Today we went the the zoo in the morning, took a long nap and then gathered with the whole group for a group photo.
Zoo:
He was holding onto Kerri for dear life.
Ok, now THAT looks like China!
Michael insisted on holding Kerri's hand, even in the stroller
Group picture. This was the big group picture day. After today consulate appointments start happening, and people start going home.
We started with family pictures.
He actually smiled after this pic was taken, but it wasn't captured on our camera...
Michael likes to flirt...
Nobody put him there, he walked over and sat next to Joyee.
Then came the group family picture... And that is when Michael lost it.
This picture was followed by a group shot of just the kids on a couch, Yeah, Michael isn't in that one.
And that's ok.
There have been times in the last 8 days where he has just thrown the fit to end all fits. They are getting fewer and farther between, but they still happen. And they will continue to happen.
Here is a kid that has been ripped out of a comfort environment (foster care, than orphanage) twice in the course of one week. He is now with people who look weird, smell weird, and who can't speak a word that he understands. Schedule is jacked, food is wacked and they keep taking me to new places.
I don't know anybody given those circumstances who wouldn't be pissed off.
We don't know much of anything about his first 16 months. We have lots of theories, but will never have answers. This kid is broken, he is hurt, and he needs a family and a forever home. God has put him into out family for a reason. We feel so incredibly blessed to call him our son. His personality, his humor, and his sensitive side are all slowly being revealed. As each layer comes off, we learn more about who he is.
Tomorrow is our consulate appointment where we take the oath, and apply for his US visa to come home. We get the visa on Thursday and have a long day of travel home on Friday.
We are ready.
He is ready
We can't wait to see our other kids, they are getting excited as well. They want to meet their little brother!
-Adam-
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This post brought tears to my eyes. Michael's doing very well considering all that is being thrown at him. It will be so nice when you are back home and he can settle into a regular routine, and he can learn what his new normal is. He can feel your love (and we can see it in his face) but he needs to be home where he can unpeel all his layers, learn to trust and be a regular kid.
ReplyDeleteI burst into tears at the picture of him holding Kerri's hand from his stroller, he is just growing so close ot you guys and you can tell already! The countdown is on until you get home, we can't wait to see you and meet Michael :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetie. He looks content, safe and happy! ENJOY your final few days, I often feel homesick for China.
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling Michael! He is so happy and I am amazed by how much he is growing with having 2 wonderful parents showing him love! I cant wait for him to meet his awesome brothers and sister. Cherish the last few days in China and give Michael a big hug from all of his family in Washington.
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