some tears

Our poor sweet boy has shed some tears today.  His little eyes just well up and spill over.

He woke up this morning and wasn't sure about us.  Good gracious.  Understandably.  I think he woke up to a bad dream come true.

We held him close to assure him, but this is one of those situations where we're not sure if physical closeness is what he needs or is space what he needs?  It's not like with our biological children where you know they just need to be cuddled up.  The same is true when we think about leaving our hotel room and heading out sightseeing.  Trust me, I could care less about sightseeing, but there's an itinerary that was created for us with a couple of days of sightseeing options.  We can certainly pass if we choose, but it's hard to know if he's better being out a little around other people and not couped up in our hotel room with us, the complete strangers that he can't get away from.  Or would he be more at ease if he were 'distracted' from the situation a little?

I'm starting to think the former is true.

We were picked up this morning at 9:15 to head to the civil affairs office to sign our final adoption papers (woot! woot!) and then on to the notarization office to complete more paperwork.  And then, of all things, to the Super Walmart.  We needed to pick up a few things and apparently this is the norm that families are taken to the Walmart to pick up anything they need -- I have a funny feeling it's to support the Chinese economy with a little American consumerism!  :)  But we didn't mind because snacks, more diapers, wipes and a baby toothbrush were in order.  He's never had his teeth brushed.  :(

James puddled-up off and on throughout our time out.  He just seemed to become overwhelmed at times.  We believe yesterday was his first time riding in a car and today we were all over the place.  I am concerned about taking him out and about too much because he really does seem to be calmer, happier and more playful when we're in our hotel room.  Just not sure.  We'll play it by ear.  We do have the opportunity on Thursday to go to see pandas.  I think we'll try to take advantage of that opportunity (especially for P's sake) -- and hopefully he'll be more comfortable with us by then.

All in all, we know James is doing extraordinarily well.  We've heard stories of children crying uncontrollably for days and even throwing tantrums because they just don't know what to do with their overwhelming confusion.  We feel very grateful for how well he's doing.  And we know that's an answer to prayer.

We have been able to Skype with Avery, Brooks and Jackson a few times and it does my heart good.  I can't even tell you.  They got to 'meet' James on Skype this morning (along with JD's parents, his brother & his family, my parents, my grandmother and my brother).  Poor guy was held up in front of the computer three different times this morning.  He did so well and just blinked his sweet, little puppy dog eyes.  Love him.

Not sure if this video is visible, but I wanted you all to see this sweet interaction between James and JD.  He is able to do so much with his feet!  Including turning pages of a book -- with a little help from Daddy. Just precious.  Such an overcomer.