Jessica meets big brother Jacob!

After not seeing big Jacob for 4 weeks, we were finally able to keep our reservation at the Shilo Inn in Boise where Jacob and Jessica could have some time to hang out swimming, playing video games, going to a big movie (Madagascar 2), and getting some shopping in as a family! We were amazed at Jessica's enthusiasm about her big brother who lives in a group home. There was really not an easy way to communicate about Jacob's multiple disablities, but she seemed to understand that he was really going to be more like a younger brother than an older brother. She kept signing to me, asking if I had the dinosaur toy we bought for him at the zoo in China. I told her I had it and she gave me the big thumbs up sign. She was not afraid to go inside the group home to pick him up... and actually led him by the arm to the van while I was still signing "checkout" paperwork and collecting his many meds. for our visit. She was delighted at his excitement in the van after we picked up pizza to go at Costco before making our way to the hotel. She loved watching him swim as we have discovered that they are most naturally connected by their shared love of water! She gestured for us to give Jacob a hug before we all went to bed, and when I asked her if she wanted to hug Jacob she shrugged and waited for me to tell Jacob... "hug Jessica". He had been copying her name sign after our modeling it for him and would make eye contact with her briefly throughout the evening. She bravely went in for a brotherly hug from big Jacob and he hugged her as gently as I have ever seen him hug anyone!!! The next morning, she independently signed to Jacob for several hugs herself! She continued to try to mother him by bringing him things he liked and made sure that Chuck and I each held his hands before taking him stores for shopping. They were very sweet to watch all day! ...I have realized that I have wasted so many hours worried over this single connection. We are so very blessed their first meeting went as well as it did. Thanks for those who were praying for us! We really could not have asked for a better result for their first encounter! So... now, when we talk about our family... we talk about "the five of us in our house" and one more... Jacob ... who lives in the city in the group home. Jessica seems to be more and more a part of us each day! We are all so amazed at her ability to communicate with us. While we still run into language barriers between Chinese Sign Language and American Signs... she is learning the new language quickly and has a very strong motivation for us to understand her communication as well. We are truly blessed to have her and have enjoyed our new life as the Cramkids in Idaho! Beth for the Cramkids' Crew