Tuesday, February 24, 2009

First Days with Grace

Sorry we haven't posted sooner. As you can imagine, the last 32 hours with Grace have been a blur. We met Grace for the first time on Monday at 2:00 pm. She was NOT happy to see us. She is a very big girl for her age, and quite advanced. We wonder if her age is not correct... if it is, she is very different from most of China's orphans.

By last night she had given her first smiles and giggles. Although mostly, she cried.

Today she was unhappy until later in the afternoon, when she again enjoyed playing with the boys and best of all... she walked! She has a wide stance and quite a toddle, but she is fairly good on her feet. It is awesome to see and such an answer to prayer.

Our greatest concern right now is that although she is starting to bond with Murray and the boys, I (Diane) am still not welcome. I'm really trying, and will continue, but I'm already getting concerned about Murray returning to work. We appreciate your prayers for little Grace and all of us. This is a HUGE adjustment for us all.

Here are some photos of our "big girl" Grace :






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9 comments:

  1. Mike, Rachel, Olivia and ChloeFebruary 24, 2009 at 7:28 AM

    Hi Guys! Grace is beautiful. What an answer to prayer. We'll continue to pray for you on the next stages of your Amazing Race to Grace...

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  2. The SpoltoresFebruary 24, 2009 at 4:17 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. The Jarrett'sFebruary 24, 2009 at 4:27 PM

    Well after all of the waiting, its amazing to actually see you holding your precious little girl. She looks so content in the last photo in this series. No worries Diane, once Grace realizes that she has four boys that she will have to contend with, I'm sure that she will be looking for a whole lot of motherly warmth and affection. A little more time is all that will be needed for her grin to glow brighter and brighter. Don't let that worry you! Just count on the Lord to work that all out.

    Come to think of it, you may have to keep an eye on her as she grows older given how quickly she was attracted to the men in the family. At least we know she has great taste. Keep rested everyone. You have to be getting very tired given the pace you're all keeping. We continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers.

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  4. The SpoltoresFebruary 24, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    Hey gang. Mackenzie here. Grace is beautiful!!! I can't wait to meet my newest cousin.

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  5. The SpoltoresFebruary 24, 2009 at 4:50 PM

    Hey Rundles. Ralphy here. Sooooo very happy for you all and can't wait to meet Grace. Di please don't worry about the immediate bonding issue, in a couple of weeks you two will be best buddies. Wait 'til she sees the amazing wardrobe that is awaiting her...then she'll know where her bread is buttered (lol). Take care you guys and all our love.

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  6. Kennedy and Jaida's momFebruary 24, 2009 at 6:10 PM

    Hello to all the Rundles. We are thrilled to see Grace in the arms of her forever family. We will pray that the transition gets easier with time. All is well in Guangzhou. Looking forward to seeing you back in Beijing in just 2 days!!!

    xo
    The Clows

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  7. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2009 at 6:43 PM

    Congratulations Rundles! We've been thinking, praying and reliving these past few days with you as you met your precious Grace! What an anwer to prayer that she is walking!! Diane, don’t worry about the bonding issue. It seems pretty common that these little girls often bond first with Daddy for some reason. (Sara was the very same with Paul for the first few days, but it wasn’t long before she was velcro-ed to me as a total mama’s girl!) It's a huge adjustment for you all, and you are still just hours into your lifetime with Grace. Her bonding and personality will grow and emerge literally hour by hour over the next weeks. You’ll look back in a few days and not believe the miracle of how far you’ve come!

    So excited for you and keeping you in our prayers!

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  8. UnknownFebruary 24, 2009 at 7:10 PM

    Dear family, Hi from the Westerdam

    Thrilled to get your Blog and see the pictures. We can't wait to get our arms around this precious granddaughter. We will keep praying about the bonding issue but it will come Diane. So thrilled to know she is walking. We think about you so much and keep praying. Trust you will enjoy the rest of your stay in China.

    Much love, Dad and Mom, Grampa and Gramma

    Hi guys! We're having a great time with your folks. You, as you can imagine are in their thoughts and prayers constantly.

    We pray on for you all. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for you all. The Lord is faithful and will protect you all in these days of transition.

    Love ya....Uncle Paul and Diane

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  9. DaronFebruary 25, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    Hi Mur,

    glad to see you're having the time of your lives! Your "Big Girl" looks good on you both! She's very cute.

    Travel safe and have fun!

    DR (Nance & Bill send their best wishes too!)

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