Day Three

Today was hard, but it ended well.

Today had many tears, but it also had many giggles.

Today experienced defeat, but we also experienced victory!

Today was busy and tiring, but tonight was relaxed and healing.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

I seriously can't choose between these pictures. 

After breakfast, we had our medical check appointment. Silas was SO brave and didn't shed a tear! He answered the doctors questions and everyone was so impressed with him. Justin and I had to split up for a little bit first thing, so I was with Silas, but boy when he saw his Daddy walk in, you should have see his little face light up. We are so thankful with the connection we are having with him already!!

Having a chat with the Doc.

Daddy came in just as it was time for
the blood draw, thank goodness!
He gave Silas the courage he needed!!

Eye check

This was Silas's "I'm bored" face during our next appointment at the Notary.

 Silas was feeling really badly while we were in the car. So we got out to walk around for a little bit.

He found a flower that he liked, so Mommy bought one for him and he bought one for his brothers.

Sean is so loving and always wants to be there to comfort Silas.
He still doesn't want to share Mommy and Daddy, but he is ok with
it as long as he gets some extra special attention too. 

Nap time was really hard today. We all had a meltdown before we finally fell asleep. It started with Sean not wanting to lay down and so then Silas didn't want to lay down and it went down hill from there. We know that will happen as they both seek to find their new places in our family. All we can do right now is love them both through it and dig deep to find more patience than we ever thought we could muster. Jesus does that for us. Oh, how many times He has had to be patient and loving to me!

Music time with Dad. Kid has some rhythm!!

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:7

He woke up in a much better mood and
put this puzzle together all by himself!

I have videos of this that I dare you to watch without giggling. But videos will have to wait. Lol.

We had a great dinner at a restaurant near our hotel. We chose it because 1. it was within walking distance and we were DONE with the car for the day. And 2. because it had Western and Chinese food. Well, little stinker didn't want the Chinese food. He wanted the burger, fried chicken, french fries, onion rings and pizza. HA! And he ate a little bit of every bit of it. This boy can put away some food! He loves to eat!! 

His own handwritten name. <3 

"Mommy, take a pishure a me!" <3 

 I am so in love with

my three boys.

It's indescribable!!

CHEESE!!! I got my certificate!

I am a Robinson!!

Day Two...We are a Family!!

We slept all night and woke up to big hugs this morning!!

Some brotherly bonding before breakfast.

Not sure about this jelly stuff, but Daddy likes it...

It's a winner!! He ate 2 pieces!

Everybody enjoying their breakfast!

Showing Daddy the way back to our room.

So I didn't get any of the cool pictures of us signing the papers and all that jazz, but as of today at about 10am, China time, Chen QiLong is officially our son. We are so happy!! 

After we left the Civil Affairs office, our guide told us that we could go visit the place where QiLong was found, if we wanted to. He had become a little distant since we left the office and we were a little worried that it might be too much for one morning. But then, we pulled up to a hospital and we were there. So we decided to go ahead and do it. We feel like it's important for his future to have as many pieces of the puzzle as possible. 

 

6 years ago a baby boy was found on these stairs.
Today, we have a picture of this same boy with his family.
Forever.

 A very emotional part of our day, but a part that is a piece of his story. It's something that he might want to know about when he gets older. It's not something that we will every be able to understand. For one thing, how is it possible that someone could leave a baby in this place without someone noticing? Did someone notice? Would they have said anything if they had? For whatever reason, and however she may have done it, I spent some time on my knees for a certain mama out there who probably has no idea what became of her little boy. I pray that she knows within her heart that he is well and that he is so loved. I pray that if she doesn't already know that she will meet someone who will tell her about a Savior who loves her, no matter what. And I pray that I will always teach her son that true love doesn't always look pretty. There is no doubt in my mind that she loved him. 

She chose to give him life.

That is a gift I will forever be grateful for.

On the way home from there, QiLong was even more quiet and eventually he began to cry. It could have been for any one of a hundred reasons why, but it was almost as if he knew what this day meant. He was finally able to begin to grieve. And thankfully he let us comfort him, and seemed to want that. Oh, it broke our hearts, that he has so much to grieve for. But we have hope. Because we know the promises given. We know what we have to look forward to. And we know the One who makes it all possible. 

We came back and had some noodles for lunch! Aren't they cute?!

Then we all snuggled up for some cuddles and a nap.

I'm taking the picture, but just imagine me there on the right.

My amazing boys!!

QiLong woke up first and we had a good long talk and we looked at pictures of friends and family on the computer. He also so lots of pictures of himself and watched all his own videos. He even told me the names of all his friends that were in some of his pictures.

 We were told yesterday that he really liked it when a guy came in and gave a performance with this instrument. We went into a little shop today and he pointed right at it and wanted to see it. He's a smart boy!

He wanted his picture taken with these little characters.

I would say Day Two was a little harder. In some aspects. Bedtime was still a bit of a struggle tonight and Silas took cues from Sean and started crying as well. We just have to figure out what routine works best for everybody and get used to it.

But we had some big things happen today and some great acheivements happened, so we are thankful. And we know that each day will get easier.

Tomorrow will probably be our busiest day while we are here. Jusitn and I will have to split up, which I'm not too excited about. Justin will go get some documents notarized at the Consulate while I take QiLong to his medical appointment. The medical is often pretty hard for the kiddos. We are hoping for the best though and will be thankful for how Father gets us through. After medical, we have a Chinese notary appointment, and then we will apply for his passports.

It will be a long day for such a little guy, so prayers are still appreciated!! Thank you!!