Friends and Family
You have no idea how encouraging it is to us to know that many people are following our story. We really appreciate all the prayers and comments.
There are typically three initial reactions a child has when being adopted:
1.) cry hysterically
2.) shut down and withdraw
3.) know how to work the system with charm and take this as an opportunity to cash in
One reaction is not better than the other it just is the way things happen. They tell you not to expect this magical reaction from your child because it is not reasonable for a kid who has never been outside or in a car to fall in love with these different speaking, looking, and smelling people they just met. Layla reacted by withdrawing. We are building trust and love one small step at a time. It has been really fun watching her come out of her shell. She even smiled at me today while we were playing.
We had major break through with food today. Yesterday she wouldn't let a bottle or food even near her mouth. We put her to bed last night without eating. We assumed she would wake up in the middle of the night starving but she didn't stir until 6:45am this morning. We figured she would be starving and readily eat. We were wrong. No food or bottle near her. She was looking really weak this morning and we were trying not to panic. Last night as I was laying in bed I remembered stories of how I was fed by a syringe when I was baby. We tried it, and after initially trying to block, she licked it down once it touched her lips. We gave her a whole bottle with a syringe. It only took an hour. Tonight she took the bottle in about 20 minutes. Progress!
As I think back about yesterday I had one of those rare moments that I wish happened more and lasted longer of seeing the world in a way that God sees the world. How it is possible to love somebody so much your heart just bursts.
11 comments:
Justin and Shelley,
I rejoice with you!
susan
Sweet little layla. We are celebrating every breakthrough with you. I love that you are already figuring out creatve ways to meet her needs. You are brilliant
Justin and Shelley,
Layla is so incredibly lucky to have you as her parents. Reading about her not eating and then thinking about the syringe is amazing.
Jeff
I get the heart just bursting thing. There is something you experience when you adopt a child that you just can't explain to someone. It is the most awesome picture of God's love and it isn't the same unless you expereince it. I want everyone I know to adopt so they can experience it too. It is so incredible. Zoe fell asleep shortly after being in our ours as well. Sounds like a similar reaction to Layla.
I think it is so cool how you could draw on something from your childhood.
Have fun!!
Kristin
you are excellent parents. i love that you stayed calm and still, and God popped the answer into your head. you are real heroes for Layla. We can't wait to meet her. keep soaking it in! Merry Christmas.
What an unbelievable day, we are so so so happy for you.
Justin & Shelley,
I can't tell you how much JOY your blog -- and especially the pictures of you together (finally) have brought to me this week!
What a Christmas to remember for you. Enjoy the rest of your time in China. I can't wait to meet Layla (I know, get in line ...)
Janet
Praise God for family - for mothers and fathers who love without condition; for children who love and trust and grow in grace. Praise God for Layla and Henry. Praise God for the love of Justin and Shelly. Praise God for the indescribable gift of his Son.
Shelley and Justin,
Congratulations on a beautiful daughter. Greg and I are so happy for you. I have really enjoyed reading your blogs and looking at the pictures. The video was so touching it brought tears to my eyes! Enjoy every second getting to know Layla. Merry Christmas and God bless!
Holly
It is such a beautiful picture of you feeding her a bottle with a syringe. So slow and tedious, and yet I'm sure joy filled as she took every drop. I'm overwhelmed just reading it. THAT my friends, is LOVE! Love, love, love!
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