Another new food--bananas!

The third day of bonding is over and every day is more fun and seems noticeably better than the last. God is so good! No tears today and Timur was full of smiles. (There were of course tears from us as we read one of Amy Paglia’s many cards that she sent along to be read on specific days during our stay☺) Noah Timur loves bananas… In fact one of his caretakers said he eats VERY well. This seems apparent by his chubby cheeks and draw to food. Although we don’t get to see most of the kids as they remain in their perspective areas, we had the opportunity to see all of his group/playmates today and even got a picture of all of them in the playpen because our bonding took place right outside his room just like yesterday. It was great to be able to talk to one of his caretakers for a little while. She was very friendly and it was apparent that she cares deeply for all the kids she works with. She told us that Noah sleeps very well (even without a diaper at night), eats very well, enjoys a good pacifier and is a very content, mild mannered baby. We also saw a card that contained the information of different babies in his group. Noah and one other baby had a blank under their birth date and we were told that they weren’t exactly sure when his birthday was. I’m thinking his caretakers and the doctor here simply guess and assign a birthday to some of the babies. We also saw a last name on a card today which we aren’t sure yet was his real name or assigned name. This verse continues to run through my head during our days here… “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) Along with feeling very blessed as we spend time with our new son, the days here have been spiritually rich as we live into a new understanding of the reality that God has adopted each of us into his family. This correlating reality has moved me to my core and makes me eternally grateful for a heavenly father who loves me unconditionally, who comes to me, claims me, and who was even willing to sacrifice his only son for my sake. Praise God for adoption!

A pretty snow is falling as I’m writing this in our room. It’s a good afternoon to lay low, relax, watch a movie or read. Love to you all!
-Shane