It's official, we have a two year old! Oh my goodness! Batten down the hatches!
When we started the process of accepting Gabriel's file in September, Tim and I saw his June 1 birthday and whispered about the chances of having him home for his birthday. We didn't want to talk about it too loudly or get too attached to the notion in case it didn't work out. We feverishly completed paperwork and counted the days until we could cross off a step on the thick manual of to-do items with the June 1 date firmly in our minds.
In October we completed our paperwork, kissed it (ok, that was just me), and sent it off to the courier in DC to walk it to the US State Dept and Embassy of China. At the same time we also had significant documents being processed at Homeland Security or USCIS (how quickly I forget!). The day our documents arrived to the courier, the government shut down. I cried. How would we get our son home for his birthday with the government in a shutdown?? And then God... It turns out that the departments our paperwork was routing through were not supported by whatever budget was in doubt. Our papers moved through.
Every step we crossed off the world's largest to-do list brought us closer to having Gabe home for his birthday. Finally we received our consulate appointment and were able to schedule our travel- early enough for him to be home 2 weeks before his birthday! Amazing!
Gabriel had his first pediatrician visit this week at the International Adoption Clinic at the University of Kentucky. The doctor marveled over his condition- he's healthy, he's happy, he's adjusting. There are no developmental concerns, and he is right on track for his age. She told us what we already knew- he was loved and well cared for in China by wonderful people. The foster family and nannies, and everyone that cared for him at Lupin have my unending gratitude. It was not easy for them to let him go, and I know his birthday is a bittersweet day for them. We have remembered our friends in China every moment this weekend. Thank you all for this gift! I am wrapping my arms around you for a hug tonight with tears in my eyes. Thank you.
Now, enough sentimental stuff! On to the pictures!! 😋🎂🎉🎈
Enjoying lunch on Memorial Day. I know what you are thinking, but the answer is that moms have super powers and my white shirt stayed white!
Brave boy with Baba after his doctor appointment on Wednesday
Watching the baseball game on tv before bed with Mama
Present from Aunt Paula- bubble machine!! Hours of fun! It generates so many bubbles that they fly over the house.
Birthday boy at College Park Saturday night- he's not interested in this photo op!
Love to slide
Feet first is fun!
Yummy picnic with Magraul (nie nie)!
Cake!
Spending time with great-Granny
Watch out world! Uncle Jeff teaching Gabe how to peddle!
Sunday morning clean-up
Just like Mickey, my hero!
Enjoying fruit with Aunt Steffi (he can't say Steph or Stephanie so he's calling her Allie for now, short for her middle name, Allison.)
Cake!
Watching the bubbles fly away
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