Thank you, so much, to my friend, Sbannon, for posting these photos when I was having such difficulty in Changsha with blogging.
These photos really show the excitement on Gotcha Day. From the moment Charlie walked in the room, he was smiling and facing us. He made very good eye contact with us and was interested in what we were doing with the paperwork...and especially, with our phones. From taking photos, to playing games, to completely rearranging my icons and settings (ack!)...this boy knows his way around an iphone. and ipods. and ipads. and android devices. wow. not sure who had these things, but he definitely had access, and regularly enough to become very proficient at pretty much any app he opens. or he's a genuis and can do them all instantly without ever having seen them. huh...maybe I'll lean towards that! ;)
In either case, it was a nice, non verbal (since the language barrier is a bit daunting) activity for early interaction with Charlie.
and it was a horrible habit to break.
As best as we can guess (with the help of our guide, Amy) he felt comfortable enough with us to test us. Well, let's just say...he's very comfortable.
There are certain moments in parenting, no matter biological or adopted, that you doubt your sanity for ever wanting to become parents. You feel, in that moment (I'm reducing it to a single, but please do not misunderstand that to mean there has only been one--rather, I've lost count, so I'm simplifying) that your childless-by-choice friends really Are the smarter breed. That it is not simply a lifestyle choice or difference of opinion...you really Are stupid.
And then it passes. The moment is gone. And you survive. And you've learned...something. It may not always be clear what was learned, but the fact that you came out on the other side...with all parties alive...all limbs in tact...no blood (or minimal at most)...oh how i pray cps has a sense of humor...Something has been learned. And you breathe. You may even laugh...someday...so I hear...
And then, the miracle occurs. A hand outstretched to you. A lean of the head on your arm. A smile. and your heart swells so big your chest hurts and your eyes water and your muscles relax as you bask in the good. and you know, that this THIS is why you are a parent. ALL OF IT.
It is so hard to see the good around the corner when you are facing a giant block--with big, tall buildings, and it's dark outside. and raining. But it is always there. like a little puppy, playing in cotton candy puddles. alright, I have absolutely no idea where I'm going with this. and that just sounds really messy.
In a nutshell: We are family. We choose to love. We are blessed. God's got this.
and something about sticky puddles.
Love you, all!! bet you all want to see more photos?! how about from Hong Kong Disneyland?! and the zoo we visited today?! can you say PANDAS?? (yeah, we can too, but they were sleeping so keep your expectations low on that topic--but the tigers were awesome!!)
These photos really show the excitement on Gotcha Day. From the moment Charlie walked in the room, he was smiling and facing us. He made very good eye contact with us and was interested in what we were doing with the paperwork...and especially, with our phones. From taking photos, to playing games, to completely rearranging my icons and settings (ack!)...this boy knows his way around an iphone. and ipods. and ipads. and android devices. wow. not sure who had these things, but he definitely had access, and regularly enough to become very proficient at pretty much any app he opens. or he's a genuis and can do them all instantly without ever having seen them. huh...maybe I'll lean towards that! ;)
In either case, it was a nice, non verbal (since the language barrier is a bit daunting) activity for early interaction with Charlie.
and it was a horrible habit to break.
As best as we can guess (with the help of our guide, Amy) he felt comfortable enough with us to test us. Well, let's just say...he's very comfortable.
There are certain moments in parenting, no matter biological or adopted, that you doubt your sanity for ever wanting to become parents. You feel, in that moment (I'm reducing it to a single, but please do not misunderstand that to mean there has only been one--rather, I've lost count, so I'm simplifying) that your childless-by-choice friends really Are the smarter breed. That it is not simply a lifestyle choice or difference of opinion...you really Are stupid.
And then it passes. The moment is gone. And you survive. And you've learned...something. It may not always be clear what was learned, but the fact that you came out on the other side...with all parties alive...all limbs in tact...no blood (or minimal at most)...oh how i pray cps has a sense of humor...Something has been learned. And you breathe. You may even laugh...someday...so I hear...
And then, the miracle occurs. A hand outstretched to you. A lean of the head on your arm. A smile. and your heart swells so big your chest hurts and your eyes water and your muscles relax as you bask in the good. and you know, that this THIS is why you are a parent. ALL OF IT.
It is so hard to see the good around the corner when you are facing a giant block--with big, tall buildings, and it's dark outside. and raining. But it is always there. like a little puppy, playing in cotton candy puddles. alright, I have absolutely no idea where I'm going with this. and that just sounds really messy.
In a nutshell: We are family. We choose to love. We are blessed. God's got this.
and something about sticky puddles.
Love you, all!! bet you all want to see more photos?! how about from Hong Kong Disneyland?! and the zoo we visited today?! can you say PANDAS?? (yeah, we can too, but they were sleeping so keep your expectations low on that topic--but the tigers were awesome!!)
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