outfits for the kids and winter coats on sale for next year. We then had supper at Lucy's, picked up our laundry and were ready to crash! Probably an early bedtime is why I was up at 4 this morning, again.

Kaeleb is going through what I would consider a typical transition period. To enhance bonding and attachment, we searched the island for a carrier and finally found a donated one at Jennifer's. We call it the Ugli Snugli, but it was free and it fits! He would cry every time the three of us would scrunch him into it. Even the sight of it made him scream. Once inside, he would settle down and eventually relax. I fed him lunch, a bottle and allowed him to nap in it yesterday, and by the end of the day he was ok with the Ugli Snugli!

Every time we walked outside he would cry, and when we entered the van he would cry out in fear. I have to think of his Monday. He was carried outside, placed into a van, driven two hours and handed over to strange-looking, strange-smelling and strange-sounding people who just never go away! I can't imagine what's going through his mind. Fortunately, God has given me compassion and patience to respond to his needs. At the end of the day, he no longer cried when getting into the van. We are making progress!

Kaeleb also exhibits some soothing technics. He will rock back and forth or shake his head side to side. When he starts doing this, I scoop him up, cuddle him and he stops. He is starting to loosen up a little, and we got some smiles.

Though his information said he has eaten some food, he doesn't know how to chew, but he is learning. He had oatmeal for breakfast, a little rice and ice cream for lunch and Lucy's mashed potatoes for supper. Rebecca helped us find his snack, little round crackers that taste like lemon animal crackers. He loves his bottle! Speaking of bottle, his orphanage sister, Zian, and her parents left today and surprised us with a treasured gift: a beautiful picture book of Australia, a card for Kaeleb, two Phil & Ted's travel bottles, two packages of formula, two pacifiers which Kambry has taken a liking to, and a race car for Kaeleb! We pray they have smooth travel back to their family. Clayton says looks like we'll make a trip to Australia!

We received the translation of Kaeleb's "finding ad" today. It lists the address where he was found, and that his hair and naval were wet, on June 10, 2006. It makes me so sad, except that he is now in my arms. I am grateful his birth mother chose life for this precious boy who will now call me Mommy. I am certain God doesn't intend for children to be abandoned, but He does turn ashes into beauty. Just as He has given us the desire to seek after this precious boy, He seeks us, His precious children.

Kaeleb is also having a difficult bedtime. I can no longer feed him his bottle and then place him in the crib. Even when he appears to be sleeping, he will scream with fear the minute I lay him down. I tried three times last night and finally put him in bed between us. Clayton joked that I have already spoiled him, but all I can think of are the countless times he has cried himself to sleep with no one to respond. God has allowed me to be his mommy so he will no longer have to do that. I will gladly comfort him, and eventually he will understand I will never leave him. I am anxious to see what today brings. I hope he will blossom even more, showing us hints of his true personality.

Kambry is doing beautifully. She's sleeping well, eating well and learning to cope with little bubba, "Kawbel". We all miss Kuyler, Kolton, Kenzie and Kayden! I am so grateful for those caring for and loving our kids in our absence. We also miss our family, friends and church family. We will attend a worship service here on the island Sunday, but it won't be the same. We also met three "brothers and sisters," and I believe April will share much about that on her blog. I often just stand back and marvel at God's work through Clayton and April.

We have a great day planned, visiting the botanical gardens at 9:30, then lunch at a local noodle restaurant. Probably more shopping this afternoon and Papa John's delivery for supper! Rebecca rocks :) Tomorrow, Rebecca plans to take April and I to the spa while Clayton babysits ~ yes! We are having a blast with her.

I hope to have beautiful pictures to share from today. And maybe I won't lose my original post again - grin and bear it.

Thank you to all who gave me suggestions for our "carrier" situation. We are eagerly reading all your emails. It's difficult to access Blogger in China, so we post but rarely view the blog. We receive the comments via email, and they make our day! Prayer requests:

April's improving dizziness (I think she was dehydrated, and that is better now)

Kaeleb's sadness

Kambry's adjustment to baby brother

Clayton and I to have increased energy

Our kids left behind

My mom, dad, brothers and their families

We love you all! Clayton, Connie, April, Kambry and Kaeleb ...