Update: March 8, 2007: Happy Women's Day
Up to this point, David and I have worked together on the daily updates. However, they have obviously been written mostly from his point of view. But today is Women's Day in Kazakhstan--a national holiday! And so in honor of Women’s Day, I’m going to let you in on mommy's perspective of the journey we have been experiencing...

Today was the first full day with Caleb. He is quite a character! He went to bed at 8:00 last night and slept till 8:00 this morning, only because his anxious parents woke him up to play! Apparently, our son needs his rest--much like his mom!  We played, ate, napped, and changed diapers pretty much all day long... well, I changed all the diapers, but David will be starting soon enough! It was wonderful to give him our full and undivided attention with no place to go and nothing to do. We simply enjoyed being together as a family, him getting to know us, and us getting to know him.

Bath time went much smoother today, as well.  I don't know what we were thinking last night when we stripped off his clothes and excitedly threw him in the bathtub for the very first time in his 10-month-old life.  Tonight, we took it much slower, easing him into the tub each step of the way.  By the end of tonight's bath, we even got a few smiles.  A small but important victory for the day!

I am so thankful for how relaxed Caleb seems with us. He is a different child here in the apartment than he was at the baby house. Even our travel partners noticed the difference when they came over with their son today for Caleb’s first play date. I believe that it is simply the answer to many of the prayers that have been lifted to God on Caleb’s behalf. Please continue to pray... the transition has just begun!

My heart is full as I reflect on this whole process. I can't imagine loving a child more than I already love baby Caleb. I have always enjoyed being around children, teaching school, working in the nursery, spending time with nieces and nephews, keeping our friend's children... but there was always a void. I could only give them so much of my heart because they did not belong to me. Now, I have the sweetest little boy in my life to shower with affection, kisses and "I love yous." I have a son to give my heart to completely.  Thank you, Lord, for this precious gift. Help me always to remember that he is first Yours and then ours to take care of and to teach.  May we be found faithful for this enormous task of parenthood.

I know it has only been one day, and I know that the road ahead will not always be easy, but the road to get to this point was not always easy, either. Adoption has been such an amazing experience, but I will be the first to admit that it is not for the faint-hearted. There have been some emotional highs and lows along the way, and I have a feeling that there will be plenty more.  But every time I see Caleb smile, I know that it was worth every tear shed and every minute of waiting.  We still have quite a bit to learn about each other, but I am humbled and overwhelmed with how God has chosen to knit our family together.  

Caleb's personality seems to be a perfect fit with David and me. Thank you to those family members and friends that have encouraged us along the way.  It has been your love and support that have helped us to press on, even when we felt like this was never going to happen. And to The Church at Brook Hills, thank you for being our cheerleaders through this whole process. It is such a blessing to know that Caleb will grow up in a church that will love and cherish him. We miss y'all. I can't wait to bring Caleb to hear that fabulous choir!

So, as the day comes to a close, you may wonder what I learned my first day on the job as Mom. It's quite simple... I learned that I can't do this thing on my own! I am completely dependent on God and His strength and wisdom every step of the way. I have been praying Philippians 4:6 all day long: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Lord, I need Your peace every moment of the day! David has been a wonderful example of this today. He is excelling at being a daddy! I am so thankful for a husband that is patient and calm. I think Caleb takes after his dad in that regard.  

What a day... I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow holds! Happy Women's Day...

We love you and miss you!
--David and Heather

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