9 Months Home

Yesterday made 9 months that Jack has been home! How amazing it that! He is such a joy, very silly and extremely funny. We love everything about him. Jack is completely coming to understand that we are forever and the love here is unconditional. We have only had a few moments were he felt worried that I will leave however he was easily reminded that I am here forever. smile emoticon (God willing) Also Jack will be celebrating his first birthday home this Saturday. He will be 5 years old this Friday! He is so excited to have his very own birthday party with friends/family and gifts there for him. We will post pictures of the party. Praising God for this sweet little boy He sent to us!

Jack's medical needs has made so much improvement since being home that we are on the waiting list to start him in pre-K. (this has not come easily or without nights of tears trying to get him medically ready) This Mommy is sad and happy at the same time about starting school. However we have not had much luck finding a Dr. in MS that completely has everything Jack needs (only because Jack's medical issue is pretty rare) however with help from a wonderful Facebook page of other families with children like Jack we have found a Dr. who specializes in what Jack needs. So Jack and I are flying to see this Dr in a couple of weeks to Ohio for 10 days to get the extra testing and care that he needs. I am nervous yet very anxious to be up there to learn more about Jack. Due to T.J opening his own business he may not be able to come however he is going to try to join us that weekend. Asking for prayers for me to handle traveling, everything I need for Jack during this time, for the Drs. seeing to him and since we will be traveling just Mother/son prayers that all things go smoothly. Thank you all for prayers and support through it all. We will update how the travel and Dr visits goes. We love you all!

First Real Family Photos Finally!

Posted by Paul Adoption on Friday, May 29, 2015

Mothers Day Splash

Brandy:

T.J and I both have tried to explain Mother's Day to Jack. He was not really interested when T.J talked to him and today he asked 'Mama's birthday??" when I told him about the day. I am trying to put myself in his little shoes to figure out how to talk to him about it, then I got to thinking. Why talk, just DO! Love is an action. We will make sure that Jack sees love and one day he will get it. I know he will. We will show him by loving our Mothers and Fathers the way God intended us to. Do as I do! wink emoticon

On a side note: Jack is still doing wonderful. He has gotten to where he doesn't want to talk about China much and when someone tries to talk in Mandarin he turns away. I was told that this is normal for him and it will pass. He told me today that he loves being silly at his home! grin emoticon I think he is just happy to have his family!

Happy Mothers to you all! And the ones that are still waiting for your child, hang in there! God has plan and it is perfect! Love you all!

So happy today at the splash pad

Posted by Paul Adoption on Saturday, May 9, 2015

Sharing the Joy of Adoption

Brandy:

So yesterday Jack and I were going to the library like we do every Wednesday morning. But for some reason I was in a rush to get there at 9:30 instead of 10:30 when story-time starts. (I really thought it started at 9:30 grin emoticon ) Since we were a hour early (and got kicked out of the library for being too early! HA) we went to the park. Jack started playing with a little boy so I started talking to his Mom. She was very interested in Jack's adoption story. She had said since she cannot have anymore kids that she felt strongly about adoption but didn't know much about the process. I felt lead to tell her everything about our journey, even some of Jack's medical needs. (which I am pretty picky about discussing) I just wanted her to understand that the fear is nothing to the joy God has for us. At the time I didn't think much about it, I was just doing what felt right. Later I was praying and knew then that God gave me a moment of craziness just so I can meet this sweet lady and give her encouragement. I must say that our God is perfect in EVERYTHING He does! Never lose the chance to share your story about what God has does in your life! I don't know if I ever see this lady again or if she will ever adopt however I will pray for her to take away what I think God meant to do with our little meeting. Everyday God leaves me in awe. We all can be in awe of the perfect God if we are just open to Him goodness!

What is Jack Like After 4 Months? Plus His First Bike Video

Brandy:
So sorry we have not updated in awhile! Being parents to a 4 year old makes for some busy times! Jack is doing great!! He has bonded with me from the get go however T.J. has had to work for Jack's love. This week has been a HUGE turn around for them and I could not be happier. Jack now talks about his Daddy and wants me to send pictures to T.J. when he does something. And yesterday he told me that he wanted Daddy to stay home and Mama go to work! grin emoticon This did not upset me, it only made me VERY happy! Jack only use to talk about what Mama and Jack would do together, now he adds T.J. As it should be! Jack is now talking only in English, he may use about 2 Chinese words that he doesn't seem to want to let go. Conversations with him are very entertaining to say the least. Some of his favorite things to talk about are fire, firetrucks, police cars, going fast, crashing cars, batman and asking 'why?' on just about everything! Jack has also learned to ride a bike! Whoop whoop!! We try to get out when we can and Jack does wonderful with everything new. Monday we went to the zoo where he got to see some family and friends. He wasn't too interested in the animals, he was more interested in running around and arresting the other kids. (one of his fave things to do, since his Papaw is a cop) He gets along with all his cousins and adores each one of them!

We would like to ask for prayers because we are still working on some of Jack's medical issues. He is doing great, healthy, and never slows down, this makes for a tired Mama at the end of the day with the "extra" we have to work out. I will tell you that T.J. and I get a little overwhelmed. We have to remind ourselves of the bigger picture all the time and have faith. T.J. has a wonderful friend that gave him the perfect scripture for this saturation: Hebrews 11:6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

We have faith that God will work it all out, in the meantime we will continue to give Him the glory!! Jack is truly a blessing from God that gives so much joy to everyone he meets! Thank you all for the prayers! Love you!!

March(ish) 2015

February 27
Brandy: Jackson went in EARLY for dental surgery this morning. It was a little hard seeing him when he was waking up from the anesthesia. He cried a little bit, and kicked a little bit, but I think he did pretty well. He and Brandy are home now. Brandy said he is already riding his big wheel and playing. Brandy is actually having to hold him back a bit, because the doctor doesn't want him getting too excited today. It will be soft foods for the next day or two. No gum or sticky candy till his next set of teeth come in. He seems to be bouncing back like he always does. Let's pray he doesn't have to make any more hospital visits for a while.

February 28
We Went to the Chinese New Year Parade
Photos in album

Posted by Paul Adoption on Thursday, February 12, 2015

March 2
Brandy: Hey everyone! Brandy here! I want to write to you all a very open letter about my life now. This is hard for me however I feel like I should share. T.J. and I do not go into any of Jack's medical issue out of respect for Jack. (Jack will be grown one day and he may not want the whole world to know his personal business) However I will tell you, before you start thinking the worst, it is not life threatening or even something that holds him back any. It is something that we have to deal with daily, had to see several Drs and a hospital stay. As a new Mother I have had to step outside even more of my comfort zone and just handle what comes. You are probably wondering why I am sharing this since I am not going into details, well I am sharing this because I want you all to know that even in the hard days there has been joy! Even when I get frustrated because I question everything I am doing, God always finds a way to reassure me of my role. T.J. and I had to make a decision about Jack's day care a few months back and we both felt at peace with God telling us that I should stay at home. I went from working a 40 hour a week job that I enjoyed to staying at home with a 4 year old. At first it was so hard for me. I was not sure I could do it especially with Jack's "extra needs". Once again, I tell you this because it has made me rely on Jesus even more. I've had to step away and just cry out to Jesus for wisdom and understanding! And since we have an awesome God, He always gives me what I need. Sharing all this to you guys is hard, being so open about life can go either way with other people judging. However I got to thinking: God gave me this life, there has to be a reason. So I felt lead to share this part of the journey just in case it may help someone grow closer to God or if someone is thinking about adoption this may help with your walk towards your child. As I am writing this, scripture comes to mind: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
I always understood the words to this scripture but never really understood the MEANING. However now that I have the chance to serve my husband and son the way God needs me too, I truly get this scripture. I don't know if I would ever really "get it" if I didn't have this chance. Adoption is the true example of God's love for us and I am blessed that God chose me for this life. My cup is runneth over, yes even on those REALLY difficult days when I am unsure, (and believe me , there has been A LOT) I am still full of joy. The joy that only Jesus can give. I pray this helps with someone tonight that needs to hear that our Lord will never leave us or forsake us. I am living proof that God can take someone that is under-qualified and give them the "gifts" to do His will.

March 12

Brandy: Jack first Easter is coming up! So excited to introduce this special holiday to him and teach Jack all about JESUS being ALIVE!!!

February Followup

I haven't been super-diligent with my updates, so I thought I should let everyone know what went down in the month of February.

February 13th

Some friends that we met through church got home from China, with their new boy , Max, on Friday the 13th around 10:30PM.  I was almost at the airport when I got a text from some other friends of ours, stating that the plane had just landed.  I parked as soon as I could and ran harder than I have in far too long.  I have such a joy when I see other people taking part in the blessing that is adoption.  For me, it's especially sweet when I see someone follow the same path that we followed with Jack and hope to follow again.  Max impressed me, as he was all smiles when Jason and Haley came out with him.  As good as Jack has done with everything, even he was a little shy and reserved when he first met the welcoming committee.  I can't wait for Jack and Max to meet on March 5th.  We are on a list to take them a meal on that day.


February 15th

The family got to go to church together for the first time.  Brandy and Jack went to one of the 4 year-old's rooms, while I went to big church.  Brandy said Jack did awesome.  He was a little reserved at first, and sat back and watched the other kids, but he quickly started joining in with the singing and dancing.  Brandy said it was so wonderful to see him sing and dance for Jesus!  It won't be long before we feel comfortable to leave him in the room by himself.  Later that day, Jack got to FaceTime with his friend William again.  William is Jack's friend from China who got adopted a year ago.  One of the main things William, a 6 year-old wanted to know since the last time we talked was, "Does Jack know God?"  I can't tell you how much that excites me every time I think about it.  It also challenges me.  One of the first things on my mind with any of my friends is do they know God, and do they have a relationship with Him?  Brandy is doing such a great job with Jack in teaching him about all kinds of things, including Jesus.  I hope I will do half as good a job in teaching my son about Christ as Brandy and William's parents are doing.

February 16th

Jack had to be admitted into Blair E. Batson on Monday at 9:00AM for a procedure.  The nurses ran a tube up his nose, down his throat, and into his belly.  He was not happy at all while they were doing it.  My mom had never seen Jack so upset, so it was a hard thing for her to see.  Brandy asked both of Jack's grandmothers to leave the room and he was fine after that.  They were even able to come back in the room a little later.  I guess Jack was like me.  Sometimes, when I get in an uncomfortable situation, I want there to be as few people there to see it as possible, preferably I like to be alone.  Now, if you've met Jack, you know he is a very happy very energetic, very busy kid.  The next hardest thing had to be seeing all of that put on a leash, as the tubes that ran down his throat were connected to a machine that put medicine into his stomach.  

We want to thank all who prayed or came by to visit during this time.  Hospitals are not a very fun place to be.  Misery loves company, but in this case, it's not that we wanted you to be miserable with us, we just don't want to be miserable and alone.  At least that's not how I wanted Brandy and Jack to be.  I worked during the day, while my super-powered wife dealt with the evil Robot Medicine Machine, Captain Boredom, Dr. Awkward, and Mr. Insomnia.  In all, Jack and Brandy spent a day and a half at the hospital.  The staff at Batson is so special, and so good at what they do.  They really seemed to like Jack.  They were impressed at how well he did with everything.  They even said that he was their favorite patient while he was there.

It didn't take long for Jack to get back to his old self once they unhooked the tubes.  In the elevator, some adults were looking at Jack and kind of mentioning how cute he was.  Jack took notice of this and started showing off and acting all cute, and they ate it up.  It didn't stop there.  Brandy, Jack, and my mom went to the China Buffet in front of Wal-Mart in Pearl.  There were three waitresses there who seemed really excited to see a little Asian boy come in.  They started talking to him in Mandarin, and even made him some Origami birds.  My mom said the three ladies basically stared at Jack and watched him the whole time they were there.  When I got home from work, Jack was home and going 90 to nothing like he'd never been to the doctor.

February 22nd

This is a FB post from Brandy

Convo with Jack while eating dinner:

Jack - Ma, you happy?
Me - Yes, baby very much! Are you happy?
Jack (looking down, frowning with his hand on his forehead) No, Ma, I not happy.
Me - Why? (trying not to laugh at him for being SO dramatic)
Jack - Budders ate mine food. (pointing to his empty plate that he ate)

Wondering if this is his new way of asking for more food! Blaming sweet Butters while she is sleeping on the couch!

Unnaturally Natural

We were not prepared for this.  We took the required twelve hours of adoption training from our agency.  We talked to a lot of adoption experts.  We were ready for Jack to be cold and unloving toward us.  We were sure he would have problems adjusting to the new culture.  What we were not prepared for, was a sweet, loving little boy who acts like he's been here the whole time.


We have been so busy since our last blog update.  Jack has been to quite a few doctors appointments.  He even made a friend at Batson's where we met his specialist.  Apparently, she likes to be organized as much as Jack, so they lined up all these chairs right in the path of where everyone needed to walk.

We have gotten great reports from all of the doctors, except for his dentist.  Jack will have to go in for surgery at the end of February.  His teeth are in bad shape, but is something we kind of expected.  Dental care was not one of Jack's top priorities before we got him.  Depending on how he feels after surgery, he may miss the Chinese New Year parade in downtown Jackson the next day.

We have had a few pretty days mixed in with all the cold ones we have been having.  We've enjoyed a few trips to the park.  Jack thinks it's so awesome to swing with, "No hands!"

It makes me so happy at how much Jack loves us already.  He especially loves Brandy, but who could blame him.  He's got the best mom any kid could ask for, adopted or not.

Jack hadn't seen his Meemaw for about two weeks, because she had been sick.  You should have seen how excited he was when he saw her and went running to her.

Brandy's mom and dad got Jack a swing set for Christmas.  I finally got the back yard cleaned up enough, and we had a pretty day, so everyone came over and put it up.  He's already fallen asleep in this thing twice.

Mimi brought a pillow back with her from her trip to Atlanta to see family.  My Aunt Betty made this pillow for Jack, but he had to fight Butters for it.  Aunt Betty said she should have made two, but she forgot we had two children.

We were told that Jack liked to sing songs.  Our guide, Yisha, one of our guides in China, even tested him on a few Chinese songs, and he knew a bunch of them.  He's continued his love for songs with us.  We've been hearing Happy Birthday, Emma (his cousin) for three weeks now.  Here is his rendition of "Itsy Bitsy Spider."  If you listen at the end, you might get a laugh, because a bubbling noise comes up in the water, he looks dead at me, and says, "Lababa!", which means poop in Chinese. 

As I said, Jack has been doing awesome.  Brandy and I are sure that our next adoption is bound to be a nightmare, because we don't deserve to be having such a smooth transition.  God has shown me so many things through this adoption that I have a hard time trying to describe.  Thank you for all of your prayers.  I just know they have played a part in how well things have gone.  We have been truly blessed.  We simply answered a call from God to adopt this child.  We knew we couldn't do it unless we put all our trust in Him, and He has shown that He is big enough.

Jack Likes to Mow It Mow It

Below is the end of the last blog update:

Since Christmas and New Year's, we have just been settling into our new life, and trying to figure out our new routine.  Tomorrow, January 10, Brandy and I will attempt to go on our first date without Jack since the adoption.  Say a prayer that Jack does not get too freaked out about us leaving.  Hopefully his cousins will keep him entertained enough to where he doesn't miss us too bad.  Next Wednesday, Jack goes in for his first visit with his pediatrician.  Pray that everything goes well there, and that we are able to take him outside a bit more once he's had some vaccines.  Please keep praying for us, and please come visit us sometime.  Jack is so friendly and ready to meet you.  While you are at it, pray for some warmer weather.  Brandy, Jack, and I are so ready for some Spring weather.  It's been tough having to stay cooped up so much.

I just want to thank God for some prayers answered, and give a short update on the fam.  

JoAnna came over on Saturday with the kids, and we got to go on our date.  Jo says Jack didn't even ask about us.  That morning we distracted him with a bath while Brandy went to Wal-Mart.  It was only the second time he had been without her.  He did great both times.

There is an obvious language barrier when there is a two-year-old and a boy who speaks Chinese, but there is no fun barrier.  Although, Jack does look annoyed in this photo.

Please, Brandy, let me give him a mohawk.

Date prayer answered Saturday.  Outside prayer answered Sunday.

He looks good in a hat.

We tried to prepare ourselves for a kid who was afraid of grass and had never been outside.  We weren't prepared for a kid who loves to ride on the lawn mower.  He practically fell asleep in my arms.

Not only does Jack like to mow it, but he likes to move it move it, too.  You can see that a fall and bump is no deterrent to shaking his rump.

We still have the pediatrician appointment on Wednesday, but Brandy had to make another appointment for Tuesday.  The mommy radar had been going off, because Brandy noticed something that smelled like metal.  She figured out it was Jack's breath, and I thought it might be a sign of a cavity or an infected gum.  Mommy radar was proven right when Jack had a piece of tooth fall out of his mouth while coloring.  He goes to the dentist today, and pediatrician tomorrow.  Jack's done great with everything else so far, but we are concerned parents, and pray he stays tough throughout the next couple of days.

Jack Says Thank You

First, I should have done this a long time ago, but you can get updates on our blog through email by looking at the top right of the blog.

Jackson has been getting so many presents.  Ever since we got home on December 20th, we have been jokingly telling him, "It won't be like this every day."  This past Friday, January 2nd, I think the flow of gifts finally stopped......for now.

On January 2nd, we got a box delivered that was addressed from William McNeill to Jack Paul.  William is Jack's friend who was adopted a year ago.  We actually got to FaceTime with William and his family a few days ago.  The McNeill's have been such an encouragement to us.  William's dad first called us the day before we left for China.  He told us how much his son has missed Jack, and shared their experience from when they went to get William.  It helped prepare us and the fact that they have been praying for us was so uplifting.  William's mom recently shared with Brandy about her first year, and it is so eerie how much Brandy's experience is a paralleled to hers.  Needless to say, we thank God for the McNeill's.

Jack was especially thankful on Friday.  There were so many little happies in the package from William, but a few stood out to me.  I don't know if William just GETS Jack, or if he has been keeping up with our posts about Jack to the point he knew exactly what to get him.

The number one item in the box was Ultraman.  If you followed our posts in China, Jack was over the moon when I bought him a Ultraman figure.  There are quite a few funny stories that went along with that action figure.  Jack's sheer excitement was something I'll never forget.  Then, there was the night where Jack, out of nowhere, tossed Ultraman in the river before we went on the river cruise in Guangzhou.  Our guide Kathy explained he wouldn't get it back, and he was totally fine with it.  I couldn't believe it after he was so excited to get it.  Then, I was sad because I thought, maybe he wasn't worried because he's never really had his own toys that he could keep.  Another Ultraman story is literally a sore subject for Brandy.  After Ultraman became Aquaman, there was still a large sword left that came with the toy.  One particularly frustrating night was topped off when Jack asked for his Ultraman sword as Brandy laid him down for bed.  Being the nice mom she is, Brandy handed the sword to Jack.  As she laid him down, he jabbed the sword up her nose.  As Brandy yelled in pain, she looked down to see Jack smiling.  He knew he hurt Mama, and he thought it was funny.  Needless to say, it was a while before Brandy could laugh about it.  The sword soon mysteriously disappeared.  Until William's package arrived, we thought we'd never see Ultraman again.

Jack got several more items including a Cars bubble maker and a Lightning McQueen that has become Jack's favorite toy car.

He also got a LeapFrog movie and several more items.  I had been saying for several days that I needed to get him an airplane, because he kept talking about them ever since we flew on one in China.  Well, you can see in the picture above that William came through for Jack on that one.

Thank you so much to all who brought or sent Jack gifts.  He is enjoying everything so much, and it has truly helped him enjoy his new home.  Thank you so much to all of you who have been following us on our journey.  It's been so much easier knowing we have not been going through this alone.  When we set out on what God was calling us, we had no idea what we were in for.  Every step of the way, we have trusted His perfect will.  God is teaching us more about Himself every day.  God has blessed us so much already.

Since Christmas and New Year's, we have just been settling into our new life, and trying to figure out our new routine.  Tomorrow, January 10, Brandy and I will attempt to go on our first date without Jack since the adoption.  Say a prayer that Jack does not get too freaked out about us leaving.  Hopefully his cousins will keep him entertained enough to where he doesn't miss us too bad.  Next Wednesday, Jack goes in for his first visit with his pediatrician.  Pray that everything goes well there, and that we are able to take him outside a bit more once he's had some vaccines.  Please keep praying for us, and please come visit us sometime.  Jack is so friendly and ready to meet you.  While you are at it, pray for some warmer weather.  Brandy, Jack, and I are so ready for some Spring weather.  It's been tough having to stay cooped up so much.

First Days: Brandy's Perspective

Hey everyone! This is Brandy, I have left the updates mostly to TJ however I wanted to share from my POV on everything that is Jack. Jackson James is doing extremely well considering how his life has changed. His English is coming along to where he can communicate to us what he needs/wants. We watch Danial Tiger, Curious George (monkey, as he calls it), he loves the movie Madagascar (he will start to sing "I like to move it, move it" when he wants to watch it) and we also sing a lot of nursery rhymes to help with his English. He does not mind my horrible singing voice either.  The first couple of weeks Jack would eat whatever we put in front of him and a lot of it! He has started to be more picky about what he eats. I was told that is a good sign because he knows he will always get food now. Also he is not eating as much. He gives the best hugs and kisses too. He will come up to me and say "I lobe wuv so much!" with a kiss. (melt heart) He does test us to see where the boundaries are, which we would think something was wrong if he didn't. He test TJ more than me for whatever reason. They have had some stand off and I am happy to report that the parents have won them all so far! LOL He is sleeping awesome. The last couple of night he has slept through the whole night. If you could see my face when I say that you would see pure joy! However a few night back he had a sleep of night terrors, crying and fighting in his sleep. I just sat with him talking to him in soothing tones and touches. I don't know if he knew if I were there or not however it did seem to help. Hopefully that was just one night and like I said he has been doing GREAT other than that one night. I feel like he is learning what a Mama and Daddy are and that we are that to him. He does not call anybody else Mama like he did before and he knows to come to us is he needs/wants something. When we first got home if Jack got hurt he would not tell me. I would find a bruise on his head. etc and have no idea what happen! Now he comes to me, for the most part, if he just trips. I think he likes having someone to run to just for a hug. Jack does not like for me to leave him. I tries to go to church a couple of Sunday ago, he stood by the door and would not let me leave. Even though I wanted church something bad and thought that TJ and him could use some time together I listen to motherly gut and did not go. I felt like it was too soon, I want him to feel secure in me. Howevr I did leave him this last Sunday for about 15 mins to go to the gro. store just to pick a few things. TJ said he was upset but TJ and him went outside to play until I came home so he was happy for the most part. We will just do it in baby steps. For my health and sanity this Saturday TJ and I are going on a date. We will be home in time to put Jack to bed. TJ and I just NEED some us time. Jack and I cannot get out much until we see the DR and with the flu being so bad we are trying to make the best out of our home. So if anybody has any ideas of fun stuff to do for a 4 year old at home please let me know. I know this long however I wanted to fill you all in! To God be the Glory!! He has brought us such a wonderful little boy and we thank him everyday!

Brandy

Jack's 1st Christmas & New Year

In the days since Jack has first arrived home, he has been adapting to his new life like a champ.  Only four days after coming home, Jack got to experience Junk Food Night with Brandy's family.  It didn't take long for us to feel the shift of favoritism immediately transfer to the grandson/nephew.  We also got to go to the land in Star and Uncle Mark's house on Christmas Day.  Over the past few days, Jack has been getting more presents than I think Brandy and I ever got combined.  He hasn't been corrupted yet, so he loves everything from pajamas to his electric car.

I mentioned earlier about Jack adjusting so well. He's already started to push the limits with Mama and Daddy.  In this picture, Brandy told him he couldn't eat in the living room, and had to eat in the dining room.  He's already living on the edge.

Just a few days before New Year's, Jack got his first haircut from Bizzy in Star.  As with everything else, he did awesome.  He has been such a big boy handling everything from his physical in China to his haircut in Star.

Jack got to spend some time with his cousin, Emma, at the Mississippi Children's Museum.

New Year's was very different for the Paul family this year.  We decided not to interrupt his sleep schedule, so the three of us opted to stay home on New Year's Eve.  Jack went to bed around his regular time, so Brandy and I could stay up and celebrate the New Year with just the two of us.  We put on a movie, and I passed out around 9:30.  Brandy stayed up a little later, but we were both out early enough to be wakened by fireworks around 11:45.  I asked Brandy if she wanted to stay up for fifteen minutes to bring in the New Year.  She responded with a grunt, so we both went back to bed.

This is how we spent New Year's

Two of the sweetest moments for me came through two FaceTime phone calls we made with Jack.  The first call was the Sunday after Christmas.  A friend of Jack who is now named William has been telling his parents that the thing he misses most about China is Jack.  William got to see and talk to his friend for the first time since he was adopted a year ago.  William's family, who lives in Tennessee has been praying for Jack.  William even got to pray for Jack just before we said goodbye. 

Another good friend of Jack's is Mr. Dave Woodhouse.  He is a man from Canada, who makes yearly mission trips to Maria's Big House of Hope, where he first met Jack.  We all got to talk to Mr. Dave on New Year's Day.  Dave is a very special man, and Jack means more to him than we may ever know.  He seemed very happy that Jack was a part of our family. 

We are up to the challenge of loving Jack in a way that gives his friends happiness and peace.  Both of Jack's FaceTime phone calls were very special to the people who got to see him, but it was very special for me as well.  It toasts my heart to know that Jack has had people that have loved him even before he entered our lives.