Monday, May 10, 2010

Now a Family of Six!!!!

I am truly feeling every ones prayers tonight because all four of my children are doing amazingly well.
The older three had a good nights sleep and feeling much better about going out and about in Jinan and Gavin has only had one melt down since we got him at 11:30 this morning. It was due to the fact that he was upset when the ladies who brought him slipped out the door. His crying only lasted about ten minutes and then he was done thanks to the loving arms of his new dad. He has taken to Gary and I the most, but is fine with the kids and there is no doubt in our minds that he was prepared for our coming. I was prepared for the worse case and instead he walked in the door and called us mama and baba (daddy in Chinese) then gave us each a hug. This was not even something I had even let myself think about as far as our first meeting was going to be for fear of being let down. This was a total answer to prayer though. He eats like there's no tomorrow and out ate me at dinner. The boy is solid and if he has always eaten like this it's no wonder. He eats anything we put in front of him so I'm not worried about a picky eater. As far as sleep we had not a single issue so far, although he has only been asleep for just over an hour. We will have to see how the rest of the night goes.
So far Gavin has been very giggly and wants Gary and I to hold him a lot. That will be a work out for us if it keeps up.
We ended up going and sign papers today. This was going to be done tomorrow and now Gary is headed to Weifang tomorrow by himself and our guide while I stay here in Jinan with all the kids, this was going to be done on Wednesday. We also have already gotten Gavin's passport so we just might be headed out of Jinan a few days early. We have not totally decided yet.
Thank You again for all the sweet comments, they are such an encouragement for us half way around the world.
Now to what you really came to see, the pictures. If only I would quit all the babbling, right?
 
Blessings,
Marla

31 comments:

Janice said...

Wow - okay - make me tear up! Welcome to your family Gavin - can't wait to meet you! We both got our boys Mother's day!! Love & Hugs!

McNew Family said...

Congratulations!!!!! Pictures are awesome - so glad that all is going well for you! What a handsome little guy your Gavin is - as are all of your kiddos! Hope everyone stays healthy and has a great time.

CLAUDIA/NANA said...

OH MY GOSH. I HAVE BEEN OPENING UP YOUR BLOG ALLLLLLLL MORING. PRAISE THE LORD. THE PICTURES ARE PRECIOUS. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE BOY.
YOU ALL LOOK SOOOO HAPPY. WHAT A MOTHERS DAY TO REMEMBER. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM. KEEP US POSTED. "WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY" LITTLE MR. GAVIN. NANA & PAPA LOVE YOU :):):)

Kathy said...

Yeah !! Praise God ! He is adorable and so smart. Happy Mother's day ! Enjoy China - believe it or not, you will miss it one day.

Anonymous said...

What amazing pictures! Thank you so much for taking time to write about your experience and to post these treasured photos of your family. It is so neat to be a part of this with you. We are praying for each and every one of you and we know that you can feel all of the love that your friends and family are sending across the miles to you. We can't wait to meet Gavin and we hope we can spend some time with you guys this summer. Laurel is still talking about that camping trip we haven't been able to coordinate yet. I bet Gavin will love BP's Rec Area!
Hugs to all of you,
Kandi

Tanya said...

Oh WOW! Marla...the picture of you getting your first hug from Gavin had me in tears instantly! You have all been waiting for this day for so long. Congratulations!! I can't wait to show the girls these pictures once they get home from school this afternoon. We will continue praying the rest of your time there goes smoothly. - The Scheibs

Baseden Family said...

I am trying not to bust out in tears here at work but I can barely see my keyboard. Thank you so much for the pictures, I love the one w/ you and him smiling. He looks like he is right at home. I am SO excited for you guys! Can't wait to see the "new family of 6" soon! Have Fun! Talk Soon!

~ ~Dionne~ ~ said...

OK Gavin is so stinkin cute!! Congratulations! And welcome to your new family Gavin!@ Can't wait to meet you! I am so glad that it went so smoothly! So couldn't read the post due to the tears and couldn't read it aloud for Clay, he had to do his own reading of your post, I was all choked up! I love the fact he was calling you mama and baba right away, what a treasure! Enjoy settling in as a family of six! Many blessings to you all....~~Dionne~~

Julie said...

I could barely read your blog entry out loud to my kiddos (who are desperately awaiting their little brother). It was going to make me cry...happy tears of course! I am so happy for your family. He is so handsome. Thanks for sharing your journey!!!!

Anonymous said...

YEAH!!! It brought tears to my eyes to see you all with Gavin! I'm so excited for you all and cant wait to meet the little guy at church! Safe travels to you all! Love, Katie stauffer

amy said...

How exciting! Sam came to us just the same way.. with hugs!!! YOu are at the beginning of the best journey of your lives.
Blessings
Amy

Tanya Braithwaite said...

Congratulations to you all! Your blog caused me tears and then I saw the photos and really lost it. I am so happy for you all and can't imagine the joy you must have to finally be able to see and hold your new son. We can't wait to meet our new cousin. We'll be praying for you as you travel home.

Kristi said...

Oh, look at him getting some huge hugs from his mommy and daddy! Praise God for a smooth initial meeting. Just remember if you start to see any signs of what seems like backward progress that it is normal. Take it all one minute at a time, but enjoy that precious boy! Can't wait to read more!

Anonymous said...

WOW! So I was just crying the whole time! PTL! He's has finally made it to his family what fantastic pictures and story thankyou for sharing with us all! CONGRATULATIONS to you all, he is so handsome can't even imagine the feeling you must of felt when they brought him to you, and safe travel Gary and a good day tomorrow Marla with the kids hope your day goes well, man we can't wait for you all to be safe home!

The Vickerman's said...

Yeah! Congratulations!! I am so happy for you guys! He just looks like such a precious little boy - what a blessing! Will be praying for your family as you all adjust to one another:)

Anonymous said...

Ok take two I just thought I sent you a message and I must of did it wrong, so here goes again, CONGRATULATIONS to all of you, thankyou for sharing your pictures and story with all of us, made me cry and cry so happy for you! Good luck tomorrow Gary and we will pray for mommmy as she stays with all the kids, we can't wait for you to all be home safe! LOVE AND MANY HUGS! Karen Holt :)

Anonymous said...

All right this is the third time I'm leaving a message hopefully you won't get all three, CONGRATULAIONS to you all, sorry not sure what I'm doing wrong this time? I'm not very good with this stuff. Many tears rolling down my face in joy for your family oh what a feeling to see that precious little one walk thru the door! Good luck tomorrow Gary and to mommy who is staying with the kids, we can't wait for you to all be home safe and sound! LOVE AND HUGS to ALL! Karen Holt :)

Bethany Lohman said...

Wow... Mom called me this morning sobbing!!! I must had just checked the blog minutes before you posted the new pics. He is so precious!!! The picture of you guys seeing him for the first time was so amazing! he looks just like a Tenkley! Now bring him home... we miss you guys sooo much! Love NeNe

Molly Gustafson said...

He looks just like Olivia! Ha ha ha. I was crying my eyes out. Something about that song, the pics, the prayers answered, what a glorious day. I can't WAIT to meet him. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Lots of love, and missing you all.

Amy B. said...

OOOh, he is just ADORABLE!!! I love the narrative and all the great photos. Congratulations!
Love,
Amy B (WCF)

Abbie Ball said...

There just aren't words...but trust me lots of tears of happiness! I laughed when I read Molly's comment about Gavin looking like Lou Lou because I thought the same thing! He is adorable...and the loving hugs are precious! I can't wait to see it all on a Sunday morning in church...I regularly look at your family during praise and worship and picture how it will look when Gavin is home...now that picture is much more vivid! Can't wait to welcome you all home as one big happy family of six!!

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day to the new mother of FOUR! So glad to see all is well, and know I will be praying for you each day as you make your way home.

Gail said...

Just wanted you to know that you have been in my prayers...what a handsome little boy he is. Sounds like he's doing very well, please remember it can change from day to day and that's okay...Congratulations!!!!

Gail (mama to Grace and Will)

Anonymous said...

Amazing! You brought tears to my eyes - complete tears of joy! God has blessed you as you have been faithful to Him on your journey to get Gavin and bring him home! Continued love & prayers, Karin M.

Jolene Powell said...

He is beyond precious! You all look so wonderful together. Congratulations! I'm glad everything is working out.

Anonymous said...

What a blessing! God is good . . . cried like a baby when I saw the picture of a mom embracing her son. Craig and I are praying for you and the final details to be carried out. Can't wait to welcome Gavin to the CF family. He is loved already. Debbie H.

BrOwN CiRcUs said...

So happy for you! He is just so handsome and everyone looks so happy! I am glad the wait is over and you have your son! Welcome Gavin!

Anonymous said...

I waited all night to get home to see the pictures. He's adorable, I thought he looked like Gary!
We'll be Praying all day for you tomorrow Marla with the Kids and for Gary's safety traveling. Can't wait for you guys to show off Gavin to the "Jam" Sunday school kids.
Love Jean

Holly said...

Priceless! Precious! LOVE the pictures!!
Big hugs from another WCF Mommy,
Holly

Sooner Girl said...

Wow! So happy for you all and what a blessing to have your entire family with you!

Tami said...

WOW! Congrats! These photos are priceless. So glad things are going smoothly.

Hugs,
Tam