China Day 5

Where do I start? I am so exhausted, both physically and emotionally. But my God is sustaining me and giving us all the strength we need for each moment. 

Yesterday evening was spent getting to know our new son. He was pretty lethargic all evening. This could be related to his heart, but also could just be a coping mechanism for him as he tries to process all that is going on around him. 

So what have we learned? 

He knows his name and he recognizes our broken attempts at pronouncing it. 

He doesn't like to have a lot of people looking at him. And sometimes he doesn't even want me looking at him. If he puts his hands over his face this means he is done with all the stimulation around him. 

He cannot suck on a bottle, but he can and will eat a variety of baby foods. We are feeding him many different small meals per day. 

A medicine dropper seems to be the best way to get liquids inside him. 

He sweats a lot. 

He likes musical toys and balls. 

He likes to be held. He does not like to be on his tummy and he cannot crawl. 

He looks at his hands a lot when he is feeling overloaded.  

He doesn't give smiles freely. We must work hard for them. He is worth it though. 

He is a beautiful treasure that is teaching us so much. 

Last night JT went to sleep fairly easy but woke up several times throughout the night. He settled pretty quickly though if I put my hand on his face or uncovered him some to cool him off. 

He woke up pretty content this morning. I guess I have figured out the formula/cracker thing ratio bc he ate the whole bowl I prepared. We didn't have to be anywhere until 2 so we just relaxed.  

This afternoon we officially became a family of  6!  For one week :) We returned to the civil affairs office to finalize the adoption, and get our adoption decree. After that we went to the police station to  get JT's passport photo taken. 

Then this evening,a sweet little boy began to emerge from his shell. He actually played with a few balls and laughed several times. This was just what this Mama needed. 

Sorry for the minimal level of detail. We are putting JT's needs first and trying to balance the emotion of it all. 

Thank you so much for your prayers. Please continue! 

And now for what you have been waiting for ...