Monday, February 25, 2008

Whaaaaah: A Few More Tears, But It's Getting Better

Thanks to everyone who has responded to our blog. We are enjoying reading your responses.

Today was somewhat smoother. We met the babies at 10:30 this morning, and Olivia walked in holding her worker's hand. She was not crying at the time, but she had a little tear so I know she had been. About 30 seconds after she saw us she did start crying. We took her outside and it subsided a bit. We all got in the van, and headed to the shopping center for lunch. She at a little bit, and we had just had breakfast so we didn't eat. She cried off and on during this time. When we finished lunch, we were free to shop and walk around. A social worker went with each family. We bought Olivia some white sandals, and she cried the entire time she was trying them on. However, she eventually stopped as we toured the toy section! The worker stood back out of sight, and that seemed to make a big difference. After shopping, we returned to the hotel for a little while and stayed in the room. Olivia did stand up by herself- she's usually all over me- and let Brian help her push buttons on her book. When we left the room, she walked holding my hand. So, I think we made a little progress today- not a lot but a little. I expect things to improve when we get her for good tomorrow. The children will be telling their foster families good-bye for the last time tomorrow morning, and will meet us here at the hotel at 11:00. We will have them to ourselves the rest of the day, and we are looking forward to that! Hopefully, things will improve quickly. We haven't made plans for the day yet. We'll just see how it goes. We might take the boat ride down the river and canals and visit the grand palace, although we did those things when we were here several years ago. I wouldn't mind seeing them again though or we might spend the afternoon swimming.

We haven't spoken to my parents but received a wonderful email from them saying everything is going really well with Ian. That is such a relief for us! (and my parents too)

I guess that's it for tonight. Please pray for a smooth transition tomorrow! We're doing great but are really tired. Hopefully, we'll have a great night's sleep.

I hope all is well with all of you. See you tomorrow! I'll add some more pictures then.

Leah and Brian

11 comments:

Robin and Kyle said...

It's great to hear things are getting a little bit better for Olivia. I'm sure every day will bring her more smiles as you get to know each other! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us!

Anonymous said...

I loved the picture of Olivia sleeping in your arms. What a good feeling that must have been! We are hoping and praying that today goes smoothly for all of you. God bless.
Joanie and Gayland

Anonymous said...

I was so excited to see her in your arms! She is so beautiful. Only one more day and she will be with you always.
Blessings,
Sarah (Holt family)

Anonymous said...

Leah, I'm still confused on the time difference but I do know you have your little girl now and the picture of her snuggled against you was heartwarming. How far you and your family have come on this amazing journey. You'll be back in Shreveport before you can blink and Olivia will thrive. Take care and God bless - Terri Woodward

Anonymous said...

I bet the tears will be over quicker than you think. The spoiling Olivia is going to get when you get her home will help her forget. I loved the picture of you holding her! She looks smaller than in some of the previous pictures. We will keep tuned in - thanks for sharing!! Kelly and family.

Anonymous said...

Hello Leah and Bryan,

I was so glad to get your blog address. You and Olivia look wonderful. Each day will get better. I promise!! It will be fun when our girls are playing together. All is well here. We are praying for you!

Blessings,
Allen, Danise, Catherine Grace and the boys
www.journeytoCatherineGrace.com

Anonymous said...

Leah,
Olivia, you and Brian and Olivia's foster family are in our prayers. Enjoying reading about the daily adventures. All seemed to go well with Ian Sunday morn. I'm checking up on them occasionally.
I'm thinking about you often!
Barbara

Julie said...

Looking foward to some more photos. I hope tomorrow geos well for you all. I am sure each day will get a little easier for her.
Julie

Anonymous said...

Olivia is such a little princess, and the photo of her all snuggled up to you is just precious.
Her transition is temporary and normal, and you will be amazed by what the next few days will bring, as she grows closer to you by the minute! You will also relax so much more once she is yours 'forever', and this will transition you all ahead by strides!! As I write (10.35pm - Monday) you are probably receiving her FOREVER, I am thinking of you, praying for you all and her Foster family too. It is an emotional roller coaster, bittersweet in some ways, but the greatest blessing in the world!! It is amazing how parallel our journey's are, and I can't Thank you enough for sharing your story with us.
You are in our prayers and thoughts, as are Olivia and her Foster Family,
Congratulations!!! You have a new baby Girl!! Yeah!!!!
Love and Hugs,
Sharon.

Jessica Roberts said...

congratulations. we are so happy that she is with you, even if she's not so sure yet. it must be hard to have her cry and be nervous, when you are so ready to love her. i'm glad you were prepared somewhat for it.
i know we could all tell she was a strong-spirited little soul from her pictures. i am praying she will soon feel at home with you.
you are all in our prayers.
love,
jessica
(holt family)

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm friends with Kelly & Kelly and remember your parents telling me you were adopting from Thailand right after we got our little girl, Clara, home from China back in 2006. So, I was so excited to see Kelly tonight at bookclub and hear that you are in Thailand and have your sweet Olivia. She is DARLING!!! What a blessing! Praying for your trip home and for your sweet boy at home waiting for you!
Blessings,
Joy Pierce
www.journeytoclara.com