Monday, July 7, 2008

We made it home.....but missing Dennis

We made it home safe and sound around 2:30am on July 5th.  I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel absolutely wonderful crawling into my own bed that night, but I'd also be lying if I didn't say that I feel like a part of me is missing with Dennis still back in Ukraine.  I miss him.  John misses him.  He is constantly in our thoughts and I am preparing like a mad woman nesting for his arrival on the 18th.
Dennis loves skin on skin contact even if that means resting on his Mama's jiggly jello legs. 
Dennis loved playing with Daddy's cell phone.  "How does Daddy make it play music, but I can't?"
We left this photo album with Dennis so that he could look at it everyday.  We even asked his caretakers to leave it in his crib.  Thanks to whoever suggested leaving a blanket with our son so that he could still remember our scent even though we are not there with him.  Now if only I had remembered to bring home something with his scent.
On our last visit with Dennis, it seemed as if he knew that something was up.  Children are so intuitive that I'm sure he realized that we were leaving. 
John and I wondered how long it would take for Dennis to accept our attempts at consoling him when he got hurt and was in pain.  Dennis showed us on the last day that he would indeed accept our love, hugs and kisses when he needed them most.   Here he is crying his sweet little innocent cry after falling as he was trying to push himself up to a sitting position.  My whispering, "Ya Lublu Tebya," as I held him close calmed him down.  John rubbing his head probably helped too.

22 comments:

Bethany said...

Aww, I bet the 18th can't get here fast enough. I'm so confused though because I thought your 10 days was waived?

amyl4 said...

I'm sitting here just crying tears while reading your post. I am so overwhelmed with joy that Dennis has been blessed to have you both as his parents. I can't wait to see his homecoming pictures with all of his brothers and sisters. Praying that the next week flys by quickly and you will be on your way to pick up your sweet little guy!
Amy

Amy said...

Welcome home!
The time will go by pretty quick! You have 10 other reasons why...hehe!
By the way - can you tell folks what size (as close as you think!) clothes he is wearing????

Thanks!
Amy

junglemama said...

Amy (the second post) can you please send me your blog or email? I wish I could put a name to a face. :)

orphans4me said...

Glad you made it safely. I hope time whizzes by before you see Dennis at HOME!
Joy,RR

Anonymous said...

Dennis will be home in no time at all. Hang in there. We are all praying for you. I am spreading the word out on *my* website. We all had a blast this last weekend. Jen and I will be coming up again in a few weeks to see Dennis and all of you.

Love you all

-Cousin Matt

jenna said...

John and Christine, I confess I have been following your blog for the last few months. You mentor us more than you know as we prepare to bring our own little guy home from Ukraine later this year. Thanks for your sharing in this process and also as a God-honoring family.
I look forward to hearing more of your story. Blessings.

Amy said...

http://www.libenowfamily.blogspot.com

my email is...
amylibenow@yahoo.com

I have a few little boys 18months outfits... I'd love to send them to you - if they'll fit!
Let me know!

Amy

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine, I'm so glad you made it home safely. Been praying for you and little Dennis, that he won't feel too lonely and that this time will go quickly for both of you.

Leslie said...

Welcome home, weary travelers. Praying for strength for you as you await the return to get your blessed child and for peace for your son in your absence. Thank you for allowing us to follow this journey!

ArtworkByRuth said...

Welcome home! It won't be long before you have him safely in the nest!

Zack, Jenn and William said...

Praying that the time will go by fast... I'm sure he also can't wait to see you guys again!!

Julie said...

Welcome home!!!! The 18th will be here before you now it!!!

Doriana Gray said...

Congratulations and welcome home! I am so looking forward to seeing him home soon :)

Renia

Ashley said...

Welcome home! I know your children at home are so happy to be with you. I know these days are hard without Dennis. I am praying for all of you and for Dennis as he waits for his Daddy's return. He will be so excited to be with you again. It will be a joyous reunion. I also can't wait to see him home with his brothers and sisters. :)

Glad you made it home safely. :)

Christie M said...

Oh Christine! Ya got me bawling again.

WONDERFUL pictures! I couldn't be prouder of two people who are almost young enough to be my kids. :)

Tami said...

I remember that feeling oh, so well. I cried the whole way back to Kiev...and about every night in between trips. It didn't get better until we were through with court and I was able to see Maddie again. We'll be praying for the time to fly for you.

Salzwedel Family said...

Praise God you're home. I pray the time until you return for Dennis goes quickly for you.

Joy said...

I have not had a chance to post to your blog about how happy I am for you all. I bet it was awful to have to leave him. I think I had read on your blog awhile back that the caregivers were very protective of Dennis. I am sure that because of this he will fit into your loving home very easily. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,
Joy

Joy said...

I have not had a chance to post to your blog about how happy I am for you all. I bet it was awful to have to leave him. I think I had read on your blog awhile back that the caregivers were very protective of Dennis. I am sure that because of this he will fit into your loving home very easily. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,
Joy

Brandi said...

awe. . Davis is a skin to skin kid. I think it's partly an attachment thing. SO sweet (in the beginning!). I can't wait for him to be in your arms for good. . oooh, really what I can't wait for is all his siblings meeting him!

Brandi

Connie said...

I am sure it was terribly tough on you guys to have to leave him :-( Soon soon soon! (but not soon enough!... I know!!)