Monday, January 19, 2009

6 months together as a family

William's adoption announcement.






6 months ago, we met William for the first time in a conference room in the Lakeside Hotel in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. I've thought for a while about what I wanted to say about William's first 6 mos. with us. I guess I could sum it up as...he's come a looong way. Those challenging times have passed for the most part. 'Challenging' is one of those words that you use when you're trying to be nice and really mean it was horrible and chaotic and Will was terribly, terribly sad, angry and grieving. Adopting a toddler is very different than an infant. Somethings are harder but many things are easier. It's not better or worse, just different. I find it ironic in a way that we originally requested a NSN girl, as young as possible. I was afraid of adopting a SN child. With my nursing background I'd seen so much. Through some dear friends from Grace's travel group who adopted their second daughter from China who had the SN of a cleft lip and palate, we saw the miracle of this little girl. So a year ago exactly (Jan. 2008) we changed our request with CCAA to a SN boy OR girl with a cleft. 3 months later William Michael appeared on our agency's list. I fell in love with his picture and his story. We asked to adopt him and were approved. Will's repaired cleft lip and palate is not an issue, the bigger issue was a 2 and 1/2 year old going from a foster home who gave him outstanding care and endless love to our home. He has learned to love us. Those first few challenging months are what they are and you can't wish them away. They are part of the process. After the initial grief, a little boy who is charming, funny, bright, kind and very loving has emerged. And it has been worth every single second with him...getting through the hard stuff to see the real child that he is. A joy.

26 kind words:

Story of our Life said...

He is so darn sweet Gail! I love the collage of pics. They show all the different faces of a little boy who is so full of life. So full of energy. So full of love from his family!!!

fleur de lis cottage said...

Oh, thank you for sharing the real deal with us. Grieving is part of the process and heart wrenching...but there is light at the end of the tunnel and that's evident in these pictures. He's so cute and looks sooo happy!

Kim said...

Happy 6 months...
It doesn't seem like it has been 6 months.. time sure does fly..
This post is perfect...
Those words at the end are what I always keep in my mind.. "worth the wait"..
I know every bet of this LONG wait will be worth it.. even if someone has tough times it will only get better...
Have a great week..
HUGS..

Laura L. said...

Wow, hard to believe it's already been 6 months.
What a sweet post, and I do love how you added the part about "challenging" so very true, but they are so worth it.
Very nice post, thanks for sharing it.
I like photos #1 and #6 the best. :)

OH MY #6 said...

Those six images, clearing show all the Will you talk about. He is a cutie.

William is a lucky, lucky, boy to have the family he has. And, you are a lucky, lucky, lucky, family to have him.

Lovely post. U made my day.

Lea/the crazy bird lady
xo

Jboo said...

Wow!! Love your photo collage! He is quite the adorable little boy! His joyful nature and the happiness he brought to your family shines through all of your posts.

Have a great week!

Janet

Unknown said...

what a beautiful family you have!!!! I really appreciate your honesty in your posts

suzanne said...

Gail thats lovely. I was sitting here thinking of our nearly first 6 months with Isabella and posting about the good and bad! Its amazing how a few months can tranform our children into happy, confident children. The pictures are amazing, and I am so glad you have shared your journey together.

Missy said...

I have goosebumps after reading this post! It hits so close to home. William has come a long way baby and is in the perfect family!

Happy 6 months sweet boy~!

OH MY #6 said...

Hey! I didn't get one of those! LOL! that is beautiful. LOVE IT!

Visit my BLOG when you have a minute. I tagged you! Even though I didn't win the FOB! LOL!

a Tonggu Momma said...

Gail ~ We so feel this way about our Tongginator. She was fairly young, but the transition - oh, the transition. It took us years to get where we are now. Blessings to you on your first six months home.

Margaret M said...

Beautiful pictures. When you shared your story, I can feel what you went through. Each toddler comes with his own set of circumstances. Bless them. Bless William and your family.

Dita said...

What a beautiful post, Gail. 6 months of the rest of your lives together. I look forward to watching Will grow. Happy Anniversary!

Super Mommy said...

What lovely words for a lovely boy. I admire you and your honesty - I'm sure Will is worth it all! He certainly is handsome!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

What a sweet post!! I am sure it has been a whirlwind these past 6 months!! Will is just precious and seems to have so much love to give......he is the perfect fit for your family Gail.

Love the collage of your superman:)

Lisa

Gail said...

Oh Gail, how true!
The tough times are terrible!
But when those times start to diminish and a beautiful child emerges, your heart fills with so much love you could "pop"!

Happy 6 months!

p.s. I love your announcement.

Alyson and Ford said...

Yes, it is worth the wait to have the perfect family!

Alyzabeth's Mommy for FOUR Months!
LID 01/27/06
Forever Day 09/16/08

Ashley said...

Hi Gail, lovely post about your precious little guy. I love to read your thoughtful words. Thank you for sharing your joy with all of us.

Happy six months to your family!!

Karen said...

Terrific post, Gail. Hard to believe 6 months have passed for you all...time does fly. So true about the challenges/rewards of toddler adoption and special needs...hopefully others may be encouraged and inspired by you and your beautiful family!

Strobist Girl said...

Milestone - aren't they just amazing :D Thanks for sharing.
Ladybug hugs,
;D

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

This is the first time I have been to your blog...Your son is absolutely ADORABLE!!!! I know challenging days very well...my dear sweet Livi (6) has been a challenge since day one but we are getting through it all and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Happy 6 months home!!!
You have a beautiful family...I will be stopping by often : )

Anonymous said...

Gail,

Your Will is a beautiful boy. These posts are important in our community. I am so glad you shared!

Lori said...

Congratulations on 6 months together!

RamblingMother said...

congrats on the six month mark!

Deb said...

I am so far behind and just trying to catch up.....what a great story how Will came into your lives.....and how the past 6 months have been! He is such a cutie!

Michelle R Photography said...

Great post, Gail. Happy 6 months together!!

 
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