Thursday, February 22, 2007

At Last!!!

Our first picture as a family!!!
Sleepy boy...they gave him some medicine and it knocked him out

Sleeping in Mommy's arms


He cried until they gave us his bottle :)


It was a crazy morning for sure! We were supposed to be picked up at 9:30 am. By the time 9:50 rolled around we were pretty concerned and frustrated. We had been up since 4 am and couldn't sleep. At 9:30 am we were standing at the door with our coats in ready to go and feeling soooo anxious - today was not the day for them to be late. Finally, Alma called and said to meet her outside in three minutes.
When we got to the orphanage we followed everyone into an office and sat down expecting to be asked questions because that is what we were told to expect. Before we knew it...one of the caretakers came in with Stephen. He looked so tiny and he was all dressed in pink with a bonnet on! The little cutie is sick...he has an upper respiratory infection. He did not cry initially. He seemed kind of surprised by all the people looking at him. And then ... he starting to cry and cry. Every time he looked at Joe he cried some more :) The ladies told us he was not used to strangers and especially men. They took us to a small room so we could spend time with him. He continued to cry until one of the caregivers brought in a bottle. He seemed pretty hungry/thirsty. She also brought some medicine and gave him that. Not soon after he slowly fell asleep in my arms.
It is hard to see him so sick and uncomfortable. They said he has been sick a lot. I am sure it is because they do not have the proper medical resources...so he continues to get sick. The director also said he needs to exercise his legs. He is not walking yet. He seems so tiny compared to the pictures we have seen.
We are so happy to finally have seen him. We can only see him once a day because he is sick. We had to buy masks too. Hopefully, he will warm up a little more each day. We can't wait to see him again in the morning!

18 comments:

Lars & Dawn said...

He is beautiful. This is really bringing back memories....savor every moment...you will never forget these first meetings.

Dawn...Lauren's mom

Chris Sapp said...

Congratulations Mom and Dad! Get used to your new names!!!! You look so happy :-) The Sapps couldn't be happier for your family! Praying Stephen gets better soon!

The Cook said...

Yeah. I woke up super early to come see the pictures. He is such a doll. Congratulations.

Michelle Smiles said...

Congrats Mom & Dad! Enjoy!

makandaddie said...

Congrats Dawn and Joe! Stephen is soooo beautiful! The baby home loved to dress Maksim in pink as well, it cracked us up :) How old is Stephen? That blond hair is amazing...he does look like his Cabbage Patch boy

So happy for you...

The Masse Family

keoghclan said...

Congrats Mum and Dad! The pictures tell such a story, your smiles are so contagious!! I hope your little one feels better soon, some Mom and Dad everything!! Don't worry about his legs needing strength, our son turned 1 the week we met him, he could not sit or stand, now 10 months later he has so many rolls on his legs he could kickstart a jumbo plane!! - and he is running climbing everywhere! He also cried a lot the first day when he saw my husband, with time and the consistant care and attention your son will blossom.

You've made our day!

The Keogh's in Toronto

Chris and Ann Young said...

What a difference a day makes. It is wonderful to see a family come together and another International Adoption journey transition into Gods plan. The smiles on your faces reveal the joy you are feeling in your hearts. Congratulations on becoming special parents. Life has so many firsts in store for you all. Enjoy your beginnings as a family and the time you spend in Ust Kamenogorsk. These are the memories that will all be a part of Stephens adoption story. We are giving thanks to God today for the miracle you are in the midst of as you bond with the son God created just for the two of you...

Heidi said...

I have tears in my eyes right now!! To think that a month or so ago you thought about giving up, and here he is, in your arms. I am so happy for you guys!! He is adorable and I'll be praying for him to feel better soon!!

Thad and Ann said...

He is adorable!! Congrats Mom & Dad!! :-) Praying he gets better soon, poor little guy. Gunnar wore pink alomost everyday. :-) I think it will come in handy when he is a teenager ;-)
Hugs-
Ann

Jenny and Matt said...

I'm so glad to see pictures of the new family!!!!!

chelle said...

oh wow! He is so cute! Poor lil guy sick! Glad you still get to be with him and bond with him.

Bekah said...

I only know you through your blog and I am crying. He is so beautiful. Congratulations on finally having him in your arms. We will pray for healing over his little body and strength for his legs. Blessings, Bekah

Allison said...

OMG!! What a beautiful day. Stephen is a sweetie. You're positively beaming. Congratulations. You will be amazed how your son will change and blossom with each visit. Our two both had runny noses and coughs for the duration of our visit. It's hard to get well because there are some many little ones chewing and drooling. Don't worry though. Stephen with thrive once you get him home. I'm so happy for you all :-) Thanks for sharing this wonderful moment.

Lauren & Cupcake said...

I am going to sleep with the biggest smiles after seeing the photo of your family!

Dawn- I know it was a long road for you! He is so adorable!

Congrats Mommy & Daddy!

Denise :o) said...

I just found your site on Russian Adoption DVA's site. I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Isn't it a great moment when you finally meet your son??? Just thinking back brings me to tears! I can't wait to follow your journey through Kaz. Best of luck to you and your FAMILY!!! YAY!

Beckie said...

Oh my goodness, Dawn and Joe....he is absolutely gorgeous! Love the sleeping in your arms shot, but hope he is healthy soon.

Unknown said...

So good to finally see you with your son!!! I am so very happy for all of you. He is beautiful! Hope he gets well soon.

6blessings said...

I am so excited for you. He's so sweet. I hope he feels better soon. Have a wonderful time getting to know each other. I'm so glad you're there!