Waiting

We are eagerly waiting for the newest Galt arrivals. Our first court date was postponed, so we await court date #2. The only news we hear of our future kids is from other parents who have traveled before us. We have given permission to 2 families (working on 3) to take pictures/video of our kids. It is very exciting to receive these snippets into our kids' lives.

The first set of pictures (and a bonus video) consisted of our daughter hugging and kissing (practically tackling) her little brother. Her personality felt all too familiar (Adaline #2--look out!) and he was very chill. It was sweet to see her affection for her brother and relieving to see his apparent laid-back nature (don't we deserve #4 to be a little calmer than our current experience?).

We recently received the 2nd set of pictures, and they were not so enlightening. Our son is crying in his crib and our daughter is grimacing at the camera. Clearly it was not good timing for them. I still enjoy these pictures because I've never seen my son cry and I've never seen my daughter frown. It is still a glimpse into their lives. Plus, I'm a mom and I am aware that kids cry and kids don't always like to smile at a camera. It's not personal, right?

I was very excited to show these new pictures to Adaline and Arthur when they came home from school. I flipped open the computer and began with the zoomed-in shot of their brother crying. I watched Arthur closely as he is often quiet and thoughtful when he sees his siblings. I watched as his eyes began to water and he had the look of utter concern. Then I looked at Adaline and saw her wiping the tears from her face. Whoa. It was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen.

They were very solemn throughout the entire slide show. They didn't know what to do with the thought of their brother and sister being sad. Adaline wondered if he was crying because he wanted his brother and sister. Later Jamison asked her why she cried when she doesn't even know him yet. She quickly corrected him and said, "We know him. He's ______ (his name)."

It is an amazing ride to bond with these kids from afar. To wait for them, yet still go on with normal life. To wonder what the wait is like for them (they don't even know about us yet and won't until we pass court). Clearly Adaline and Arthur already feel a connection to their brother and sister--even though they haven't met them. They specifically prayed for them for months, and they "know" them because God has specifically given them to us. We cannot wait to see the many blessings they will bring to our family!
*Bonus pictures: Easter celebration. We had 20 people gathered around long tables in our living room. Very fun!