we've come a long way.

What a difference a day makes!  Yesterday, after "waking up" from a very sleepless night, I wasn't sure how the day would go with Sam.  After feeding him breakfast, we just started playing with him in the halls and kitchen of the guest house.  We would run and jump, play our version of hide and seek, push the stuffed animals in the umbrella stroller, color, climb the stairs...you name it; we did it.  And, it was just what we all needed!  He would only cry when we brought him back to the room for a diaper change, but it was no where near the cry from the first day/night.  While outside the room, he would occasionally cry for omma; usually this happened when he saw something that reminded him of her.  These cries were more like whines, not the frantic cries from the day before, and with these, he was more consolable.

Before lunch, we ventured out to the store with him, so we could see how he would do before going to the Embassy later for his Visa.  There were some moments where he would ask for omma, but he did great!  We got the Visa and are free to leave for home!

Last night was a MUCH better night than our first night. He's woken up only twice, and we were able to get him back to sleep much quicker than the night before.  It's 5:30 am here now, and we fly out later today.  So, I'm hoping a good night's sleep works in our favor!

Finally having Sam makes the ache in our hearts go away, and seeing him laugh and play fills our hearts with joy.  There were several things yesterday that completely melted our hearts though--
-We've been taking his little hand and touching our faces or chests with it and saying, "mama / daddy." Then we take his hand, touch his chest, and say, "Sam." We did this throughout the day, and yesterday evening he randomly patted each one of us with his little hand. He didn't say the words, but we could tell he was mimicking what we had been doing.
-He would ask for omma, and Jeremy would point to me and say, "mama."  Twice yesterday he repeated mama after Jeremy said it.  
-The best part, especially for bonding and attachment, is that he insists on both of us being with him.  He'll want to hold each of our hands to walk.  He'll want all three of us to play with a toy.  He will let either of us hold him and comfort him.  Of course, we gladly oblige :0).

Now that I've practically written a novel, I better get off here and prepare for the day. Before I do, let me say that we are beyond humbled by the amount of prayers being offered on our behalf and by our amazing Heavenly Father who walks with us not only during the good days but through the longest nights!!

Blessings to you, dear friends!

"The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion."  Psalm 116:5