May 17, 2010
The moment you've all been waiting for!
We got the prize! Well, everyone did, but let me tell you, our boy has PERSONALITY! The big moment: The orphanage director and officer arrived and I saw them coming up the steps of the Civil Affairs office. He was looking around all curious. Dale grabbed the camera to get ready when they walked in the open doorway. They walked straight to me. For some reason they could tell he was mine!
When they stopped in front of me he just looked at me with curiosity and I said, "Wu shi ni mama." (Chinese for "I am your mama." spelling butchered, I'm sure. I'm too tired to look it up and I can't remember how to spell it, but thank you Elisa Criden for teaching me that phrase nearly eight years ago). When I said that he smiled the biggest smile and reached out for me. I was so shocked! He never cried once. I believe they have been showing him our photo album we sent him and talking to him about us. He is very smart and ALL BOY! I think we're going to have to have a helmet made for him as soon as we get home. He has no fear of anything.
Abigail was the best little baby sitter while we were trying to sign paperwork amid the chaos that ensued. He is so fast though, that it's scary. And he's a climber. We literally cannot take our eyes off him. Not for fear that he will get into something, but with the outright knowledge that he WILL get into something. God Bless the nannies who have kept him alive all this time.
Benjamin was obviously loved and well cared for. He is chubby, was clean and smelled good when they handed him to me. Along with Benjamin came several bags: diapers, a change of clothes, two photo albums - one a scrap book with many pictures and comments, a letter from the director of Angel House in English requesting updates via email.
To the ladies at church who made the beautiful quilts, the nannies oohhed and ahhed over them and one read the inscription that Minqi translated and with tears in her eyes said, "Hallelujah." We couldn't communicate in words, but smiles and hugs are universal. Dale and I want to thank you for your beautiful labors of love and hope you know that your work is appreciated by the nannies at both Olivia's and Benjamin's orphanage. We left 10 of the quilts in Lin'An where Olivia began her life and brought the remaining 4 for Pingdingshan.
Well, I left Dale feeding Benjamin a bottle. We couldn't believe he still takes one, but it seems he's not going to sleep without it. Oh well. We can bond a little faster with it, anyway. I have so much more to say, but have to get back and assist with bedtime and laundry.
Love to everyone. Your messages are so special to us. We appreciate hearing from you and knowing that your prayers are with us. I'll try to post more pictures tomorrow.
Comments From Friends and Family:
*YAY! My eyes are full of tears imagining the moment.
A new journey has begun, what a lucky little boy, what a lucky family! Congrats Croy family!
Posted by: Mandy Seger on May 17, 2010 at 08:02 A.M.
Olivia, I think your brother is so cute. I want my daddy to have hair like that!
Lilly Seger
Posted by: Lilly S on May 17, 2010 at 08:11 A.M.
*Posted by: LIUXIN on May 17, 2010 at 09:39 A.M.
Congrats! That is so awesome! Looks like Dale has someone to go adventuring with. Give Ben and the girls a squeeze from the Haskins!
Posted by: David Haskin on May 17, 2010 at 09:40 A.M.
*He is absolutely precious !! Praise the LORD !
We know your heart is overflowing right now. Enjoy this
special time with your new boy !
Posted by: Minqi , Rhonda, Clayton and Emma on May 17, 2010 at 10:15 A.M.
*I am in tears! OMG! Carmen I do not have words to express what I am feeling a I read your post. I found pictures today at Angel House of your Benjamin and my Grace. Can't wait to get there and get here. You have encouraged me so much through this post. I can hardly wait to be in your shoes, living through you right now. It looked like he did not go to Pingdinshan SWI until a day or two until you got there is that right? Have you gotten to go to Angel House?
Posted by: Dawn Fisher on May 17, 2010 at 10:24 A.M.
*Glad to see you with Benjamin. Now we have another brother in the family. He can only speak Chinese right now and he will learn English soon. Hope he won't forget Chinese.=P
God bless you!
Posted by: Minqi's translating on May 17, 2010 at 10:46 A.M.
*Hi Carmen -
Our daughter is currently at Angel House and I echo Dawn's sentiments. It does my momma's heart good to hear how well cared for your little boy was, hoping (and feeling confident) that our Suhn is being given the same level of care. SO happy for your family!!!
Blessings,
Megan
Posted by: Megs on May 17, 2010 at 10:47 A.M.
*Yay!!! What a handsome son and brother you have! I echo the nannies' Hallelujah, but for your family! Looking forward to hearing more.
Love, Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca on May 17, 2010 at 11:06 A.M.
*WooHoo!! He is so cute! Hurry up and bring him home so we can play with him. I know Ollie and Abigail are having a blast with him. Ollie finally has some competition!
I love and miss you all.
cindi
Posted by: Aunt Cindi on May 17, 2010 at 11:20 A.M.
*Oh! I am SO happy and excited for ALL of you!!! Handsome boy (beautiful family!). How wonderful and exciting for Benjamin to have heard your words..."I am your mama." in his known language. I know all of our hearts are full for this joyous occasion. Can't wait to meet your new addition!
Posted by: Betty Jo Phillips on May 17, 2010 at 11:25 A.M.
*Woop! Woop! Can't wait to meet Mr. Benjamin! And now I am inspired for my hair appointment tomorrow. Hugs to everyone!
Cindy
Posted by: Cynthia Kuhlman on May 17, 2010 at 11:33 A.M.
*Can't even imagine how happy you are and how full all of your hearts are now that you are actually able to hug and squeeze him. He is absolutely adorable! I have no doubt he knew who you all were when he saw you. You all were just meant to be together. Miss you lots! HUrry home!!!
Posted by: Jennifer on May 17, 2010 at 11:58 A.M.
*Woohoo!!!! That is the same room we met Bekah in! Of course, he likes you and all so that is a bit different :-) So glad this day has come and can't wait to hold you all in my arms. Dale Croy is looking so handsome I might have to restrain myself...and we both know that would be a first! Blessings to you all as you grow into your new family and special prayers for good sleep and a sense of humor, two things it looks like you are going to need.
Posted by: Teresa on May 17, 2010 at 01:04 P.M.
*So thrilled for you! Can't wait to get him in the Preschool Department. Tell the girls Little Brothers are the best!! We are so excited for you!
Posted by: Jane A. on May 17, 2010 at 03:29 P.M.
*oh my! how precious! how adorable! i am enjoying your posts SO much!!! this one especially :) we couldn't be happier for you! may the rest of your trip go smoothly and you continue to feel prayed for. hugs and lots of love!
Posted by: Shelle M. on May 17, 2010 at 04:23 P.M.
*I am so excited! Love the pictures, love the stories! Can't believe what a cutie. Congrats and we love you all!
Posted by: Deana Sellers on May 17, 2010 at 05:44 P.M.
*YAY!!! Congrats!!! So happy for you guys!! Looks like ya'll are going to have your hands full with him. He's so cute!! Take care! Have fun and a safe trip home! Praying for you guys!
Love,
The Sosa's
Posted by: Keturah And Tony on May 18, 2010 at 03:53 A.M.
*I'm so happy right now, words can't truly express the joy I'm feeling. He is adorable and I can't wait to see all of you. You, Dale and the girls will now get to experience what Jeff and I have for many years. Boys are God's busy, adventureous and fearless little explorers. He makes them that way to become strong Godly men that will lead their families in His ways.
Take care and hugs and kisses to all.
Love,
Cousin Penny
Posted by: Penny Cook on May 18, 2010 at 05:58 A.M.
*CONGRATULATIONS!!! He's absolutely adorable. Welcome to the world of boys - hang on, it's going to be an adventure. I'm so excited for your family and the amazing blessings (all of them) that God has given you. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures. Have a blast getting to know your son and be safe on your travels. God Bless!
Posted by: Wendy on May 18, 2010 at 11:42 A.M.
*Croy Family!
Your story to receive Benjamin has moved me to tears. I'm sitting in my classroom this morning with tears rolling down my cheeks! This is one lucky little boy to have your family to call his very own! Thank you so much for allowing us to all come along on your adventures and journey to your son!
God Bless you all!
Pirke Family
Posted by: Dawn Pirke on May 19, 2010 at 05:46 A.M.
*Good Lord, has it been 8 years since I taught you my little bit of Mandarin? I'm so excited for all of you!! And I'm happy that he understood you. If I can remember, I'll post how to tell him to go to sleep. I was amazed when Zachary actually listened and understood that phrase when we were in China! Benjamin will pick up English quickly, and you all will have so much fun teaching him. I love your blog, and can't wait to hear more. Benjamin is adorable, and will be a blessing to your family. This is bringing back lots of memories
Posted by: Elisa Criden on May 27, 2010 at 09:30 A.M.
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