Coming home and attachment

Mike and I are so excited to be planning our trip back to Ethiopia and especially excited to have Gabe Fiker with us forever.  A friend I met on our last trip told me (after she knew we were cleared and going back) how sad he seemed.  She went to pick up her daughter two weeks ago and took pictures for us.  She talked to one of the guides and he told her Gabe Fiker ask him everyday when his mom and dad are coming to get him.  BREAK MY HEART but we are coming back VERY SOON!!!! 

Our next big journey as a family is becoming a family of five and getting Gabe Fiker attached and adjusted to life as a Brangers.  In our many hours of training and reading about attachment we have a "plan" in place.  Bringing him home will be like bringing a newborn home.  We are going to cocoon him with us as much as possible and when things are getting better we will relax this slowly. We may be hermits at first but if he's doing well we'll reevaluate.  Also Mike and I are the only ones that can meet his needs and provide for him.  He needs to learn that we are his mom and dad and what being mom and dad means.  We are the only ones that give him food, drink, spoon, fork, clothes, napkin, toothpaste, help him with anything he needs, etc...  Also if you come to the airport feel free to shake his hand, hug him if he's comfortable, and fist bump (he likes that) but afterward keep this to a minimum.  Another thing is gifts...a lot of people have wanted to give him gifts.  You can bring gifts to the airport but after the airport NO GIFTS.  Again he needs to learn that Mike and I are his providers and when people come over he doesn't automatically get a gift. We do welcome visitors but please call first to make sure it's a good time. I know this seems extreme but it's what we have learned in our training and from other families that have adopted older kids.  It may not take him any time to adjust but then it may take awhile.

We welcome as many people that want to come to the airport.  A lot of people have ask me if they can come and I say ABSOLUTELY.  Airport party's are an amazing part of the adoption process and we have so many family and friends that have supported us that we would love to see there. We are due to arrive back in Louisville on Saturday, June 2nd at 5:40.  We are arriving from Charlotte, NC on United.  We are excited see you at the bottom of the escalator by baggage claim, we are reserving the top of the escalator by security for Samuel, Will, and grandparents.  Get ready because he is adorable :)  If you have any questions about the airport you can ask our moms and dads, Laura Priest, Heather Mason, Allison Stump, or Angie Dunn.

Please continue to pray for us.  Specifically our safety for our trip, for Samuel and Will and the changes that are taking place, and attachment and adjustment for Gabe Fiker.