China Day 4 John Thomas Day!

Our last picture as a family of five!

We arrived at the civil affairs office around 2:00. We took an elevator up and then walked down a long corridor. Our guide led us into a room. And there he sat. I was totally unprepared for him to be there already. Waiting on us. His nanny was feeding him warm water with a spoon and his breathing was very labored. We stood there and watched him for a few minutes before Aaron asked if we could try to feed him.  

Aaron "fed" him water while I talked to the Nannie and orphanage director about his schedule, how to make his bottle, etc. we learned he doesn't even have enough strength to suck a bottle so they feed him formula with 2 crackers broken up in it with a bowl and spoon that is way too large for his mouth. 

While I talked and learned, Aaron picked him up. He has the muscle control of maybe a 4 month old ? He looks big, but the only thing big on him is his noggin :) Very big and very flat. He did not cry until I walked over and touched his arm :( he pretty much showed his disinterest in me through tears the whole time we were at the civil affairs office. He was a little more content in Aaron's arms so he held him for the most part. He still cried on and off, sometimes arching his back. His cry is very weak, like a newborn. He had endured a very long night/day as he had taken an overnight train to Xi'an. The nannies said he had not had his nap for the day so he was very tired. He was also very, very hot, like sweating through his 2 layers of clothes hot. We removed a layer, walked out of the room into the much cooler hallway, which helped him calm down a bit. 

I did manage to get one good smile out of him with a game of peek a boo. 

And then, after taking a picture for his adoption decree and his passport...we were done. A family of 6. 

He is an orphan no more, he is loved and cherished. And with our Heavenly Father's guidance we will do everything we can to help him heal and grow stronger on this earth. 

I will post more about the rest of our first night with him later. I just can't keep my eyes open. 

Praising God for this good and perfect gift. Remembering His command to not be discouraged or dismayed.