Friday, July 20, 2012

4 years with Will (Favorite Photo Friday)

And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 
 ~ Matthew 18:5 

Four Years - will first 
 July 20, 2008.
We all first met in a sterile meeting room in the Lakeside Hotel in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
We actually heard William as we stepped off the elevator, before we saw him.
He was crying very hard and was afraid. It wasn't an easy first meeting and something you can't forget.
I remember thinking what a big boy he was then at age 2.
When I look at those photos now, he was a baby
and so incredibly brave.
He'd been through so much in his short little life.
More than most of us have in a lifetime.

We've had ups and downs, easy times and more difficult.
Through it all, like the Energizer Bunny we kept going and moving forward.
And praying that we were doing the right thing.
Because that's all we knew to do.
You see, Will happened to get two very stubborn and patient parents that would never give up.
We could see the big picture in all of this story and
when we make a commitment, we keep it.
Forever.


Will - 4 Years family day collage

4 years later from that first meeting in the Lakeside Hotel meeting room, my 2 year old
 has grown into a long legged 6 year old little boy. 42 lbs. of all boy.  
He is happy and much more at peace with the world.
He loves to laugh, has a sparkle in his eye for his mommy and daddy, and has a dear, sweet, kind heart. 
If you meet him once you'll never forget this child...he's an extraordinary person.
  I dream of only great things for William as there is no limit as to what he can accomplish someday.
Thank you to Deena and Mike Van't Hul in China who were his first parents for 2 and 1/2 years and his Kindergarten teacher, Sue Truitt who has loved and treated Will like her own son.
The words thank you aren't adequate for what you've done for him.
 And us.
We are the lucky ones to have Will in our lives.

Four Years - will last
 {My beautiful boy, I couldn't love him more than I do.}

Will is shown in his bedroom with some of his favorites...his Batman collection. He's a Superhero - Crime Fighter aficionado and knows way more about them than his mommy does.;)
But I'm learning.




the long road

19 kind words:

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

this post reminds me of John Lennon's song "Beautiful Boy"!

He seems to be changing again in his look. He is so cute! It seems as though this boy is quite the character.

lea
xo

Love Letters To China said...

These are my all time favorites of Will! Simply gorgeous. I adore the way you've decorated his room. I need to hire you to come down and do the same to my kids rooms. I can only imagine what they're going to say when they actually see it in person.

One question... is it always that clean? ;-)

xoxo

Courtney said...

Great posts. I love the vibrant blue in all the pictures. I think they truly capture Will's spririt. Happy 4 years and many more to come!

Heidi R said...

I love,love, love this series! This will be a treasure to remember his space and how he lived in it.

Unknown said...

Gail, I absolutely love how you captured Will in his room. These shots are amazing and so him!!!!

Yesterday, we celebrated 2 years since meeting Madeline. Well, we acknowledged it. Next weekend, we'll actually celebrate it.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Jboo said...

Makes me smile to see that big smile of his! He looks like so much fun -- love his room and him jumping on the bed! :)

Hope you have a good weekend!

Kim said...

He is BEAUTIFUL.....love the photos..
have a great day..
hugz..

Anonymous said...

These are gorgeous photos of your handsome boy! May I ask how you got his dark eyes to sparkle? Did you use a reflector or do post-processing to make them spark? Thanks, Cathy

Unknown said...

I am so glad God brought you together. His smile is infectious. I love that your love for your sweet boy continues to grow and grow. He is a blessing for certain!

Lisa said...

He's beautiful! I love the pictures you captured of him. Love the one of him "floating" above his bed. :-)

Unknown said...

Gorgeous captures! What a handsome young man!

Kate said...

I love love love these photos of Will...and the words you wrote. He is such a little love!

...and while I am at it...HOLY COW...the new photos in your header...Grace's profile...whoa...stunning...

Just perfect all around.

:-)

Kate said...

I love love love these photos of Will...and the words you wrote. He is such a little love!

...and while I am at it...HOLY COW...the new photos in your header...Grace's profile...whoa...stunning...

Just perfect all around.

:-)

Michelle R Photography said...

The photos won't load (Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!), but it sure is a beautiful post! Happy Forever Family Day!!!!

Gina Kleinworth said...

Oh how I love learning more about him & the journey. I love his room & seeing him be HIM in that space where he feels so safe from everything that may come his way. Beautiful post my friend- HUGE HUGS!

Hope you guys have a great weekend.

Hoots Momma said...

Friend, I have learned more about super heros and the world of fighting villians than I ever thougth I would. My Hoot is a super hero at heart. many blessings for many more years.

the meaklims said...

What beautiful pictures and beautiful words for your amazing boy. Your love for him shines through every time and that's incredible... I have wet eyes from reading this post.

Jill xx

Steffie B. said...

I remember following your journey......it led me to Andrew..... ;) Wonderful pictures of your handsome little super hero....have a great Sunday.

Anonymous said...

What a cool room for a super cool guy! You cant help but smile when you see your little man!

 
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