It's 8:45 p.m. here in Hungary on Thursday, and as we write, our little guy is asleep in the next room. He fell asleep about an hour ago--exhausted (no nap either day). Pretty much the same story last night, although it took a bit longer and some newly acquired parental creativity! But we get ahead of ourselves . . .
So hard to put the last 2 days into words, and we're both English majors. :) Overall, it's been an unbelievable transition so far. Here's the quick hour by hour:
Wednesday
7 a.m. Leave apartment for Mateszalks, drive 2 hours
9-11 a.m. Hungarian immigration paperwork
11-11:30 Drive to Max's foster home
11:30 to 12:45 Lunch, gather a few of Max's things, quick goodbyes
12:45 to 4:30 Travel "home" with sidetrip to to photos for Max's passport
4:30-7:15 Settle in, dinner, playground, shower, bed
7:15-8:15 "Sleep" alongside Max
8:15-10 Regroup, thank God, pack some things for Thursday, go to bed
Thursday
5:45 Up and get ready
6:15 Wake Max up
6:45-10 Drive to Budapest
10-11:15 Appointment with American Consulate
11:15-12 Lunch, check out hotel for end of trip
12=3:45 Return trip home
3:44-7:30 Jeff takes Max to playground to give Ang some time, Ang plays with Max so Jeff can run, Dinner, walk and ice cream, shower, bed for Max (after just a few tears)
7:30 to now Check in with each other and check e-mail
Hopefully, this gives you a bit of the picture of the last 2 days. It's been non-stop. Max is a TROOPER. He's hung in there through everything--all that time in the car, and he's only been half an hour from his home before in this life. Totally engaged. No tears. He's responding to us, calling us mommy and daddy already. There's definitely a connection between the 3 of us. And he's super cute--but VERY active. We're exhausted. How do you all who are parents do this, seriously? God has been so good to us through it all. We feel incredibly blessed. But it's hard doing this on our own. One day at time.
I think we'll say this every post because we mean it with all our hearts--THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS AND PRAYERS!
Althought it's busy I am pumped to hear what a sweet time of conection you are having! LOVE it and love you guys!
ReplyDeleteMichael Poorman
It sounds as if you have all achieved a lot in terms of bonding as a family over the past two days. Physically and emotionally, it has to be exhausting for you but the wisdom of the adoption agency in placing the three of you in an environment where you can put all of your energies and attention into getting to know each other and developing parenting skills "on the fly" is really obvious. Being away from work, housekeeping, yard work and all of the other day-to-day tasks that require your time and attention at home really allows you to get to know one another.
ReplyDeleteYou have accomplished much in a very short time and you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
Love to the three of you,
Dad and Mom (Dave and Marion) (Granddad and Grandmom)
(From Hannah)
ReplyDeleteMr. and Mrs. Unruh,
I've been praying for you and am so excited about the connection with you and Max. :)
And, from me- I think the sweetest part of this post is just hearing the normal, day to day stuff - how you posted in order "dinner, walk, ice cream, shower, bed." I can *see* it - so precious. I am picturing you all walking, holding Max's hands with you both on either side. Get a bystander to capture that on camera, please! Walking away from the photographer, all three hand in hand - THAT will be the shot of a lifetime for all it signifies. Tears on that note!
Thanks so much for caring for your friends enough to keep us updated. It fuels our imaginations and prayers further. :)
LOVING your classes and am trying to take great care of them for you!
Jeff and Angie, we very excited about the instant bonding that's take place with the three of you! Thank you for sharing so much of the journey with the rest of us. We love you guys and we're praying for you in the morning, at night, sometimes both.
ReplyDeleteCraig and Julie
Love that he's calling you Mommy and Daddy! So wonderful to hear of the connection and bonding God is orchestrating! Most days ARE tiring and exhausting keeping up with a little person, but God is with you and this will be yet another way for you both to find your sufficiency in Christ.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray! So what is Max's favorite ice cream flavor? I think a trip to Handle's is in order when you get home! :) We love you! Betsie (for David too!)
So glad to know of the last two days! All of that travel would wipe anyone out! When you get home you'll be able to slip into a rhythm (plus you'll get breaks from eager friends and family). Can't wait to hear his little voice call you "Mommy and Daddy" in person. Does he say those names in English? I'm with Sara! I hope you can enlist the help of someone to get a couple of good shots! Sending much love, congrats, and, of course, our prayers!
ReplyDeleteSo many things to post... but really I would just summarize down to this.... Max actually has no idea how lucky and blessed he is. He won't know for a long time... but one day... one day he will look at both of you, with full understanding, and say 'thank you'. And you will weep. And so will he.
ReplyDeleteI already have a picture of the three of you together...so beautiful and so "right". I can't wait to see the real thing. Love you!
ReplyDeleteKnow that you are loved and we are praying as you settle in to "normal" life at the resort:)!
ReplyDeleteI think you said it..."one day at at time." sometimes it is one moment at a time. Ya know, when you start at birth, you develop parenting muscles that work you up to 3 years old. You guys jumped right ahead to full blown, active toddler. Sitota has seemingly no end of energy. No worries though...You guys are doing amazing and will develop with him in no time. Can't wait to see a picture!!
ReplyDeleteI am so pumped for you all. It is great to see the connection happening as God mends your three hearts together. I pray you continue to have those "wow" God moments if connecting as if you three have been together forever. Reading through your post brings back many memories. Can't wait to meet him in person. Blessings!! Marcus
ReplyDeleteWe do this in 15 minute increments :). Then we look at the child sleeping peacefully (eventually) and we smile and gear up for a new day. It's a humbling experience!
ReplyDeleteMax sounds like one awesome kid, and you guys are handling it great. Hang in there!
If Jeff Unruh is saying he can be worn out I can't wait to meet Max! Well, I'm excited to meet him no matter what of course, but praying that your energy is sustained. A HUGE Thank you to you both for taking the time and extra energy to keep all of updated! The emotions and thoughts I have reading your posts must only be one millionth of what you are experiencing. What a gift that the bond is already and organically being formed - sounds like quite the trio! Love continues to be sent your way! Glad to hear you're getting those runs in Jeff - gotta make up for all those ice cream runs :)
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