Sunday, October 5, 2008

A smile to melt your heart

Wow, the difference really is like night and day.

Last night, we had a cranky, scared and confused "I don't want to be with you people" little boy, and today we had our first smiles and even a few laughs.

Once he finally went to sleep last night he slept until about 5 a.m., which is early for him (the orphanage says he sleeps to 6:30 a.m.). Of course, it didn't much matter Violet and I both were up. So we changed his diaper and played with him some.

Violet bought him this cute little flashlight. It's a horse and when you push the horse's tail his mouth opens and the light comes on. He also whinnies. Jacob loves it. He got such a kick out of playing with it. That's when we got our first smile.

At breakfast, this kid ate like a pig. He ate some of his Cheerios, some sausage, some eggs, some noodles, some congee, some bacon, some fried potatoes — you get the idea. Silly us forgot the orphanage had said he can feed himself with a spoon, so we were busy shoveling the food in. Then, he reached out and grabbed the spoon and started feeding himself his congee. It was so good just to sit there and watch him eat.

After breakfast, we had to go to Shaanxi Province civil affairs to do the paperwork we need to take care of here and pay all of our fees. We also had to get photos taken too, our first family portrait and Jacob's passport photo. He handled all of that like a champ. He just sat and ate Cheerios at first. This kid likes to know where all his Cheerios are at all times! If he drops one, he has to find it before he can continue on. It's so cute.

Violet pretty much got stuck with all the official duties with the various officials while I babysat. We got our first laughs from Jacob while Violet was answering questions from some official. Jake kept flipping his snack holder and laughed a few times. I may have egged him on a little. LOL

He got a little cranky near the end because he needed a diaper change and he was getting tired.

Thank goodness the orphanage brought him to us with a pretty decent pair of shoes (and they are NOT pink!!!! LOL) because all the shoes we brought with us are WAYYYYY to big. The foot sizes they gave us obviously were not accurate. So, after we make one more official stop at the passport office this afternoon, we are going shopping.

OK, enough words. Now take a look at this photo. Isn't that the most beautiful smile ever!



We call this one "You people are amateurs. This is how I eat."

23 comments:

Wei J's Mama said...

That's so great! What a sweet smile. He looks so comfortable already - you're off to a great start!

And BTW, my guy is *still* eating like that. :)

Deb&John said...

Oh my gosh guys Jake is so cute. You all need to hurry home.He's a lefty just like Bobby. Have fun shopping with him.
Deb

Mom and Dad said...

Mom and Dad said

WOW WHAT A SMILE. Sounds like he is a eager eater. Shall a install a lock on your Fridg? Ha Ha. Can't wait until you all get home. Love you.

Julianne said...

Congratulations Kevin, Violet and Jacob! What a beautiful family. It's such an amazing experience, isn't it? Enjoy every minute. And if your little man is anything like our Lily, he'll be eating non-stop for a good 3-4 months!:o)

holly k said...

We are so relieved and happy for your family! I just knew you would know the joy of his smiles and laughter soon! We are so glad! His smile sure is beautiful! He is Adorable!
We have been praying for you every day!

Love from The Krupinski Family

Bob, Holly Taya Faith Fumiao, and soon..Grace LiPing Noel (Dang Liping.)

Unknown said...

Hey Kevin and Violet. United Church is so blessed to be able to see answered prayers. Kevin your mom was ear to ear smiles through the whole service and I know can not wait to spoil this beautiful grandchild.

It is a blessing to know that Jacob will be raised in a home that is blessed by God. I know that you two are cherishing each moment and by the smiles on your son’s face he is blessed.

We will continue to pray you through the process. I can not wait to see family photos. Kevin, the self photos (like on the great wall) might require longer arms to get all three of you in.

Blessings, Pastor Gene

Unknown said...

Like a typical 2-year-old -- crabby one day -- angelic the next. Couldn't wait to get up and see how your first full day went.
I can just see Violet trying to get the paperwork done while Kevin has all the fun. I have a feeling Kevin's going to be egging him on and getting himeself (and Jake) in trouble for years to come!
Keep the updates coming!

Tracy said...

But hey - it's not babysitting when it's your kid! LOL :)

Congrats - I love how he is coming out of his shell.

Special K said...

What a smile! He's so precious. Congrats and best wishes!!!!!

Vive...rie...ama said...

He is way too cute;). I am so glad he is feeling better today!! I bet every day he will be laughing and smiling more and more! What a sweetie pie!!!

Cindy said...

Kevin -- I can hear the pride and love in your words. I'm sure seeing that smile was a relief after the first day. There will be more smiles and even more tears to come; but, you and Violet are on your way to changing this little boy's life. I'm so proud of both of you!

Tammy said...

Congratulations on your new son! He is precious!

Tammy

The Gang's Momma! said...

Woooo Hooooooo! So happy for you! The pay off of those sweet smiles sure carry you, don't they?!

Congrats, again and again!

Can't wait to hear about your adventures in xian - everyone's experiences are so different.

Gina said...

What a precious baby!
Gina

Norman, Cheryl, Olivia said...

What a cutie. Congrats to you both!!!!

Steph said...

So adorable! Get used to that smile...I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more of it!

Jacqueline Jackson said...

Kevin & Violet,

He is SO CUTE! He seems like such a sweet baby!
Have a great time. Take it all in. You will only walk on this particular road once, so love and cherish every moment.
Jackie

Jacqueline Jackson said...

Kevin and Violet.
He is SO CUTE. Have a great time, take it all in. You only walk this particular road once, so cherish every moment!
Jackie

Jacqueline Jackson said...

Kevin and Voilet,
He is SO CUTE, enjoy it all. take it all in. You only walk this particular path once, so cherish every
moment.
I am enjoying your blog
Jackie

FHL said...

I am soooo happy for you three! He is beautiful!!! Welcome to a new beginning full of plenty of adventures and millions of smiles!

Hugs,
M~

Amber said...

I am so happy for you both, and I can't wait to meet little Jacob. What a wonderful family!

Amber

Priscella said...

Violet and Kevin,
Jacob is sooo adorable. I'm so glad he is finally calming down for ya'll. Laughing is a good sign. We haven't even gotten a smile out of Ella. She has really gotten attached to Dale. I'm glad she feels comfortable with at least one of us. I'm trying not to take it personally, but it's hard.

Give Jacob a big hug from your traveling companions. See you in Guangzhou.

Priscella, Dale, Logan, Noah and Ella

Jess Danielson said...

Awesome! His smile is precious! God Bless!