The day we became family

 

September 14 will always be the day our precious son joined our family. He is the sweetest little boy, full of life.  He wasn't too sure of us at first until Jonathan gave him his stuffed tiger from when he was a little boy.

Then we got to see more if his sweet smiles. And soon found out he is quite the ham. Loved giggling, climbing, and getting into cabinets, of course. 

On the way back to the hotel- poor guy was worn out. 

He's been very talkative with us and everyone, we just know his sisters are going to love him.

Please pray that our sweet son feels more comfortable in our arms and allows us to love him.

Beijing day 1

We arrived in Beijing late last night to spend a couple days getting acclimated to the time change. We were able to get a few hours sleep, and then we both woke up early, explored the area with a run, and then went sight seeing with another family. We were able to see the summer palace and part of the Olympic park. 

We also went to a local tea house and then finished our day with a dumpling dinner. 

China bound!

Today we get on a plane to China. I hugged my little girls goodbye. Anna was the most calm and collected I have ever seen her. She relaxed into our prayer time this morning, and seemed to just have a look of readiness for the days ahead. I will miss them so much. But knowing they are with our wonderful parents and knowing the amazing sisters they will be makes my heart incredibly content in our decision. 

My arms are aching to hold our son. The feeling is palpable. I am praying for patience as we will be spending the first 2 days sight seeing and acclimating to the time change before we see him. I want to enjoy the country, be content with where I am, but I know I am going to be counting down the minutes until we hold our little boy. 

China, here we come.

Leaving on a jet plane (in 2 weeks!)

In 2 weeks I will be boarding a plane to go get my son. I have longed for him for so long. I am filled with excitement to see him. My heart also is breaking for what he is about to go through. He has already been through so much in his little life. He listened to his birth mother's heartbeat and voice for nine months and for reasons unknown he was separated from her. Next were the orphanage nannies. Then his foster family. And now, a couple he has never seen before will take him to an entirely new place. A different time, different sights and smells. And I grieve for what he will endure in the next few weeks. I know he will overcome this. And I will do everything in my power to fiercely protect him to allow him to trust again. To love. 

We are so grateful for the prayers and support of family and friends in this process. Know that we covet your love so much. In this time of transition, we will go through a little isolation mode.  This is commonly referred to as "cocooning" and you can google it if you need more info. But basically, for a couple months we will be our son's only caregivers. We will be the ones to hold him, feed him, change him. I won't be getting out much, and we probably won't take him around other kids much. We want to make sure he knows we are his safe place, that he's not living in constant fear of being taken away from someone else. We love you all and are so thankful for your prayers and understanding.

Waiting for news...

Mamas, you know that feeling when you're 37 weeks pregnant and every day you wake up wondering how far away until you get to hold your little one in your arms? That feeling where you try to keep your mind on the present but your heart is just racing to get to that day to touch your baby's fingers and kiss their head. I'm there. Asher, I can't wait to meet you. To hold you. To introduce you to your sisters who love you so much already. 

Today we reach our last "step" in this long process of adoption. Now we wait for the phone call. Two words- travel approval. As soon as we get that phone call we get to actually know that date that we will hold our precious son in our arms. 

We love you kiddo, and we're coming.

1 step closer!

Friday we received our letter of acceptance from China! What does this mean? According to the Chinese government, we are now the parents of Asher Jiang Bryan. Now instead of waiting, the next few weeks are a flurry of paperwork and visits to fed ex to get US immigration stuff in order, then travel! Hopefully as early as mid September. Also, this gives us the freedom to communicate with Asher's foster family- we are so grateful to them for raising him in a home so far instead of an institution. In the next couple days he should be receiving a little care package, including a letter to his foster parents and a little picture album so he can learn our faces over the next few weeks. 

We are so excited to see him soon!

9 weeks!

9 weeks since we said "yes" to our beautiful baby boy. Guys the wait is so hard. I look at his picture every day. When I am putting my girls to bed he is just starting his day. I think about what he is doing. What his life is like. Is he loved? I pray every day that he feels God's love and knows that he will be home soon. 

Hopefully we will receive our official approval from china in about a month.  Then it's another 3 months until immigration approvals come so we can bring him home!

I would love your prayers and encouragement as I am feeling impatient these days. Thank you.