Happy Anniversary

I can't even start to believe it...today represents one month since we have met Liam! In the same breath I tell you that it feels like he has been with us for his lifetime. China feels like forever away. I can't believe that 32 days ago my emotions were all over the place. It is so ironic that God led my heart to adoption well before Steve's but that it was my husband that fell head over heels in love with Liam first. Here it is one month later and my heart swells with love for Liam as it does for Lauren, Jenna and Ryan. Sometimes I feel so much love for these four that my heart physically aches.

Liam has fit in with our family routine so absolutely perfectly. He easily reaches out to our 3 kids but still looks for mom and dad for love and comfort. On the homefront, things couldn't be better. We are working to find the balance, however, on introducing Liam to the rest of the world. Our initial plan before travel was to wait a full month (at least) before we began the introductions. Tomorrow we will have been home for only 3 weeks. However, once we saw how easy going this little guy was we thought we could start sooner. Liam has made it clear that he has his own terms for meeting the rest of the world. He has shown that he likes meeting only a few people for short periods in his own home. He prefers if you just happen to be playing by his side and to date won't reach his arms out to anyone except the 5 of us. My dad and Steve's mom briefly held him (along with the driver, Zhou back in Changsha LOL) However, he surprised us on Lauren's birthday and pleasantly sat on Bailey's lap (family friend)...it was the only way Bailey was going to share the play cash register and he must have recognized he would have to sit with her to get to play. They were both very happy with the compromise! I think this part is as hard on us as anything. We so desperately can't wait for everyone to see just how sweet and funny he is. However, we cannot lose sight of the last 29 months of his life. He has been through more than any of us will have to suffer through and when you know his entire background it only makes sense that he will be slow to trust and slow to reveal his entire personality.

Now that he is home, Love Withouth Boundaries http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/
has been able to release his files to us. What we have learned has made us love him even more if that is possible. We are so incredibly thankful that this organization exists. The alternative for Liam's life is unthinkable. Enough said.

Liam had his therapy evaluation June 11th. This is going to become a HUGE part of our lives. We were so blessed as we LOVE the therapist that came to see him. Her name is Lisa. We learned that after our service coordinator met us she called and coaxed Lisa to add one more family to her busy schedule because she just knew Lisa would love Liam. Liam couldn't have worked any harder than he did the day she evaluated him. He gave her his best effort for 1.5 hours. It seemed as though he knew he had his own work to do that day. We received her report and as we expected he is very physically delayed. She evaluated 5 areas. He did best in the 'social-emotional' category with an age equivalent of 25 months. His physical development score was an age equivalent of 10 months. I debated on whether to share that number. I never want anyone to think less of his potential or to expect less of him. But mostly, we want your prayers and bold prayers at that. Lisa asked me our goals for Liam. At that moment I recalled my own prayer but for someone else. Our pastor gave a message a while back about God's desire for us to have bold prayers. He encouraged us to dare to pray boldly. Our pastor has 3 beautiful daughters. Their oldest has involved cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound. That same day and ever since my bold prayer is that this sweet little girl would be able to climb the stairs of the slide and get her own self situated to slide herself down. Who knew a year later that would be the same prayer I would have for my own son. We ask all of you to include Liam in your own prayer life and thank you.

Our next big step is Liam's appointment next Tuesday with the international adoption MD. We were told the appointment will last between 2 to 3 hours. This is the first doctor we will have met with since having Liam in our arms. (we don't exactly count the 'doctor' in China that squeaked a rubber duck in his ear). Anyway, we are excited to hear her opinion. We only have record of Liam receiving 6 of his immunizations and so they will draw his blood to see if he had shots that weren't recorded. Unfortunately, we don't think he received them and we will have to play catch up.

This coming week I am also beyond excited as a wonderful friend, Amy, who I have met through this journey will be traveling to China to meet her precious daughter, Ruby. I can't wait to experience China through her eyes.

Thanks to everyone for your encouraging words, your caring for Liam and mostly for your prayers.
With much love,
Paige, Steve, Lauren, Jenna, Ryan and Liam

Liam and Ryan form a bond over Hot Wheels

Even the big kids like Liam's sensory box

Jenna and Liam

Liam's first lollipop-he shared with Jenna, Lauren and mommy

Liam's first library story hour for 2 year olds-he learned all about farm animals

Lauren and Liam

Ta Da -- Could I be any cuter?