Did God really place this little miracle in our arms? Our lives? Our family? Yes He did!!! One year ago today, Matt and I rode in a cab in China, to a run down, dingy, dark building to meet our son. As we waited in a room with other families we saw many children meet their mommy's and daddy's for the first time. Some cried and wanted to go back to their nanny, others were intrigued by these new people. Matt and I sat in anticipation wondering when our son would walk through that door, how would he react to us? And then I saw him. This baby, screaming, crying, with no sign of stopping anytime soon. And I just wanted him, I needed to hold him, to soothe him. To let him know that his MaMa(mommy) and BaBa(daddy) were finally there to bring him home. It was like a dream really. He snuggled in, and I never, ever, will let him go. He is ours forever.
Samuel has accomplished and been through so much in just a year. He has seen numerous doctors and been through 2, 4+ hour surgeries. He has had countless hours of therapy and is making huge strides! In one year, he has gone from barely being able to take 2 ounces of formula at a time, to eating 4 entire peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at once. Okay, so that only happened once, and it was after being on a strict liquids only diet for 3 weeks, but 4 whole sandwiches is impressive!! He was giving little to no eye contact when we got him, to almost full eye contact now when spoken to. He has gone from being able to only take a couple of steps, to running around the house chasing his brothers. It was a struggle to get him to smile a year ago, and today he smiles at everything he finds funny. He has quite the little sense of humor. He went from never having baths, to every night when I say "time for bath" he runs to the bathtub and puts his arms up to start taking his shirt off. He went from, not only not being able to, but also not wanting to communicate, to having almost 10 signs in sign-language and demanding your attention when he wants or needs something. He has now had his first Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and the most fun of all, his first birthday party. He has learned how much we love our family and friends and he has began to show them love as well. He in fact, has just learned how to blow kisses. It's adorable really.
I was scared a year ago, before Samuel was placed in my arms, how deeply I would love him. Would he be my baby as much as our first 2 sons? Today I can answer that question. I could answer that question the second he was placed in my arms. YES!!! Samuel Mangels, I love you. I love you completely, with all of my heart. You are my son, my baby, a joy in my life. I can't wait to see where you are and what all will come in the next year.
Thank you to all of our friends and family who have loved and prayed for Samuel. We are greatful for all of you and everything you have done for our family.
