Like He's Been With Us Forever

Today marks 6 months since we drove to the Civil Affairs Office in Hangzhou to meet our son for the first time. Looking back, I wish I would have taken pictures of the outside of the building, the taxi driver, more pics of the moment, more shots of the orphanage director....I wish I would have picked up a flyer or business card, or water cooler cup...something from that building. What we do have are great memories that will never fade. The memory of how much bigger he was than I had expected. The memory of his sleeping face as I gazed down at him for the first time. Memory of Shawn introducing Ian to the stuffed dog we brought for him, meant to represent Polli.

We never felt like we were babysitting, and didn't really have much trouble transitioning from never-been-parents, to diaper changing, congee feeding experts overnight...We feel like Ian couldn't have transitioned us more gently. He never really grieved, never resisted either of us, didn't have sleep issues, ate easily, and was content to hang out in the hip carrier or stroller. No blowouts while out sightseeing, no hysterics or drama, and sat happily without a single toy on his first airplane ride ever. I waited for "the other shoe to drop", and waited, and waited. 6 months later, I began to wonder if there wasn't a second shoe to begin with....and then I remembered that Ian really did lose one of his shoes in the Guangzhou airport somewhere amidst bag checks. The other shoe dropped, in Guangzhou International, and he never looked back. Literally.

A few minutes after Ian meets us for the first time, he meets Polli's surrogate. They hit it off pretty well.

Ian gives "Polli" kisses before bed the first night.

One of my favorite pictures of Ian and Polli snuggling in my lap.

Ian and "the real thing" six months later... Both so grown up and best buddies.