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I cannot believe that the miracle of adoption started for our family 5 years ago! We had been staring at this sweetie's referral pictures for 6 months and it was FINALLY time to meet her! Her orphanage did not give us updated photos, so we only had ones that were 2 years old. We often tried to figure out what she would look like when we met her.
It was a Sunday in Nanjing and the nerves were setting in! We had until 2 pm to wait for our chance to get our girl. The other couple we were traveling with was just as restless, so we decided to do some sightseeing. We visited a Confucius Temple and walked around some shops. Then we headed back, prepared our gifts, and packed some things we thought Kaitlyn might want or need. We pulled up to the Civil Affairs office. The nannies and children started coming through the door. Would we recognize her? When each little girl entered we thought maybe, and then they would head to another family.
Finally, Kaitlyn came through the door in her nannies arms. We IMMEDIATELY knew it was her!! We had sent a photo book in a care package and the nanny smiled and walked over to us. She introduced Kaitlyn to us. Kaitlyn wasn't too sure about that mama with the tears in her eyes.
I tried to feed her some snacks, she liked that. Then, I did it. I went in for the kiss on the cheek too soon for her and her nanny had disappeared. We then discovered how loud this little girl with the heart condition could be! There was construction at the Civil Affairs building and her screams echoed through the halls. We were there for what seemed like an eternity. I was screamed at, hit, bit, and got a sucker stuck in my hair (never brought suckers for the little ones again).
However, once we got settled in the van to go back to the hotel, everything changed. It was as if she determined to make the most of this new adventure and never look back. Oh, we had tantrums (and I mean TANTRUMS)! They lasted for months, but gradually became less and less and now they are such a distant memory.
This sweet girl is so brave! She left everything she knew. She had major open heart surgery only one month after coming home. She has welcomed 5 new siblings into the family.
She is sweet. She is happy. She is loving. She is helpful. She loves to sing. She loves to play with the child that is having the hardest time adjusting. She has a beautiful spirit. She is our daughter... FOREVER!
We love you Kaitlyn!!
We have experienced our first week of school, only 35 more to go!
Brayden started his first year of middle school. We were all a little nervous about this big transition. However, he let us know that he loves middle school. He likes switching and changing classes.
Meilynn, Jayson, and Kaitlyn are all enjoying their classes. They come home everyday with stories and smiles!
Kristyn couldn't wait to start school again! She didn't have many breaks (nothing as long as this summer) in China. This school is a little different from the one she attended in the orphanage, but her experience did a great job of preparing her. Since the Sunshine Academy introduces their students to English and letters, she jumped right into first grade. She is thoroughly enjoying first grade.
Greyson had the roughest start. This is pretty much what we expected. His world has exploded. He is experiencing sensory overload and there is no slow down in sight. We attempted to prepare him, but it just wasn't enough. We are so very thankful to a have an amazing elementary school, which always goes above and beyond. Teachers, counselors, the principal, and Mark sat down the afternoon of the first half day and figured out a plan to meet Greyson's needs. He is now in a kindergarten class and has a paraprofessional that works with him. This wonderful women adopted 3 children from another country. Isn't God awesome?!?! Greyson comes home so much happier and less overwhelmed. We even see a difference in him over the weekend. We will all sit down and re-evaluate where we are at in 6 weeks and determine the best way to proceed with him.
I am thankful for another great start to a school year and look forward to the growth I will see in all of the kiddos!
