One less

We want to introduce everyone to Elijah Hexi Garland!!

This is how our day went ... We went with the other eight families in our group to the Civil Affairs office here in Zhengzhou today at 9:30 a.m. Some of the kids were already waiting and it was so emotional to see the kids united with their forever families. There were lots of tears from the kids, parents and those of us standing by and waiting. Gradually many of the other kids came. Such an exciting and overwhelming time!

Our guide told us that the orphanage director at Eli's orphanage was having a hard time getting here because of snow. The roads were closed. (Ugh!) They decided to take the train instead so we would not get Eli until later in the day. Once everyone else received their children, we all came back to the hotel. There was also one other family whose child was coming later in the day as well. We came back to our room without Eli and it reminded me of leaving the hospital without Aidan when he was born because he was in the NICU. Not exactly what "we" had planned.

The other family's son came shortly after 1:00 in the afternoon. Our guide called to see where Eli was, but they still weren't close because the train was delayed by 50 minutes. We went back to our room and waited for "the call" again.

Shortly after 2:00 p.m. our guide called. We rushed down the hall and as soon as we got there, he came off the elevator all bundled up. I tried not to overwhelm him but the orphanage director handed him to me. I expected tears from him, but he has been tear free ... just taking it all in. He easily goes to either one of us.

He is so beautiful! His eyes are so full of expression. He had a high fever, runny nose and a rattling chest when he came to us, so we have started him on Tylenol and the antibiotic that we brought. The guides have been fantastic and willing to get us anything that we need.

We are so blessed to be called to be his parents. He is tiny (18 month pj's are big on him). He is very underweight and has very little muscle tone, but he LOVES puffs and picks several up at a time to get them in his mouth. He has easily fallen asleep on me twice and has enjoyed being cuddled. I know he doesn't feel well, so I do hope that this time of us caring for him helps him understand that we will always care for him and he will never be left alone again.

So today, there is one less orphan in the world, who we now call our son. We are so grateful that God has brought him to us and we are thankful for all the love and support that our friends and family have abundantly given us throughout this entire journey. Aidan, Keenan, and Bella; we miss you dearly and can't wait to introduce you to your new little brother.

Here are some pics from our "Gotcha Day" . . .

He had 4 layers of clothes on ...

Snuggling with daddy after bath time.

Drifting off in Mommy's arms.

 

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