Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Gotcha Day has finally arrived!

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thes. 5:16

Wow! What an emotional day! I cannot even begin to describe the emotions that my heart is filled with. I am now the proud mother of three children. Toryn is everything I dreamed about and even more! He is absolutely beautiful!

First, let me say I'm sorry! Of all the days for the computer to not work at all, and that was today, Gotcha Day! I tried and tried, because I couldn't wait for you all to see this beautiful gift from God. Finally, with help from one of our new friends, he helped me get it going.

We arrived about 2:00pm on Monday, to the Civil Affairs Office to receive the children. There are three other families who traveled to our province with us. We have all become such good friends. They are all very nice and so much fun to be around. Of course, Termite is the clown of the bunch, can you imagine that?

When we arrived the children were already there. Toryn was brought to the office by the director of the orphanage and one of his nannies. He first came right to me, greeting me with a wave. He did good until the nannie left. It was so sad. He had a total meltdown, and cried for the entire hour we were at the office. He was mad at the world. I felt so bad for him. His whole world had changed in a split second. The only person he knew left, and he was stuck with these crazy Americans. The only thing that would even begin to calm him down was when Tessa started singing to him. It was so sweet, he loved her singing. It was so cute, in the middle of his meltdown, Tessa blew him a kiss, and he immediately blew her one back. After we left the meeting, the minute we got on the bus, he quit crying. He seemed to like being outside. Once we got back to the hotel, he begin to open up and seemed to relax a little. He still wasn't crazy about Termite and Treagan holding him. I felt really sorry for them, but they realized that he was more comfortable with women, probably because his nannies are female. He is so adorable. We finally got him to take his shoes and some of his clothes off. He had four layers of clothing on and was wringing sweat. He then started to talk a little and guess what his first word was? MAMA! Ok, that brought on the tears! The kids then was trying to get him to repeat words, and he was trying every word they said. He's so smart! Isn't that what every mother says, but I'M serious!!

I was able to see his palate. It is not as bad as I had imagined, although, he had some aweful breath. I'm sure it's because of his cleft palate, but oh man, I should have brought some Scope. lol. It also looks like his teeth are not as bad as I thought they would be either. They are covered with plaque. I wanted to brush them immediately, but I didn't want to force that on him since he had been through so much to begin with. He is eating very well. He will try anything you put in front of him. That's my boy!

Right before we put him to bed, he gave us all sugars. It was priceless! I love this sweet boy so much!



Toryn is not a happy camper! Poor little fellow!


Introducing Toryn Ling Kendrick.


Toryn with his orphanage director.


Treagan is an awesome big brother.


Our three blessings!


Daddy and Toryn


Mama and Toryn

15 comments:

Karen said...

Traci All I can say is WOW. You made me cry. Toryn is awsome. He is going to do just fine with his new family. Hurry Home guys. Merry Christmas to all 5 of you. God is taking care of you.
Love ya Karen

Unknown said...

Ok, now that I'm done crying! lol! That is amazing...I can't wait to meet our new cousin! He is way too cute! I'm sure by the time you get home he will feel like he is part of the family! We love you!
Cody & Christin

Gramma Sandy said...

CONGRATULATIONS, what a gorgeous threesome you have now. We were a bit concerned not hearing from you, but figured you had other things on your mind. We are all so happy for ya'll. Have a Blessed Christmas with God's gift. Couldn't happen to a better family. Can't wait to welcome the 5 of you home. Love and Prayers Gramma Sandy

Sharon said...

Yeah!!! Happy happy gotcha day!!! Heis precious and looks like he is finally where he belongs! You will see his personality come out over the next several days. Hang in there Termite and Treagan, he will soon love his daddy and big brother. SO awesome to see him in your arms!!!

Cristi said...

Ok I AM WITH SANDY but I WAS REALLY CONCERNED...GLAD YOUR SAFE AND NOW SINCE YOU HAVE TORYN I WILL NOT WORRY ANYMORE...WELLLLLL, I WILL TRY NOT TOO...IF YOU NEED TO YOU CAN CALL ME COLLECT...LOVE YA

amholguin23 said...

That is so exciting! I feel like we just had a new baby! One because I am filled with Joy for all of you and two because I can't stop crying!! ha! Dominic can't wait to meet his new pal. Love the pictures! What a handsome boy! You guys stay safe and give him a kiss for us! Love you 5 T's for Christ!!
Amber, Gordy and Dominic

charlotte said...

I agree!!! WOW! I can't wait till you get back to meet him. He is awesome. Little Texan Kendrick Merry CHRISTmas!!! Merry Christmas to you all! God is so AWESOME! I am going to be away from a a computer for the next few days. I will be thinking and praying for all of you. God brought you this far and I can't wait to see the future holds for you all!!!! Love ya, Charlotte

Lisa said...

Toryn has a family!!!! I'm so praising God for y'all!!! I was starting to pray really hard. I'm so thankful that Toryn is where God planned for him to be before he set the world in motion!! He's beautiful! He's amazing! He blows kisses!!! And he said Mama...how awesome is that!!! Have a very merry Christmas!! Love Y'all, Lisa

patti said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
Toryn is so handsome, and the first picture on your Gotcha Day blog should be Framed. It is gorgeous...

What a Blessed CHRISTmas Y'all are
having. God is so Good!

I can't wait till Lisa and Allie bring our little angel KayLi home.

Will continue to read and cry over
your journey. Hurry home to Texas.

Blessings, Patti(LIsa's Mom)

Denise said...

Praise God! So happy to see him in your arms!

Unknown said...

OH my, what an emotional time...I have been crying my eyes out (tears of joy, of course) but wow what a time for you guys. I am so thankful it is going well. He is absolutely perfect. He looks so grown up from the last picture. I can't wait to meet the little guy in person. Hugs and kisses to you all. Enjoy your first Christmas together! God is so amazing and his timing is always perfect! love ya, Angela

Shawna Dobbs said...

Yea! I will say I was getting worried as well. He is beautiful...or should I say handsome? I had to show Serena her new friend.
He will settle in over the next few days. He is blessed to have such a great family. Cherish your time together in China. We are so happy for you all.
The Dobbs

Unknown said...

oh yes, I almost forgot.. I am sure there will be plenty of time for brushing and flossing, of course!! I am sure he will be very good at it in no time at all. I have a few stories for him when he gets older about his mama and her non-flossing friend! HEHE!

Cheryl said...

Oh Traci...I was so glad to see your post when I woke up this morning. The pictures are awesome and he is precious! We sure could relate to your episode at the Civil Affairs office...it brought tears to my eyes as I read. God is faithful and we will continue to pray for his transition. Can hardly wait to meet you all...very soon. Merry Christmas Eve! God's blessings on your family today, Cheryl

Unknown said...

What a great Christmas for all of you especially Toryn!!!!!God knew just where he belonged where he would get the best of everything.
I am so happy for you and can hardly wait to see him.
I love you all and pray for a safe return home.
Ms.Letha