One week

Wow, what a difference in one week! Sam continues to amaze  us with how he has so easily adjusted into our family! He is happy and full of energy. He eats everything we've offered and doesn't fuss much. He is allowing Jon to hold him more, but must be holding my hand! He only likes to take a bath if Brooks gets in with him. His speech is difficult to discern, but he mimics sounds exactly. We've figured out he is saying things like thank you, Emily, daddy, no, mama, gugu (brother) based on sounds. We expect that once his palate is repaired that he will make more sense. His understanding of English is amazing! We are in complete awe of the little guy and feel so blessed that God chose us to be his family! HIS love never fails.

Our travel group has 11 adoptive families that are awesome. We had the chance to gather in a small play room this afternoon to worship together. Our stories were all different, but at the core we all had the same theme...obedience to answering the call.  We've met people adopting 2 children at once, some on their 4th/5th adoptions, others like us...first adoptions. I get all misty eyed each morning at breakfast as I walk past table after table of adoptive families. It's so moving to see firsthand what love can do! As we closed in prayer, it was requested that all of our families would go back and be a witness to the great need for families for these precious children. There are so many in need!  So, I'm asking you now, would you consider asking Him how you can help with the orphan crisis? The harvest is plentiful!

Medical exam

We took Sam for his medical exam today. They did a full body exam which he did not enjoy. He let the doctor know how he felt about it. He was good for the ENT and ended with a TB screening test. He didn't cry When they put the needle in. It is crazy to see a kid with no understanding of pain. He has cracked his head and done things that make me hurt and he hasn't even whimpered. I know this will change as he learns from his siblings. He did run into the wall today and said "wow" with a giggle. He continues to test boundaries and we are learning how much a toddler can get into and FAST! So thankful to have Emily and Brooks with us. They are doing so great with him!

Walls coming down

Wow! The walls are coming down. Sam is full throttle giggles, squeals, and high energy. We have had to work for smiles, but not any more! Even when we went to the museum today, he was more comfortable. He missed his nap because we were out layer than expected and what a mistake. He was so wound up that he was showing some behaviors of hitting, spitting, and kicking. We joked that we should ask you to stop praying for him to come out of his shell because he is out!!! So now we are trying to teach him how to be gentle and love his family. He is talking so much and he spoke his first English word..."no" because he heard it about a hundred times today! We are learning to not let him overdo his playing like this evening...his hernia was causing him some pain. All it took was some quiet TLC and a warm bottle to calm him right down. We will get him all fixed up as soon as we get home. Not sure if I've even mentioned his special need, but he has a bilateral cleft lip and palate. His palate is still open and I was nervous about his eating. Not an issue at all. I've cut bigger holes in the bottle and sippy cup for him and he eats like a champ!

Zoo and 5 Spring Park

Sam slept 8:30-7:30 in his bed! He woke up once and I said "momma's here" and we went back to sleep. He woke up so happy with lots of smiles. Then we bundled him up in 3 layers of pants, 3 shirts, puffy coat, hat and gloves and went to the zoo and park. It was a chilly 15 degrees! He wasn't phased by the cold, but Emily was! Skinny girl and not enough layers! :-) Sam weighs 30 pounds and is built like a tight end! We enjoyed getting out, even in the freezing cold. Sam continues to be nervous when we leave the room, but we know it is building trust that we won't leave him. I've had our guide tell him that I won't leave him ever. I can't imagine what he is thinking. So many changes...
While touring the zoo, the kids got to ride a camel. Quite funny! The leopard cubs loved Emily's bright hat and chased her down the fence line. Many locals were amused. Brooks did a little Tai Chi in the park. We have been followed by locals asking us where we are from and how we have a Chinese baby. Our guide has taught us some mandarin so we can respond. They react very positively and are kind with warm wishes for Sam.
Sam is amazing...naps well, potty trained, eats good amounts (not over eating which is typical). We are so amazed at how blessed we are. We fully understand that hard days are ahead, but we are soaking up these moments.

Gotcha!

They brought him to us and he was scared. He tried to be so tough, but as he figured out they were leaving it was game over. Heartbroken, all of the Franklin's were crying as we hurt so much for him. We then had to load him in a car and drive to get his passport photo. Well, they needed him to stop crying and for his mouth to be closed...fat chance! Finally, they decided that one of the photos would suffice. He kept crying until we gave him yogurt with straw. Then we returned to hotel for paperwork. Sam played with all his toys, but was so serious and guarded. He went to bed in the pack and play, but ended up in bed with us after he woke up looking for his crib mates. He never cried, just looked on both sides of the bed. Well, I may regret it, but I put him in bed with us. He called out "mama" when I got up...melted my heart.

Day 2: Sam is serious. He is so tough and brave. We are a family that is not so serious, so i decided that we needed to lighten the mood. I began throwing his hat at him and he melted into a fit of giggles that had us all in the palm of his hand. He does get scared and puts up walls any time we leave the room. When we went to sign papers, the orphanage directors kept trying to hold him and he pushed them away. Again, points with mom! This boy knows what's up! He was so loved and well taken care of and we are eternally grateful to all who loved him until we could get to him. Oh, he's potty trained...BONUS! Bonding is going great. He prefers me but will let Dad give him a bottle. Gotta run! Hope to post again soon!

Shepherd's Field

We made it in last night. We are spending today loving on kids at Shepherd's Field. Love this place! Emily and Brooks amazed me at how they just jumped right in with these kids! My prayer was that they would see them with God's eyes. For those that don't know...Shepherds field is a wonderful village providing care for special needs children. There are so many new faces which is great because so many have forever families!
Speaking of forever families...tomorrow is our day. We fly to Lanzhou in the morning. Still can't believe it's happening!!! Blessings!!!

Thanksgiving lunch

We are Atlanta airport. Boys just had the Varsity and girls had Pei Wei. Best thanksgiving lunch! Now to board and fly 15 hours! Ahh, Dramamine for dessert!