Attachment Period

Those who are familiar with international adoption, either by doing it yourselves, or knowing someone who has adopted, are aware of the Attachment Period.  It is highly recommended that we observe an attachment period when we return home from China.  This means that we will not have visitors over to our house and we will limit the amount of time spent out of the home.  For Lilly's sake, we need to establish our role as her parents and form the family bond.  This will help Lilly become an adjusted child in the future.  She will need to grieve her losses.  Although, her life up until now has been institutionalized, it is the only life she has known.  She has formed relationships with her care-givers.  It is important for us to respect the time and process it takes for her to transfer her affection and dependance to us.  I know it is a lot to ask, but we ask that our friends and family respect this process, however long it takes.  Lilly is the only one who can determine how long this process will last.  I know you will want to share with us in our joy and journey, so I promise to keep the blog as up-to-date as possible.  To our church friends - Dave and I will be taking turns on Sundays, so Liam can still attend regularly.  Feel free to invite us to sit in the pew with you.  We will most likely be exhausted and need the help.  One of the bet ways you can help us is through prayer!  I'm sure we will feel your support that way, even when we will feel isolated and in "lock down" (as my mother affectionately calls it).

Here are some specific things you can pray for -

*  That Lilly will show her emotions and start the grieving process right away.  That she doesn't bottle her emotions for later.

* That Dave and I have patience and compassion.  That we are a strong team.

*  That all our hearts are opened and ready and that the Holy Spirit would guide our actions and words.

*  That Lilly eats well and starts to try solid foods.

*  That Liam feels love for his sister (he already has, but it may be different when we are home and Lilly requires a lot of attention).  That Liam never doubts our love for him.

*  That Liam is healthy and safe while we are gone.

*  That travel for us goes well with no complications.  That Dave and I take time to enjoy the culture and life our daughter is coming from.

*  That we have a great team of doctors and therapists for Lilly and that they view her as the unique child of God she is.

*  And most importantly - Thank God that He has chosen us to be Lilly's parents and has opened every door that needed to be opened in order to bring her home this quickly.  Thank God He allowed us to be parents to two beautiful children, who have been given life for a purpose.  Thank God that their birth-mothers chose life!!!