However, it hasn't always been easy. We read all the books, watched all the videos and went to conferences that spoke of the "not so rosy" side of adoption. We prepared for the worst. We were ready to play attachment games with our son to make him feel safe and secure with us as his parents and we are so glad we prepared as much as we did. We were excited but still very nervous when it came time to pick up Claudy and finally bring him home. We just didn't know what to expect. He is five and we are taking him from all he's ever known and we were about to tread on unchartered waters.
So, as you can all guess or already know, it was amazing to see him and know that he was coming home with us. The airport was an adventure for him and he had a ball!! He seemed comfortable with us and was having so much fun. Lots of smiles and laughs. We arrived home at one in the morning, our other three kids gave a warm welcome and sleepy hugs then off to bed.
The first week Claudy seemed confused and a little scared. Definitely to be expected, but still took us by surprise because of how energetic and happy he seemed on the journey home. With lots of family games, activities, hugs and cuddles, grace and understanding, he slowly began to pull out of that fog. Each week something new and challenging would arise, but with lots of hugs, cuddles, paying close attention to teachable moments, grace and understanding, he would be his amazing self and do his best to learn and trust. This pattern still continues to this day as he grows more comfortable with us. Note that I wrote hugs and cuddles, grace and understanding twice. You cannot do this without those things. It's impossible. ;)
Claudy also loves to give affection and is a very nurturing little boy. We will see him be independent and strong but there are many times throughout our days that he just needs to be held, and held tightly. He thrives on that touch only a momma and daddy can give and we are more than happy to oblige. We are blessed to see first hand how God is healing this little boy. We are so happy that we decided to do an older child adoption……we wouldn't change a thing. Every child deserves the love of a family in their corner. We are honored to call him our son.
The first week Claudy seemed confused and a little scared. Definitely to be expected, but still took us by surprise because of how energetic and happy he seemed on the journey home. With lots of family games, activities, hugs and cuddles, grace and understanding, he slowly began to pull out of that fog. Each week something new and challenging would arise, but with lots of hugs, cuddles, paying close attention to teachable moments, grace and understanding, he would be his amazing self and do his best to learn and trust. This pattern still continues to this day as he grows more comfortable with us. Note that I wrote hugs and cuddles, grace and understanding twice. You cannot do this without those things. It's impossible. ;)
Claudy also loves to give affection and is a very nurturing little boy. We will see him be independent and strong but there are many times throughout our days that he just needs to be held, and held tightly. He thrives on that touch only a momma and daddy can give and we are more than happy to oblige. We are blessed to see first hand how God is healing this little boy. We are so happy that we decided to do an older child adoption……we wouldn't change a thing. Every child deserves the love of a family in their corner. We are honored to call him our son.
We are still adjusting and figuring things out but we couldn't be happier. Claudy understands so much English now and he is saying more and more things so it's nice to be able to communicate with him. We can say that we love him and he knows and he says he loves us too. He is hilarious, an amazing dancer and very musically inclined. He loves to draw, sing and wrestle with his "brudder" and Papa. He is as smart as a whip and has a HUGE personality. I look at all my kids and think that we couldn't possibly be any more blessed. <3
