And Then There Were Six

Monday afternoon Kyle spent three hours filling out paper work and then Jaxon and I had to go add our fingerprints to the paperwork. 

 Jaxon wasn't sure what to think about the whole thing.

 On Tuesday they made it official.  Tuesday morning we went back to the registrar's office and were presented the official documents.  Jaxon TianYo is now part of our family.

 

Presentation of the Certificate of Adoption.

He is a Gerber now! 

After the Registrar's office we had lunch and then we had to go to the city where his orphanage is to apply for his passport. 

Police Station in Kaifeng City. 

Jaxon and his daddy at the police station.  After we applied for the passport, we went to the orphanage.  We decided not to take Jaxon back in because we thought it would be too hard on him.  Kyle stayed in the bus with Kaylie and Madi and Jaxon.  Kenzie and I went in.  We were able to see where he spent the first 18 months of his life.  I'm glad we saw it, but it was very sad.  Many families were not able to go into their kids orphanages because they were bad, so at least we know he was in one of the better places.  They only let foreigners into the best orphanages.  And I will say it was clean and it was obvious that the old grandma's taking care of the kids cared about them, but there were just so many kids.  Many of them were laying in cribs just staring at the ceiling.  The lights were off until we got there, then they started turning them on.  There was no heat on, which is very much part of the culture I understand, but it still makes it feel very institutional.  It did help me understand his needs a lot better though.  I understand why he is so far behind from seeing where he lived.  

 Jaxon's playroom

 Jaxon's bed

 We were only able to see three different rooms.  Jaxon's room, one other families little girls rooms and then a room with lots of little babies.  Some looked like they were only days old.

Front of the orphanage.  I am so grateful he was in one of the better orphanages, he was cared for, it was clean, he was fed and loved to the best of their ability and for that I am so grateful.

 

It was a hard day and Kyle said he was really scared and antsy.  He seemed to know where he was, or at least recognize something.  But after we got home and fed him he was better.  He is a funny little boy.  He is starting to laugh more and more each day.  He thinks his sisters are hilarious and he is concerned whenever they aren't around.  He isn't able to talk, not sure if it is the age, his palate or the language or what, but he definitely lets us know what he wants.  Whenever he wants to eat he takes one of his cups to Kyle or I and puts his fingers in and brings them up to his mouth and then hands us the cup.  He makes us laugh every day :)

 These two are already getting into trouble together.

 The two tiny's getting ready for bed, by the middle of the night it pretty much looks like this, except I'm in the middle.  Neither of them are doing well sleeping on their own in a strange place and both of them are little heaters so nights are a little rough for their mother right now.

 My four babies :)

 He is watching Kenzie do jumping jacks and I admit I agree with him, it is kind of hilarious!

The transition and attachment has been slow, but I think pretty normal.  He has changed so much in just three days!

Wednesday was a bit rough for us.  I've been having issues with swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck and I finally had to go to the hospital Wednesday morning.  That was an experience I don't want to repeat anytime soon!  American medical facilities are AMAZING!  I'm on an antibiotic (I think, I can't really read it) now and things are already improving so hopefully the worst is behind us for everyone in the family.

Thanks so much for all your prayers and kind words and support.  We appreciate it so so much!  I hope to get caught up on all emails and messages in the next day or two.