Introducing…
"James"
The first picture I took of my Little Man shows a grumpy tired boy who did not want to play outside with all these strangers.
Grumpiness turned to tears not much later as he toddled around the playground.
This Mama's heart still can't endure a baby's cry for long.
Though it was just our first morning at the orphanage, I scooped my Little Man up in my arms and began the "Mama Dance." Bouncing, rocking, swaying to an unwritten melody, unique to each child. Dancing with so many babies through my years of mothering, it only takes holding a child in my arms to begin the soothing movement and motion. Finding "James" rhythm, he quickly quieted. Snuggled up close and secure on my hip, together we wandered the playground as I snapped quick photos of other kids with my free hand and enjoyed all the laughter and fun.
With his sweet face, deep dark eyes, and plump little cheeks, Miranda couldn't resist the temptation to cuddle my Little Man and begged me to allow her to hold him.
Those long lashes blinked and blinked until he could no longer hold his eyes open. Cradled in Miranda's arms, "James" drifted off to sleep. One of the nannies soon whisked him back inside to rest as we were summoned to feed babies.
Our team enjoyed more treasured moments with this sweet boy throughout our week at the orphanage.
I learned that Jason was assigned feeding duty for "James." Unfortunately for them both, Jason's baby feeding skills were horribly inadequate for this masterful eater who wanted his meals spooned quickly.
We soon asked the Assistant Director about what special need this little charmer could possibly have because we saw nothing obvious from our interactions with him on the playground or during his loud protests for a better feeding partner. It was explained to us that he had a heart condition that had been repaired with surgery.
After another somber day on the playground with my Little Man as my buddy, thoughts of concern for his health pierced my heart.
Then Miranda and Gretchen got to spend an afternoon playing in the Angel Room while I went shopping with the Assistant Director for new air conditioners to replace some broken units at the orphanage. My sweet Little Man came to life indoors when he was well rested after a full tummy!
Trying to catch his laughter and smiles with her camera proved to be quite challenging because "James" was all BOY and non-stop motion!
Got one!
Such a sweetheart!
Playing with Miranda
All smiles and giggles!
Now, I must admit, I was a little jealous. Not only did they get more playtime, but they got to see my Little Man smile, laugh, and play. :(
I was thrilled the next day when we all got to spend more time playing in the Angel Room with some of the little ones!
"James" was everywhere! Into everything! King of the Hill! Lapping little ones on the floor with nannies exercising their tiny muscles.
I didn't see a weak heart baby.
I saw a playful, happy, little boy.
Late in the night I awoke…unable to sleep…my dreams echoed the thoughts that had me tossing a turning on my plywood stiff mattress…the sun would rise to Friday morning…our last day with these children.
I flipped on my computer screen and searched for the AWAA Waiting Child Photo Listing. I had received the password in my emails while I slept and was anxious to see the files of children added during the day with whom we had spent our week.
There he was!
My Sweet Little Man!
"James"!!!
Photos of a younger baby boy. Words describing developmental milestones, diagnosis, personality, temperament, therapy, surgery, etc. All fell so flat. Two-dimensional images flickering on my computer screen failed.
So I ask you to please be introduced to my Little Man, "James"…
…a delightful little imp…a heartbreaker…an enchanted prince…all boy…full of life…loves balls…makes boy sounds…playful…a smile that will melt your heart…deep dark eyes that swallow you up…giggles and laughter…
…but still an orphan…in need of a family to love him…to fall in love with him and bring him home!
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