Monday, February 25, 2013

Gotcha

Where do I even start.

We went to the room where families are joined together. It was a crazy chaotic scene.

Last time around it was just our travel group that filled the room (but with 15 families, we filled it). This time, our travel group is small (three families) but the room was filled with families from other agencies.  We were the first to arrive and not long after, in came our sweet brave boy.


He clung to his nanny.

When she finally handed him off to me, she left immediately with tears in her eyes.

He was such a brave boy.



We showed him his backpack and played a little.

We even managed to get a few smiles and a laugh, miraculous.

But his eyes kept wandering to the door she had brought him in. He kept walking over to it, wanting to look for her. We kept bringing him back.

And then, when she failed to appear after about an hour, he couldn't hold the tears back any longer.


We were more than ready to leave the room, get on the bus and head back to our hotel.

We tried a little lunch, but he refused; then fell asleep for his afternoon nap.

And when he woke up, bit by bit, our brave little man opened up.



This afternoon has been a gift. We have laughed and played ball. We have explored our room and then the hotel. He goes to both of us easily. He really seems to feel safe with us (praise God for answered prayer). He has been eating and drinking and telling us when he needs to go to the bathroom. 

He has been playing with his brothers and starting to mimic everything they do. 

We had a finger "gun" fight at dinner, complete with "pew, pew" noises. He sometimes hums while he walks beside us holding on to our fingers. 

Tears came again at bath time and bed time, but then it passed. He lets us comfort him.

He is sleeping next to me as I type and I am so thankful for the way all of you have covered us in prayer. God is good and today has gone so much better than I dared to hope. 

I'm off to bed myself, feeling drained emotionally, but wanted to share our day, thank you for the prayers (please keep them coming) and praise God with all of you for the sweet boy who is joining our family. One less orphan in the world tonight. 

We can't wait for you to meet him.

12 comments:

Amanda Petrosky said...

So good to hear about your Gotcha Day! So thankful that Zak has opened up even just a little. Praying that they next two weeks are full of bonding and go by quickly!

Marla said...

Mom, I'm so excited to see Zak. It sounds like he is doing great. Please write soon. Say hi to Zak for everyone. Mya

Emily said...

oh sweetie-- i ran to my computer this morning so anxious to see pictures and hear how it went- and i know what your last experience was like and how hard and heart breaking it was-- i am OVER THE MOON happy that Zak is doing so well-- so happy-- i am always amazed at how some of these kids somehow choose-- on gotcha day-- to accept us-- despite their grief and fear-- it is humbing--- love you all!!!!!

Ashley Baner said...

Oh my! Tears! It is so hard to hear about his loss. It sounds like this is going better than last time. Praise God! You are veterans at this now! Can't wait to meet your handsome fellow!

Kirk and Keri Plattner said...

What a big boy! I am so thankful for such a memorable day for you guys!

Heidi Klopfenstein said...

Love reading about families growing through adoption. Reading your story especially touching. Will continue to pray for Zak and the rest of the Kaeb family :).

sarah.flyingkites said...

TEARS! God is so good. Prayers coming your way!

Love,
Sarah

Our Journey to Grace and Olivia said...

tears- I can not begin to explain the joy in my heart for you!

smw said...

cried as i read this. such big stuff, but SO thankful it's going better this time. will still pray!

J and A said...

Your last two posts have brought tears to my eyes. I'm so excited for your family, but thanks for being honest- I think sometimes it's easy (at least for me) to forget about the other side of the picture and all the emotion involved in all parties. Praying for your family and can't wait to meet Zak this summer!

Mom said...

Praising God for His goodness! We can hardly wait to meet our little Zak! We are covering you all with prayers every day!

Love-
Dad and Mom Kaeb

Anonymous said...

Wow!! What a miracle. We rejoice with you. HE setteth the solitary in families!!!

MarknBarb