Tuesday, October 19, 2010

We First Saw His Face.....

A year ago, we first saw his face, our Luke's sweet face, that is. 



It's so hard to believe that it was a year ago that we fell in love with that face, and it seemed like forever then until we could bring him home and cover him with hugs and kisses. 

Sometimes we look at him now, and can't hardly believe that we have him with us.  It just seems like such a miracle and although people say Luke's blessed to be in our family, the truth is that we are the ones that feel blessed. 



Has it been easy or perfect?  Definitely not.  We can tell we're older this go around with a 2 year old.  There have been different issues with his adjusting and us doing whatever it takes to make sure he feels secure, as well as us just finding a new normal.  But then one little hug or kiss with a "I lub you mama", and it's hard to remember all of the trials.  

Last year this time, we were praying for him and now he's praying with us!  He likes to pull us together and (sort of) bow his head,kind of leaving one eye open while he prays about every English word he can think of.  He doesn't like to be left out or leave anyone or anything out of a prayer.  :) 

Just this past weekend, I took him to the bathroom, and while we were in there, he said, "Mama, you are SO cute." (imagine him saying it very quickly up to the so and holding the SO out a just a bit).  Do you have any idea how that melted my heart?   I guess he's heard that from us a little often?  :)



Last year on this day, October 19th, as we were getting ready to go out for dinner, the phone rang.  It was Xiaoqing, the wonderful China SNs adoption coordinator of BAAS, with Luke's referral.  We had her lock his file that night while we reviewed it and consulted the medical issues with doctors.  Two days later, we sent in our Letter of Intent to adopt (LOI) and just 6 days later, we received our Pre-adoption Approval (PA).  That was when we were able to share his picture with you all and boy were we thrilled!  And tomorrow will be the anniversary of the day we met him face to face in Hohhot, China for our Forever Family Day.  Four months tomorrow was the day.......June 20th (Father's Day).  Can you believe he's been home with us four months already?

If you'd like to read (or re-read) the story of how we knew he was ours, you can click here.



I'm thanking God today that he chose to bring Luke into our family and that he entrusted us with this precious little boy, who makes us laugh everyday and covers us with hugs and kisses.  :)

18 comments:

Audrey said...

God is good!! Luke truly is a blessing . Such a sweet little fellow.I agree with him, Momma you are so cute!!

Carmen S. said...

Gosh it does NOT seem like that long ago Tammy! He sure is a handsome lil' guy and I love the pumpkins they carved:) Enjoy the day!!!!

Sharon said...

It sure does not seem like it has been that long since you showed us his pic.
You are truly blessed and so his he.
God is good!!
Hugs to all

At Home With Amy said...

You can see the joy and happiness in Lukes eyes when he is with you, Jason and the kids. God made no mistake here by sending Luke to be part of your family Tammy. Wishing you many happy days with you little munchkin.
Hugs,
AMY

horse loving lineman's wife said...

OMG, this post brought tears to my eyes! Also, made me reflect on the very first time I saw my Janie, she was two, and is 18 now...ok tearing up again! Have a great day and thank you so much for sharing!!

Wendi said...

A special day that will always be etched on your heart. Enjoy every moment, as you know it goes by much to fast!

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

Tammy,
I am so happy you have shared this joy with all of us.
I am happy that Luke has filled your lives with activity and your hearts with love.
I, too, would melt to hear his compliments. You better get used to that. I think he is going to be an all-around charmer.
God has certainly blessed your family with Luke and our hearts with your sharing.
Love you, Tammy!
★Linda★

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

he has changed so much in such a sort amount of time..and he is just adorable..;) happy anniversary.:)

Lois Christensen said...

What I notice is how happy he looks in the recent pictures!! Happy memories!

Mandy said...

I can't believe it has been a year!

I consider it a privilege to have met that sweet little guy (as well as you and Joy) in person!

Hugs and blessings to all of you!

Never So Simple said...

I remember us both counting down untl June. My how much things can change in a year. Luke is precious and I love everything you write about him, Joy, and Colt!

Donna

Donna~One Simple Country Girl said...

Tammy,
Reading this brought tears to my eyes. Luke is so precious and I know your heart just fills with love and joy every time you look at his sweet little face. Seems like he has grown leaps and bounds in such a short time! Thank you for sharing this special journey with us.
Hugs to you and Luke (and the rest of your family!),
Donna

Dawn said...

Tammy, you blessed me with this post from one forever mother to another!

Hollie said...

Luke is such a precious child! you all are so blessed to have one another! God is indeed Good! I enjoyed reading about the adoption process with Luke in the earlier entry!

Simple Home said...

It's been so wonderful to go with your family on this journey and to be a part of the prayer process. Luke has blessed us all too, and so has your whole family. Oh, and, he's so cute!!
Blessings,
Marcia

Melissa said...

What a beautiful post...for remembering such a special day. Such a special little boy.

Blessed Beyond said...

WOW, God is so good!!! What a blessing!!! I'm so happy for yall! He is precious!!! And you can see it in his eyes, to just be so happy with his forever family!!!!
Hugs and Blessings,

Farming On Faith said...

OH I am so rejoicing with you. He is just beautiful and I know the years will prove to be a blessing to both your family and Luck. It so reminds of me of our adoption into God's family.
What a wonderful story~
You have a lovely day!