Today was one of the first slow days we have had in a while. I filled out lots of paperwork for the adoption for about four hours, while Sarah and Rebecca played for hours on end, and had some mother-daughter bonding time. Becca loves to play dress-up with pretty hats and jewelry, even at one year old!
Below are some pictures of her personal fashion show!
Just thought ya might get a kick out of those photos!
Something really special that happened for me, Daddy or in Chinese as Rebecca calls me, “Baba,� happened this evening. I was playing with her and she grabbed my finger and held on tight for quite a long time while she played. She then looked up and gave me the biggest smile which I captured on film. It was a moment I will never forget. It prompted me to thinking about the origins of love. Just where is love born? From the experience I have been through as a new adoptive daddy, I can confidently say that love is not biologically born. No, instead love is something born in the heart. It can happen in the heart of any parent, biological or adoptive. It is not dependent on similar genetics or similar heritage. Its origins can simply be summed up in the words of 1 John 4:8: “God is love.� So, in summation, if you are considering adoption, and are worried about whether or not you will be able to love a child that is not biologically born to you, fear not. Don’t believe that lie! I can testify to the fact that my love for this baby is just as strong or stronger than I could have ever dreamed! It goes beyond words! Thank God for His direction in our life as He led us so lovingly down this road called adoption into the arms of a waiting child who to us and to Him is extraordinarily precious! It could be that those of you who are reading this could have a pair of arms waiting for you that will one day reach up and grab your finger and call you, “Baba!� or “Mama!� Anyway, before I lose it emotionally here, I’m going to sign off with tears flowing! See ya tomorrow!
Below is the picture of the moment I mentioned.
Our tears are flowing too! That is the most precious picture we’ve ever seen! Four more days till Houston Gotcha Day! Hugs and kisses to Rebecca Jiayi! We can tell that she is a happy, happy little girl. She knows she has her Mama and Baba now!
Love, Dad and Mom
Love is very special you give it out and it is received back. You can tell that there is a lot of love in the pictures that you have taken. It sure is good to see how well things are going for you and your new family. Im so happy for you
Love Mike
How very precious! Words cannot describe the joy you must feel as Rebecca Jiayi accepts and understands your love for her. What a wonderful picture of how the Lord must feel when we accept His love for us although it is so great that we cannot comprehend its fullness. We are so blessed to be Rebecca Jiayi’s grandparents and are looking forward so much to meeting her. Love, Mom and Dad Mattson
I just want to let you and Sarah know that you have changed my mind on adoption. I used to wonder if I could ever love the baby the same I used to tell God to please let Joseph and I have a baby that I didnt want to adpot but after seeing these pictures I dont feel that way anymore. I just tear up everytime I look at the pictures see a happy father,mother and daughter. THANK YOU.!
Dear Brandon and Sarah,
Just checking in again. WOW! She is BEAUTIFUL, ADORABLE, LOVING, FULL OF JOY! Thank God for such a gift from heaven. I read through the rest of the days again, and found myself bursting out laughing when you wrote: My brain has been mush since becoming a Daddy! All I think about is Becca, Becca, Becca!
Everything else has to be told to me at least three or four times before it sinks in. Must be something in the air Ha! Ha! Many of the other parents have expressed experiencing these same symptoms! What a wonderful illness! I pray I never recover!
We know you’ll always be the enraptured parents of such a beautiful daughter. CONGRATULATIONS! We love you, and hope to see you SOON!!
Love in Jesus,
The Bransons
She is an amazing gift! Her eyes sparkle and so do the two of you! Thank you for opening your heart with the world! We are enjoying your journey and the encouragement we receive as we come near to the end of our dossier paperwork. Continually praying for you guys!
Cristie Martine
Thanks for sharing your story. Becca is beautiful. We just got back on March 2nd. We are clownfish with AWAA. It is neat to see you going through what we just did. Isn’t it a miracle! Now is seems as thought we’ve always had our Kylee with us. God Bless You.
I am so glad that she has taken to yuo both so fast. I know that your heart was full when she did that. Cameron and I love all of you. Can’t wait to see you next week.