7 years ago today, we got our first glimpse of a little boy, one we had flown halfway around the world to meet. Meeting him would forever change our world.
Seeing Yang Fu Tao, to be named Ryan Joseph FuTao Kassebaum, for the first time, as we wait for ‘formal’ introductions (a true formality since he was the only boy in the group!)
We traveled with 5 other families, and 3 of them met their daughters in the same hotel room. It was quite crowded and a bit noisy. I’m not sure who cried more—the babies or the parents!
The babies were all dressed alike. My memories of that day are very vivid, and yet as I look at the pictures it feels like another lifetime. I feel fortunate to still be in touch with most of our travel families, and I remember them especially fondly this time of year.
Brent traveled with us to get Ryan, and seeing the two of them hang out together warmed my heart. At 16, Brent was an incredible big brother, patient and loving at a time when most guys would much rather not be having a baby around in their house. To this day, Brent and Ry have the most amazing relationship! I love to see them say hi when they’ve been apart for a long time. And Ryan is SO MUCH like Brent that I frequently (at least once a day!) call him Brent, and we often call him Brent 2.0.
The travel group:
And ‘Ryan’s harem,’ otherwise known as the babies of our travel group:
He was clearly not happy to be there…
But he’s generally a happy young man now!
Thanks for rocking our world, Ryan! You are a true blessing, and we are forever grateful God has chosen us to be your family.
A belated happy family day!
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