N O V E M B E R
1 8
John meets
Elizabeth ~ Elizabeth turns one ~ And there IS life after Chinese
Jet Lag!
Our son John arrived back on home turf
via US Airways
and his Aunt Gail. We could see him exit the plane
from the terminal as he had on a bright orange shirt
and was the 'shortest' passenger. Dave and I were like
2 kids Christmas morning waiting those few moments for
them to make their way to the main terminal area where
we would greet them. With balloons in hand from our
homecoming a few days earlier we stood there waiting
for his appearance. We had decided to leave Elizabeth
at home with Grandma so we could focus all attention
on John for a short while before his life would change
:)
John spotted us from about 50 feet away, and then
bolted toward us. As he ran closer, tears began
streaming down his face and he ran into Dave's arms.
John was quickly trying to wipe them away since he
doesn't like us to see him cry. It was the most
wonderful moment to wrap our arms around John. I think
he felt the same.
After getting luggage, John asked if he could let his
balloons go outside and up to Papa. John's 'Papa'
(Susan's Dad) died unexpectedly almost exactly one
year ago (on the date of Elizabeth's birth), so, there
in the middle of the road just outside the airport
terminal, we let the balloons go...
When we arrived home Elizabeth was still napping and I
went in to get her. I was taking her out of her crib
when John came into the room and I'll never forget the
look on his little face. John gasped as if he didn't
realize she would actually be 'real'! He was tender
and loving. As the day continued Elizabeth of course
did her share of crying and John began to understand
she WAS indeed 'real'. He told me later the crying
concerned him. I think this was already obvious as he
put his fingers in his ears every time it happened.
Observations on our part over the last week reveal
that John has gone through the typical adjustments of
suddenly having a one year old baby sister, and each
day he becomes more and more responsible and is
learning how to get "his" toys back from the newcomer
without causing major meltdowns. True to our
expectations, John takes his role of 'big brother'
very seriously and consistently notifies us if
Elizabeth is doing 'something wrong'. He is protective
and caring, but is also very aware of what is 'his'
and has become fairly territorial. We are very proud
of him and his transition to Big Brother.
Elizabeth continues to do well and is having fun
exploring her new surroundings. She is thriving and
enjoys being on the go! We expect to see her first
steps any day!
John, Elizabeth, Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a quiet
celebration on Elizabeth's birthday. The day was
bittersweet as it was impossible to forget the events
of just one year earlier.
Our prayers are with many of our friends about to
travel to China as they wait anxiously for the day
when they will receive their new daughters. Eagerly,
we also look forward to John and Elizabeth growing up
with some incredible friends we have made along the
way who have already adopted from China. It's hard to
imagine, but we will soon have 4 little Chinese girls
within walking distance of our home and after we
finish building, in our new neighborhood will have
SIX!
**In about a month we will once again update this site
with lots of new pictures of John and Elizabeth and
Elizabeth's progress! We can already see a beautiful,
full of life little girl that adores her brother. It
feels wonderful to be a family of 4.**
John introduces Elizabeth as his sister to anyone
that will listen to him. It thrills our hearts.
Celebrating the Season for Giving Thanks!!!
God Bless,
Dave, Susan, John David, and Elizabeth. |
Happy to be home
John has an idea
. . .
. . . he wants to
send his balloons
to Papa in Heaven
The first meeting
John and Aunt
Gail at home on his new bed
|
