my first nephew
my big brother's first son
my parents' first grandson
my mama got the privilege of being at the airport when they came home
my girls' first boy cousin
first cousin group picture, followed by first video chats with Kai
pretty much the cutest thing you've ever seen
and one of the most loved little boys in the history of little boys.
Kai is HOME, and our family couldn't be happier about that. Matt and Nikki started this long, but wonderful process in September 2009, received news and the first picture of their baby in July 2010, and met Kai in person at the end of November 2010.
a few of the pictures that were sent of Kai while he waited in the orphanage in Ethiopia - the one in the top left corner is the first picture we saw of him when he was 4 months old
Matt and Nikki have taken two trips to Ethiopia in the last couple of months - the first to meet Kai and travel, and the second to get him out of the orphanage and bring him home! During these trips, they were able to go to the village where Kai was born and they found out a lot about his beginning. I wish I could share all of the details of their experience here - there are just too many good stories, and I'm sure I wouldn't do them justice. One thing is for sure - it is apparent that Kai was meant to be with Matt and Nikki. They are the sweetest mama and daddy ever, and Kai is already so attached to them. The way God brought this family together is absolutely a testament to His goodness and faithfulness.
Kai will be a year old in a couple of weeks, about the time that our family will all be getting together for the first time since his homecoming. We will finally get to celebrate Wallace family Christmas in Abilene! My parents have left their Christmas decorations up, tree and all, for the occasion. To say I "can't wait" to meet him would be an understatement. I'm sure I'll have a picture or two to share upon our return.
I'll leave you with this video from Matt and Nikki's first trip to Ethiopia. It includes video of their first meeting, as well as pictures from their time in Kai's birthplace. At the end, you'll hear a song by our friend Amy Stroup called "Hold Onto Hope Love". I've told Amy that I felt like she wrote this song just for them. It's absolutely beautiful - video, song, all of it.
Welcome Home, sweet Kai.
I'll leave you with this video from Matt and Nikki's first trip to Ethiopia. It includes video of their first meeting, as well as pictures from their time in Kai's birthplace. At the end, you'll hear a song by our friend Amy Stroup called "Hold Onto Hope Love". I've told Amy that I felt like she wrote this song just for them. It's absolutely beautiful - video, song, all of it.
Welcome Home, sweet Kai.
26 comments:
he is absolutely precious. thanks for sharing this part of their story. congrats to the wallace fam!
What a beautiful story! He is adorable. Thanks for sharing.
Ok, now I'm crying like a baby! What precious pictures, video, and story...I'm so happy for Matt & Nikki!
Tears flowing. His eyes are the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen on a child. And the joy on their faces is so telling. All the waiting, hoping, praying and God answered in a most beautiful way.
"This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23
good gracious, he is SO stinkin' cute! and, that pic of kai and your mom?? adorable! what a little cuddle bug!
congrats on becoming an auntie again!
Sharon, he is BEAUTIFUL!! I am SO excited for Matt and Nikki and the rest of the Wallace family. I know your mama must be over the moon. Hope y'all have a wonderful time in Abilene for Wallace Christmas. Can't wait for more pictures!
Oh my goodness! This is so amazing...he is precious...and God is SO good!
Congratulations!!
Wow!! Thanks so much for sharing. What an amazing story of love! They're all three so full of joy!
Sobbing does not describe what I am doing right now. Blubbering maybe? Oh my goodness. Ellie just watched this whole thing with me, squealing and smiling so big when she would see Kai. And now she is saying "Mama?" in response to my crying.
I have been crying a lot lately because of sad things that I've read or heard about. It is nice to cry the happy tears. Congrats to them, and to you're whole family. Beautiful.
Tear of joy. Welcome home Kai.
i'm joining all those crying overwhelming tears of joy! welcome to your family handsome kai!
you know how i feel about this whole thing :)
What a gorgeous boy! The video is beautiful. I didn't expect to cry...but couldn't help it once I saw the intense love and joy on everyone's faces. Congratulations to your family!
Aww so precious! I didn't realize Matt was your brother. I've been reading your blog for a long time (I never comment, sorry!). We moved to Colorado 2 years ago, and we go to church with Matt & Nikki! I don't know them very well at all, but we've been praying with Lakewood for Kai for a long time!
oh my goodness! you probably don't know that i read your blog all the time. :) but i do! i just couldn't remain commentless this time. that was a precious and moving video. thanks for sharing! i, too, was crying just over how joyful it was! kai is absolutely adorable, and i know God will work so powerfully in his life through your...HIS...family!
also...i cannot forget to mention that i love to see pictures of merit, because she has always reminded me of how my cailyn looks. not their colored physical features...but just the cute, chunky, big cheeks, not petite, and absolutely adorable look they have! i seriously think this nearly every time i see her picture! take care!
-alison orozco/thompson
Best post ever. I feel so much joy for Matt and Nikki and Kai and all the wallaces.
kasey
Sharon,
Thank you for sharing this post! God is truly the God of adoption!! My face is dripping wet! I am so proud of your brother, and your entire family!! What a powerful testimony Kai's life will be! Much love, Cassie
Oh, your girls are adorable!!!
WOW! This gave me chills! He is just stunning!:) Congratulations all around!
Oh Sharon, this is such a beautiful story! I can't wait til y'all get to go back to Abilene and celebrate together :)
I honestly cannot put into words the absolute joy that is exploding from my heart :) What a precious, precious family...and OH MY GOODNESS! He is THE CUTEST!! Now I'm off to find a tissue :)
WOW, adorable, gorgeous, beautiful does not even begin to describe Kai. How sweet! Loved reading about that story! What a lovely addition to your beautiful family!
Sharon, he is absolutely gorgeous! What a precious blessing from the Lord! So happy for your family.
This is such a beautiful story...to say the least! I dare anyone to watch this without crying. I can't do it. When I see those pictures of Kai and his big sweet eyes I literally melt! So thankful to God that He brought this family together. How awesome is He?!!!
Ok, first I am not really one who cries a lot but I will say that just made me cry (during my lunch break at school) a whole lot. I am soooo very happy for them! I know that he is one blessed baby because he has some amazing parents! I can not wait to see more pictures of him. I think Will and him need to be good friends! I love him so much already!
What a wonderful testimony to our God's grace and abounding love. Tears of joy! Matt, Nicki and family; I rejoice with you. Kai is absolutely adorable, and he's is very blessed to have you guys for parents.
Sharon - beautiful. We are so happy for all of you and can't wait to meet Kai too! Have a safe trip and we will see you soon!
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