Adam's First Week of Firsts...Living in America PHOTOS

I swore to myself that when we returned home I would continue with the blogging. Well, life had other plans for me those first few days. We arrived home from Orlando around ten o'clock. I guess it was a blessing that we didn't have a welcoming committee waiting for us at the airport. We probably wouldn't have gotten home until midnight! Although...we wouldn't have needed to drive either! The driving portion proved to be our FIRST issue back in the States.

Those in the adoption circle know the importance of crisp, clean $100 bills when you travel to China. We came back with one of those crisp, clean made in America bills in case we needed it to get home. We also came home with a handful of yuan. Now... for those who have traveled from Orlando International Airport, you will know that all roads leading from the airport are toll roads. Toll roads and $100 bills do not mix!!! So...learn from our mistakes... bring some dollars or quarters with you just in case. Oh...and Budget rental cars have Plate Pass...just drive through the SunPass lane! (We didn't learn this until AFTER we went through the unattended "change and receipt" lane without 50 cents!!! Oh, the bells and whistles we set off that night!)

Here are some of our highlights of Adam's FIRSTS during his first week at home...

FIRST time in a carseat

FIRST moments at home

FIRST time in his OWN room

FIRST sunrise in Florida

FIRST trip to the beach

Already leaving a mark on the world...

FIRST breakfast as an American... at Cracker Barrel!

FIRST lunch at Dales (Oh, how we've missed you!)

FIRST day at church
(Thank you to our amazing bible study group for showering us with you thoughtfulness, prayers, REAL orange juice and REAL chicken! We love you guys!!!)

FIRST appointment with his surgeon (FIRST surgery is scheduled for 10/27)

FIRST appointment with his pediatrician (Adam weighed 19 pounds 9 ounces before his next FIRST...)

FIRST labwork drawn (Adam did much better than mommy!)

On a more serious note...

Adam continues to amaze us. I was asked the question..."Do you love him the same way you love your girls?" As I looked down at the little boy sleeping with his head against my shoulder and his hand holding my finger, all I could say was..."How could I love him any differently?" Tuesday night, we were asked to speak at the Senior Adult dinner. First of all, Troy and I had an absolute blast sharing our adventures with such a wonderful group of individuals. And, Adam did very well in the spotlight. Guess he takes after his parents!!! :-)

Looking back upon the months leading up to that very moment, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that God has been with us every step of the way. As I shared my favorite quote, "There are no such things as coincidences. They are all winks from God." I could see how I was reassured month after month that this was the right path. It's amazing how our lives are weaved together. It's just a shame that we are often too busy to even see it unfold.

Since losing Katy nearly two years ago, we have lived our lives under a magnifying glass. It's as if everyone is watching us to see how we handle the path that He has chosen for us. I think we surprise ourselves as much as we surprise others. The answer is truly easy... we handle it with prayer.... on sunny days, rainy days, good days and bad, we praise Him for being there. So, for us, it's been natural to share our adoption journey (quite publicly) with others. After all, it is God who placed this on my heart so long ago and God who has brought us so far. And, it is the love and prayers of our friends and family that have helped us stave off those moments of discouragement. We promise to keep you up-to-date on the great things God continues to do in our lives. I'm sure that there will be some things that we'll feel the need to keep between us, our son, and our Father. Please don't give up on us! :-)

As we near the portion of the journey that begins weaving Adam's story, we ask for your continued prayers. This next month is going to be an emotional one. We will be meeting with many doctors to ensure that all of his medical concerns are met. His first surgery will be on October 27th at DiMaggio Children's Hospital to repair his lip.

Wo ai ni y'all!!! It's good to be home!!!

--the abundantly blessed mom of two beautiful girls, an amazing little angel Bug, and an adorable son who now knows it without a doubt