Getting to know him

Yesterday was so full. Full of newness, full of change, full of love, full of sadness. We spent the morning occupying ourselves with meals and letting the kids play in a play place called Fun Do in the mall connected to our hotel. Overstimulation to the max but they loved it. We went with out guide to the civil affairs office at 1:30 to meet Noah. We arrived earlier than him and were just told to sit and wait. Heard some noise around the corner and out he walked wearing the clothes we had sent in his care package. He started waving to us and they walked him straight past to a side room. He kept peeking out to smile and wave. We were in total limbo as we knew we weren't technically supposed to go to him yet. The cutest little thing.

After signing some papers in another room they brought him in, where the orphanage staff and director at civil affairs were explaining to him in mandarin who we were. He repeated in his sweet little voice "ma ma" and "ba ba". He then let me hug him but wanted down real fast. There were some tears as we left, but they stopped real quick once we got in the van. He spent the afternoon on my hip, not minding the carrier one bit. Up until today about an hour ago he did not want Russell holding him at all. We knew it wouldn't take long though and after a day and a half of love and fun he has let Russ hold him. He says the kids names already saying "mei mei Emma" "mei mei Abby" and "ge Samuel" sisters and brother. I got one giggle from him yesterday tipping him up and down in the carrier, but there have been a couple out right laughs today to Russ and the kids.

He eats almost everything we offer, and is very clear with the head shake no when he doesn't want it. The first day I have him a snack trap full of Cheerios which he shared with each of us repeatedly giving us one when we said our names. He let us give him a bath last night (standing up) but still great, and I've been able to anticipate when he needs to go to the bathroom based on this cute little bounce and face he makes. Ash he may have Caleb beat in the potty training as he has gone every time so far on the potty - except for overnight.

I've had my share of tears - trying not to in front of him. We can just tell yesterday was so scary for him. And he has lost and is losing so much. Truly though your prayers are being answered and we are doing so well. Pray for us Thursday as we are going to take a bullet train to his home city, and we have decided to meet his foster family. Our guide who has been doing this 20 years says it begins healing for the kids. Their foster parents can explain to them and he can see us meet and hug them. Noah seems to be very smart and we believe this can be really good for him. But I don't doubt it will be hard too.

The other three kids are a little homesick, but being so sweet and loving to Noah. They've been awesome on this trip. It has required a lot from them and we are so proud of how they are handling everything. Noah is napping now, and when he wakes we are going to let the kids go swim and see what he thinks of that.  Also, looks like the pictures are an issue with blogger. I've never tried to blog from anything other than a desktop computer and apparently it just won't find my photos here. Grandparents check instagram! Going to try to do a little more there.