Posts
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Discovering leaves
Samuel loves going for walks. (or rather being pushed by me)
No matter what kind of mood he is when, once he sits in the stroller he becomes the most reflective 8 month old. He looks at everything around him in awe. He gets really quiet, eyes wide open and soaks it all in.
On our most recent trip he discovered leaves. And amazingly held on to one for the whole trip without it going into his mouth. (Well once we got home and he realized I was about to take it, he did a quick taste- that's the last picture, with the satisfied grin of "I got it in my mouth")
No matter what kind of mood he is when, once he sits in the stroller he becomes the most reflective 8 month old. He looks at everything around him in awe. He gets really quiet, eyes wide open and soaks it all in.
On our most recent trip he discovered leaves. And amazingly held on to one for the whole trip without it going into his mouth. (Well once we got home and he realized I was about to take it, he did a quick taste- that's the last picture, with the satisfied grin of "I got it in my mouth")
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Meeting Lydia
Some dear friends of ours are also adopting from Guatemala. On our trip to pick up Samuel we were so honored to meet their little girl. She is just adorable- and Samuel had fun meeting her!! (I have been joking of an arranged marriage....)
Their foster mom brought Lydia to the hotel and we spent almost three hours with them. It was so much fun. Please pray that they will soon exit PGN and have Lydia home in their arms.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Steelers Fan
Thanks to Brooke and Joel for Samuel's Steelers outfit (hat, bodysuit and socks). The hat made it's debut the other day when Rob took Samuel for a quick walk!! I'm told the rest will make an appearance at the Superbowl (right when 12 month clothes will fit him- perfect timing!!)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Rob's Rocker
This rocker was given to Rob for his 1st Birthday from his Aunt Mary Jane and Uncle Paul. (That would be about 37 years ago). Sue and Bob sent it to us for Samuel.
Links to photos
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
a couple of pics from first getting home
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Our boy in Seattle
I am typing as Samuel sleeps (in his crib....at least for now).
We have been home for two days. It is starting to feel like we are here, that Samuel is here, that we are a family, that we will not be giving him back.
Samuel did great on his flights. The first one we had an open middle seat, which was great for playing. He played part of the flight and then slept on Sue's lap the remainder of it.
Houston immigrations was wonderful, everyone was so sweet and said "welcome" and "congratulations" to Samuel. The next flight was longer- over four hours from Houston to Seattle- and it was packed. No middle seat on that one, but instead a serious business man on the aisle, with Rob in the window seat, me in the middle and Samuel bouncing back and forth between the two! He slept the hour before the plane left. So he had plenty of energy for the first two hours of the flight. He didn't cry- but he did try out all the sounds he is learning and practiced his jumping. (Much to the dismay of the man in the seat behind us, who had to hold his fist on the seat to keep his tray from moving while eating). Thankfully everyone was very gracious (and that same man said he and his wife use to travel with their kids when they were little and he thought Samuel did great and that he was very handsome). I even caught the serious business man making faces with Samuel! The last two hours he slept after his bottle and woke up just in time to pass over Boise.
My mom's plane from Minneapolis landed in Seattle at the same time as ours. She was so excited to see her grandson....and he seemed to remember his abuela. Our dear friend Nathan picked us up. He has been with us through this long journey, has spent nights crying with us and many late hours praying for us. (He and Rob have known each other since college....can that be coming up on 20 years??) It was wonderful for him to be there to meet Samuel.
We got to our home around 6pm- and I gave Samuel the full tour of the house. He gave his thumbs up to his living space and politely told us he wouldn't need the crib.
We all sat and stared at him....played with him....he offered lots of giggles (both ones coming from him and ones he caused in us).
He woke up around 4:30am on Sat (but hey, that's 5:30am Guatemala time).
On Sat we....hmmm....I can't even remember what we did on Sat....is that called mommy brain?
I'm sure it was lots of playing, napping and eating- oh and we went for our first walk in the stroller!
Sunday, Samuel and I didn't go to church. (Since Rob was the one "preaching" he decided he should go). We have had many words of wisdom from those who have adopted, from our agency and from those we met in Guatemala. And there was consistency in themese of waiting and allowing Samuel time to adjust. Although he does seem to love people, he can get overwhelmed. He met our neighbor today and while he gave her a big smile, he dug himself closer to me. So with that in mind, I put aside my desire for the whole world to meet this precious boy. It will come.
Hmmm....I started this post on Sunday and am just now getting pack to it. It is only 7:30pm on Monday, but I feel like it's about 10pm. So I think for now, I will go ahead and post and will write more later. Plus I think most of you are looking for pictures anyway!!!
Here are some from our trip home. We have some from since we have been home- look for those in the next few days.
Flight Guatemala City to Houston
We have been home for two days. It is starting to feel like we are here, that Samuel is here, that we are a family, that we will not be giving him back.
Samuel did great on his flights. The first one we had an open middle seat, which was great for playing. He played part of the flight and then slept on Sue's lap the remainder of it.
Houston immigrations was wonderful, everyone was so sweet and said "welcome" and "congratulations" to Samuel. The next flight was longer- over four hours from Houston to Seattle- and it was packed. No middle seat on that one, but instead a serious business man on the aisle, with Rob in the window seat, me in the middle and Samuel bouncing back and forth between the two! He slept the hour before the plane left. So he had plenty of energy for the first two hours of the flight. He didn't cry- but he did try out all the sounds he is learning and practiced his jumping. (Much to the dismay of the man in the seat behind us, who had to hold his fist on the seat to keep his tray from moving while eating). Thankfully everyone was very gracious (and that same man said he and his wife use to travel with their kids when they were little and he thought Samuel did great and that he was very handsome). I even caught the serious business man making faces with Samuel! The last two hours he slept after his bottle and woke up just in time to pass over Boise.
My mom's plane from Minneapolis landed in Seattle at the same time as ours. She was so excited to see her grandson....and he seemed to remember his abuela. Our dear friend Nathan picked us up. He has been with us through this long journey, has spent nights crying with us and many late hours praying for us. (He and Rob have known each other since college....can that be coming up on 20 years??) It was wonderful for him to be there to meet Samuel.
We got to our home around 6pm- and I gave Samuel the full tour of the house. He gave his thumbs up to his living space and politely told us he wouldn't need the crib.
We all sat and stared at him....played with him....he offered lots of giggles (both ones coming from him and ones he caused in us).
He woke up around 4:30am on Sat (but hey, that's 5:30am Guatemala time).
On Sat we....hmmm....I can't even remember what we did on Sat....is that called mommy brain?
I'm sure it was lots of playing, napping and eating- oh and we went for our first walk in the stroller!
Sunday, Samuel and I didn't go to church. (Since Rob was the one "preaching" he decided he should go). We have had many words of wisdom from those who have adopted, from our agency and from those we met in Guatemala. And there was consistency in themese of waiting and allowing Samuel time to adjust. Although he does seem to love people, he can get overwhelmed. He met our neighbor today and while he gave her a big smile, he dug himself closer to me. So with that in mind, I put aside my desire for the whole world to meet this precious boy. It will come.
Hmmm....I started this post on Sunday and am just now getting pack to it. It is only 7:30pm on Monday, but I feel like it's about 10pm. So I think for now, I will go ahead and post and will write more later. Plus I think most of you are looking for pictures anyway!!!
Here are some from our trip home. We have some from since we have been home- look for those in the next few days.
waiting for the 4:30am airport shuttle on Fri morning
Flight Guatemala City to Houston
MAMU AND PAPA GO TO GUATEMALA (Guest Post #2- Bob and Sue)
Do you know how awesome it is to have something that has been on your prayer list for so long, be answered positively? Well, I just dated and highlighted something that was answered by the presence of Samuel and I am soooooo grateful to God for this answer to this prayer.
So what can I say about the trip to Guatemala? We smiled, we laughed, we were giddy with joy and happiness. We all were talking babytalk, and playing with toys and the total focus was on Sam. How did he sleep, did he nap, what shall he wear, did he eat, did he burp, do you think it is safe, etc, etc. And we had so much fun.
We could tell there were so many people praying for us. How great!!!! Everything went so smooth, no delayed flights, no long lines, comfortable flights, no bumps, . Sam showed up right when they said he would. The American Embassy went smooth. The delivery of the Visa right on schedule. A trip out with a cabbie, smooth as could be. Sam didn’t have to cry on the plane. It was all just perfect.
He is the cutest little guy, two bottom teeth, which he loves to show off. He likes to smack his lips and look in a mirror. You can tell he had a great foster mom. He is cuddly and loves to be held and played with. We worried that he may have a bad transition, but within 24 hours, he would light up when his Mom (Melanie) would pick him up. It was wonderful to watch Rob and Melanie become parents. Rob, the worrier, Melanie, relaxed and eager to try different things.
I told Melanie it was almost like being in the delivery room, watching this all unfold. What a privilege and honor it was for Papa and Mamu to be invited on the trip and get to experience Samuel becoming a Gillgrist.
May God bless you richly little guy and may he also give your Mom and Dad great wisdom in raising you.
Love Mamu and Papa.
So what can I say about the trip to Guatemala? We smiled, we laughed, we were giddy with joy and happiness. We all were talking babytalk, and playing with toys and the total focus was on Sam. How did he sleep, did he nap, what shall he wear, did he eat, did he burp, do you think it is safe, etc, etc. And we had so much fun.
We could tell there were so many people praying for us. How great!!!! Everything went so smooth, no delayed flights, no long lines, comfortable flights, no bumps, . Sam showed up right when they said he would. The American Embassy went smooth. The delivery of the Visa right on schedule. A trip out with a cabbie, smooth as could be. Sam didn’t have to cry on the plane. It was all just perfect.
He is the cutest little guy, two bottom teeth, which he loves to show off. He likes to smack his lips and look in a mirror. You can tell he had a great foster mom. He is cuddly and loves to be held and played with. We worried that he may have a bad transition, but within 24 hours, he would light up when his Mom (Melanie) would pick him up. It was wonderful to watch Rob and Melanie become parents. Rob, the worrier, Melanie, relaxed and eager to try different things.
I told Melanie it was almost like being in the delivery room, watching this all unfold. What a privilege and honor it was for Papa and Mamu to be invited on the trip and get to experience Samuel becoming a Gillgrist.
May God bless you richly little guy and may he also give your Mom and Dad great wisdom in raising you.
Love Mamu and Papa.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Boy Mom Rite of Passage
This afternoon I had a rite of passage that all boy moms go through.....
I was squirted while changing Samuel's diaper.
I was squirted while changing Samuel's diaper.
more photos
most of these are from wednesday!
(the last one is me with two women who I met through the Bethany boards)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Stop Order Lifted (Guest Post #1- Rob)
Something stressful that was once a regular part of my life was the “Stop Order”. Someone would come rushing into my cubicle at work, and drop a red piece of paper on my desk that said in big letters on one side “Stop Order”. What this meant was that one of my product assembly lines had come to a complete halt because of some crisis and the company was in danger of losing thousands of dollars per minute and missing countless customer schedule delivery dates should the order not be lifted immediately.
What does one do during a stop order? One panicks. It’s a somewhat organized form of panic… it is the nearest I have ever been to an Emergency Room setting, where experts representing each part of the manufacturing process immediately circle in order to understand the problem, attempt to contain it and “get the line back up” as quickly as possible.
Often “lifting” a stop order would involve me going out and actually working the line myself. That usually felt dangerous ~ me being more an intellectual than a hands-on type ~ myself making a mess with the little insignificant-looking assemblies of brass and iron until the problems were solved ~ usually with the line foreman and customer reps hovering over me the entire time.
Anyways, I recently remembered that it was during one of these “stop orders” that we lost Mac. Well, Mac actually died weeks earlier, we would find out at that ultrasound appointment that afternoon. It was a routine appointment for us in every way. Just a regular check at 17 weeks of the baby’s growth. Melanie had gone out of her way to make sure the ultrasound was to be done at a hospital on the far side of town where I worked. So, right in the middle of the Stop Order, I said to everyone, “I really gotta go be with Melanie for this appointment. I’ll be back soon, though.”
I wasn’t back soon. I wouldn’t step back into work for almost ten days. I spent six of those days at Melanie’s side in a hospital as she tried through countless torturous means to deliver a dead baby on a maternity floor full of expectant mothers. That seemingly interminable week ended abruptly with a sterile-field violation that prompted an emergency surgery where Melanie was swept from my presence in a matter of minutes . As Melanie on a gurney and a six-person trauma team disappeared into a full elevator after pushing me out (“No you cannot come. We’ll take care of her.”) I slumped to the floor in exhaustion and tears in the elevator entryway, where Ron, Joyce and Nathan found me moments later. We spent the next ninety minutes in terror-filled tears and prayer while surgeons skillfully utilized ultrasound guidance to extract what remained of our son’s “earthly vessel”; causing additional damage to Melanie’s already badly-traumatized womb.
This was how Melanie and I were called to a life of pastoral ministry. I do not have time now to tell that story… but what I realized today for the first time that it was not long after this time that I developed a problem with high-blood pressure. I’m told it runs in my family, but I find the fact that I developed this problem shortly after Mac’s death interesting. For six years I’ve been slowly stepping up my medications in order to keep myself regulated. A better diet would certainly help; and I am in the “fall down six times, get up seven” stage of becoming a healthier eater.
The reason I have high-blood pressure is because I’m a very driven person. I don’t always show it (though I’m learning to, which I think is a good thing) but so often I overreact to some of life’s less important matters. I’m addicted to responsibility. The more, the better ~ or so I must think at some level. Hence more stress, more comfort-eating, more weight gain, more high-blood pressure, more medication. For years I have regularly felt what I can only describe as a “tightness” within my chest cavity and neck. Actually, I don’t usually “feel” it because I have become accustomed to it. That I suppose, is the point of this long story. Because I had to tell you all of that so I could tell you what I want you to know…
I’m light-headed today.
Let me be less vague. Being around Samuel has somehow (at least this week) lowered my blood pressure to the extent where the medication is unnecessary and what I feel are their regular side-effects. I love it! I have a slight head rush every time I walk around. I feel as light as a feather.
Perhaps some experienced parents are now chuckling to themselves about how much more stress Samuel will one day bring Melanie and me. I can only graciously ask you to let us get there in time. For now, we celebrate the lifting of this seven-year stop order that cost us so much but was worth so much more than the depth of Samuel’s deep brown eyes can ever, ever say.
And I will end by quoting the writer of Hebrews, who’s terse testimony concerning Moses the driven, workaholic, irritable leader of Israel’s exodus as my way of taking this opportunity to thank the Everlasting One for the vision He’s given me of Himself that has brought the sweetest, most redemptive ending of one story, and the hope-filled beginning of yet another…
“He endured because he saw Him who is Invisible.”
All glory and praise to the One I owe everything ~
Melanie,
Hector,
Mac,
Dory,
Seven,
Yana Rose,
Dillon,
a few that are not named here…
and now…
Samuel
to. No ache within me is deeper than the one I have for us to one day behold Your face…
all together, at the end of all things..
Rob
What does one do during a stop order? One panicks. It’s a somewhat organized form of panic… it is the nearest I have ever been to an Emergency Room setting, where experts representing each part of the manufacturing process immediately circle in order to understand the problem, attempt to contain it and “get the line back up” as quickly as possible.
Often “lifting” a stop order would involve me going out and actually working the line myself. That usually felt dangerous ~ me being more an intellectual than a hands-on type ~ myself making a mess with the little insignificant-looking assemblies of brass and iron until the problems were solved ~ usually with the line foreman and customer reps hovering over me the entire time.
Anyways, I recently remembered that it was during one of these “stop orders” that we lost Mac. Well, Mac actually died weeks earlier, we would find out at that ultrasound appointment that afternoon. It was a routine appointment for us in every way. Just a regular check at 17 weeks of the baby’s growth. Melanie had gone out of her way to make sure the ultrasound was to be done at a hospital on the far side of town where I worked. So, right in the middle of the Stop Order, I said to everyone, “I really gotta go be with Melanie for this appointment. I’ll be back soon, though.”
I wasn’t back soon. I wouldn’t step back into work for almost ten days. I spent six of those days at Melanie’s side in a hospital as she tried through countless torturous means to deliver a dead baby on a maternity floor full of expectant mothers. That seemingly interminable week ended abruptly with a sterile-field violation that prompted an emergency surgery where Melanie was swept from my presence in a matter of minutes . As Melanie on a gurney and a six-person trauma team disappeared into a full elevator after pushing me out (“No you cannot come. We’ll take care of her.”) I slumped to the floor in exhaustion and tears in the elevator entryway, where Ron, Joyce and Nathan found me moments later. We spent the next ninety minutes in terror-filled tears and prayer while surgeons skillfully utilized ultrasound guidance to extract what remained of our son’s “earthly vessel”; causing additional damage to Melanie’s already badly-traumatized womb.
This was how Melanie and I were called to a life of pastoral ministry. I do not have time now to tell that story… but what I realized today for the first time that it was not long after this time that I developed a problem with high-blood pressure. I’m told it runs in my family, but I find the fact that I developed this problem shortly after Mac’s death interesting. For six years I’ve been slowly stepping up my medications in order to keep myself regulated. A better diet would certainly help; and I am in the “fall down six times, get up seven” stage of becoming a healthier eater.
The reason I have high-blood pressure is because I’m a very driven person. I don’t always show it (though I’m learning to, which I think is a good thing) but so often I overreact to some of life’s less important matters. I’m addicted to responsibility. The more, the better ~ or so I must think at some level. Hence more stress, more comfort-eating, more weight gain, more high-blood pressure, more medication. For years I have regularly felt what I can only describe as a “tightness” within my chest cavity and neck. Actually, I don’t usually “feel” it because I have become accustomed to it. That I suppose, is the point of this long story. Because I had to tell you all of that so I could tell you what I want you to know…
I’m light-headed today.
Let me be less vague. Being around Samuel has somehow (at least this week) lowered my blood pressure to the extent where the medication is unnecessary and what I feel are their regular side-effects. I love it! I have a slight head rush every time I walk around. I feel as light as a feather.
Perhaps some experienced parents are now chuckling to themselves about how much more stress Samuel will one day bring Melanie and me. I can only graciously ask you to let us get there in time. For now, we celebrate the lifting of this seven-year stop order that cost us so much but was worth so much more than the depth of Samuel’s deep brown eyes can ever, ever say.
And I will end by quoting the writer of Hebrews, who’s terse testimony concerning Moses the driven, workaholic, irritable leader of Israel’s exodus as my way of taking this opportunity to thank the Everlasting One for the vision He’s given me of Himself that has brought the sweetest, most redemptive ending of one story, and the hope-filled beginning of yet another…
“He endured because he saw Him who is Invisible.”
All glory and praise to the One I owe everything ~
Melanie,
Hector,
Mac,
Dory,
Seven,
Yana Rose,
Dillon,
a few that are not named here…
and now…
Samuel
to. No ache within me is deeper than the one I have for us to one day behold Your face…
all together, at the end of all things..
Rob
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Photos!
Here are the pictures from today. The first couple are before our embassy appt (taken at 6:30am) Then some by the pool and the first taste of baby food from a jar. (messy but fun!!) And then trying to hold Samuel the way the foster mom did (but I had trouble with figuring out- Ruth can you help me??)
Samuel is officially (again) our son
We had our embassy appointment at 7:15am.
What an experience- about 30 families all there waiting for their number to be called.
Fortunately we were in group 5.
(And the embassy officer use to live in Green Lake area of Seattle- that was fun to talk about)
We had to hold Samuel up and the officer looked at him and compared him to his passport picture- Samuel smiled a big smile for him!!
And then Rob and I held up our right hand and swore that we would take care of Samuel.
He just looked at us very quizically as we repeated after the officer.
As tiring (emotionally and physically) as yesterday was, today was restful.
It felt so good to come back from the embassy appointment.
We went to the pool and Samuel had his first swim- he loved the pool.
He is doing great today.
Last night sleeping in the crib didn't go so well. He would roll over and hit the railing and start crying (close to screaming). So he ended up in bed with us, which seemed very comforting to him. At all times, he had his feet on me and his hands or head on Rob.
He slept great after that (Rob and I may not say the same as we kept watching him and making sure we wouldn"t smoosh him!)
We will have to see how to transition that, but for now it helps with all the changes he is having. (He slept in the bed with the foster mom and her two teenage daughters)
He has eaten a ton today- lots of bottles and bananas and apples. (The rice cereal didn't go so well, we will try that tomorrow)
We are having a great time and loving being with our son. He is a gift. He has the most wonderful personality and loves watching people and playing.
We have pictures from today.
Once we have them on the computer- I'll add them to the blog.
Some good friends of ours all also adopting from Guatemala. Tomorrow their daughters foster mom is bringing her to the hotel. We are so excited to meet her.
signing off for now
melanie
What an experience- about 30 families all there waiting for their number to be called.
Fortunately we were in group 5.
(And the embassy officer use to live in Green Lake area of Seattle- that was fun to talk about)
We had to hold Samuel up and the officer looked at him and compared him to his passport picture- Samuel smiled a big smile for him!!
And then Rob and I held up our right hand and swore that we would take care of Samuel.
He just looked at us very quizically as we repeated after the officer.
As tiring (emotionally and physically) as yesterday was, today was restful.
It felt so good to come back from the embassy appointment.
We went to the pool and Samuel had his first swim- he loved the pool.
He is doing great today.
Last night sleeping in the crib didn't go so well. He would roll over and hit the railing and start crying (close to screaming). So he ended up in bed with us, which seemed very comforting to him. At all times, he had his feet on me and his hands or head on Rob.
He slept great after that (Rob and I may not say the same as we kept watching him and making sure we wouldn"t smoosh him!)
We will have to see how to transition that, but for now it helps with all the changes he is having. (He slept in the bed with the foster mom and her two teenage daughters)
He has eaten a ton today- lots of bottles and bananas and apples. (The rice cereal didn't go so well, we will try that tomorrow)
We are having a great time and loving being with our son. He is a gift. He has the most wonderful personality and loves watching people and playing.
We have pictures from today.
Once we have them on the computer- I'll add them to the blog.
Some good friends of ours all also adopting from Guatemala. Tomorrow their daughters foster mom is bringing her to the hotel. We are so excited to meet her.
signing off for now
melanie
Monday, October 8, 2007
Samuel's here
I have thought of so much to share, but to be honest I am so tired right now.
I didn't sleep much last night in anticipation.
We met Samuel around 1pm.....I held him and he took a bottle and then fell right asleep while the translator went over our Embassy appt. The foster mom held him while he slept.
She and her daughter were fighting back tears.
For the most part he has done great. He is so much more interactive, playing with toys, etc.
After about 2 hours of play and calm, he started crying and was hard to comfort.
He did have some baby food from a jar and then a bottle. He then slept another half hour and now is doing great again. Hopefully he will sleep well.
He loves this one toy that has a mirror on it, he keeps putting his face to it as though he is kissing the baby in the mirror. Very fun to watch.
well, here are a few pics- probably what most of you want to see. We don't have a ton yet, which i guess makes sense giving we have mostly been staring at him!!
Thanks for praying for us!!I have asked Bob and Sue to be guest posters- so look to be hearing from them soon.
melanie
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