Bringing Home Bryant: Blessings

This past month has been full of blessings for our family. On April 21st Bryant was baptized with his family, church family and friends surrounding him. We all promised to love and support him by bringing him to know and have a true relationship with God. It was an emotional and glorious day.

Bryant was baptized in Russia on December 25, 2010 when he was almost 2 months old. I seem to think there is something special about my baby being baptized on the same day Jesus was born, the most important day in history. God knows he is one special little guy. Bryant stayed at the Children's Hospital for the first four months of his life before being transferred to the baby house. We assume he was baptized at the hospital. As Jeff and I walked out of the orphanage that cold December day we were handed a plastic bag. Inside was a small white and blue lace shirt with a beautiful cross embroidered on it, a matching blanket and a small silver cross on a string. On the plastic bag was his birth name and his date of baptism. These items are all we have from Bryant's previous life in Russia. They are all he owned. You can only imagine how dear they are to us and one day I am sure Bryant will cherish them as well. It only felt natural to have Bryant baptized in the shirt and cross he wore in Russia, spiritually tying his previous life to his new life.

Some highlights of the day - Jeff's mother gave him Jeff's silver baby cup. She had Bryant's monogram and baptism date engraved on one side and Jeff's is on the other. It is such a special gift. Jeff was very very touched by the gift. Hopefully Bryant can pass it along to his child and it will become a family heirloom. We are happy to have my brother Grayson as his godfather. Bryant adores him. At the church service the band sang "Jesus loves me" to Bryant which is one of his favorite songs. He sangs along. it was very touching.

I addition to the baptism, Jeff and I were fortunate enough to take our first "parents only" vacation since Bryant has been home. These past 17 months have been stressful yet wonderful. Having four children is not easy, it is always busy around here but we wouldn't change it. However when we had a chance for a week vacation in the Caribbean, we jumped on the first plane. I love my children but spending time with my husband for 6 days of pure relaxation was just what the doctor ordered. I worried so much about leaving Bryant. It sounds silly but every night but a handful I have rocked him to sleep. He is a true Mommas boy. I worried how we would do with out me. He also has a feeding tube which is not easy. To top it off he is a busy busy two year old who is in to everything. Thanks to my awesome Mom and amazing Aunt Anne they assured me they had it covered. They told me to go and quit worrying. Well they more than had it covered. Bryant did amazing with them so we have deemed them the 'miracle workers." When we left he had an ear infection and had stopped eating altogether so he was almost solely on g-tube feedings. When we returned he is eating and even asking me for potato chips and bacon. I thought they switched kids on me. He also exploded with language when we were gone. He is talking non-stop in full sentences, describing things constantly, asking tons of questions and using correct grammar. If I had known how well he would have done I would have gone on vacation a long time ago. We have already asked when we can go again. Ha Ha

Macie and Amelia spent the week with Nonnie and Pop. They had so much fun with them and were spoiled rotten. I think Amelia would stay permanently. We are so very thankful for their help. Jeff and I came back refreshed with a new more relaxed outlook on life. I have to say though at the end of the week I was ready to see my babies. However, my children were more excited to see each other than us. They missed us but I think they really missed each more. Bryant more than the girls has been super attached to me since we got home. He follows me around like a little duck. I keep telling him I am not going anywhere and he asks if I am "going to the beach to swim with the fish." I tell him I wish. Tonight he told me "I wanna love on you. Momma rock me." My sweet sweet boy. How can I resist that?

Bryant and Amelia finished preschool last week. It was a great year for them. They are going to miss their friends. Bryant is especially going to miss his girlfriend Annabelle who he says is "sparkly and magical." He is going to be a good real boyfriend one day if he keeps talking like that. Sara Kathryn and Macie have a few more weeks of school left. Macie is swimming on the swim team and Sara Kathryn is training at gymnastics all summer. We are all ready for the summer break.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever Psalms 107:1