The last few weeks have been emotional overload. Overload to the point it has been difficult to sort through my thoughts without just on purpose taking time to get away…which I have not done. Each member of our family and so many friends have worked hard to prepare for today. Last night at 11:30pm, Terminal T at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Aleks arrived! Wow, the gamut of emotions, questions and excitement as we waited for Aleks to appear walking down that hall from the terminal. The day is here…he is here! The day we have long awaited for. As we hugged and greeted Aleks it was almost surreal yet such peace…he’s really here. Just a few hours earlier we were able to welcome Matt & Christy Brogden home with their new daughter, Charis, from China. What an incredible joy, yet only to continue with the welcoming of Aleks.
As we made out way out of the airport, Aleks was ready to go! He walks as fast as I do which made it difficult for Cindy and Nana to keep up.The car ride home was a bit more quiet since everyone was exhausted but it was also a time of checking each other out and trying to figure out what the other was thinking. Awkward but funny within a moment. Once we got home we showed Aleks around the house and his room to familiarize him with everything. We went through our normal routine of praying together as a family before the girls headed off to bed. Cindy, Aleks and I spent another hour sitting in his room chatting and beginning to communicate. He wanted to check everything out and play with as much as he could. When it was time for laying down in bed, Chip our Dachshund became Aleks best friend. This gave Chip the access to sleep with Aleks and the two quickly fell asleep together.
Today was incredible. We played together. Went to Chick-fil-a together (his favorite place to eat), went shopping together (for clothes and shoes that fit), rode bikes, played soccer, played basketball, had a huge water fight, met new friends and family. Today was great as we just laughed, talked, sang and played together. Yes, Aleks has an abundance of energy! But it needs to also be noted that Aleks has very good English skills. He understands most everything…and can say nearly as much (if he chooses to). As we tucked each of the kids in tonight it was evident that each was happy and truly excited about our new family structure. Aleks was the last one we tucked into bed and once again we spent more time just talking about the day. We were both honest that we were a little scared of the unknown since we didn’t really know each other until last night. What would the other think…would he/they like me? This all got washed away when I told Aleks that I love him…a huge smile broke across his face and he answered…”yes”.
Good-night…
