We decided to keep it simple and use a taxi instead of the subway to get to the new Holt building. It was a nice rainy ride over and Kai really enjoyed all the different color buses he saw along the way. We arrived about a half hour early so we went for coffee downstairs and bubbly lemonade for Kai. He decided that bubbly lemonade “really gives him energy”. He also loves the smell of coffee and really enjoyed the smell of my vanilla latte. He says “when I’m an adult, I’m going to drink coffee; yummy!”.
We then headed back upstairs to meet Keegan. The Holt offices are very nice and it seems like they have a lot more space. The room we were in had 3 couches, a table and toys for the children to play with. Kai couldn’t resist and started digging through everything while waiting. Then, he and his foster mother arrived. He’s so tiny and cute! And, as you will see in the pictures, he and Kai were wearing the matching shirts! FM said to DJ (our wonderful social worker) that we sent about 10 shirts and that’s the one she decided to have him wear today. I think it’s pretty interesting that she and Christina made the same choice.
When he first came in, he became unsure and unhappy asking for omma(FM) and demanded she pick him up. Kai was really trying to get him to play with him too and very patiently. After a few minutes, he started to get more comfy and wanted to play with the toys. Over the next hour or so, we had some great conversation with FM and DJ, learning a lot about his sleep habits, what he likes to eat and drink, how he likes to play, etc. We also found out, we have a biter. Not a big deal but something to look forward too. Kai was not happy about that at all. Keegan went to hug a Winnie the Pooh bear and Kai wanted to hug it with him (it was so sweet) and Keegan decided that he didn’t want Kai to be a part of it and tried to bite him on the arm. I was able to quickly tell him no and no skin was broken but it hurt Kai’s feelings. We reminded him that mommy’s sister used to do the same thing to Mommy and sometimes this is a part of being a big brother. I am really impressed so far with Kai’s maturity about these brotherly issues.
Kai also got to play some catch with FM and DJ with a little soccer ball. They are both pretty wonderful and watching them engage with Keegan and Kai you can really see how much they care about them. It’s really heartwarming to know how much he’s been loved.
Christina was really able to make him smile when playing on the floor with some toys (especially the steering wheel). He loves to dance especially to Gangnum Style. We asked if he liked animals and FM said he loves puppies; so he’ll love Calvin! He loves playing peek-a-boo; we were really able to make him laugh and smile there.
We had to take a family pic and it was a struggle because he wasn’t comfortable with us holding him for long and Kai was giving very cheesy smiles so to get everyone smiling at once was probably tough.
In general, we had a great meeting learning a lot about him and can’t wait for some more Keegan time:-) One more very special thing, DJ asked Kai if the judge asked what he thinks about baby brother what will he say?
“I think he’s a little bit perfect! It’s a little bit because of the biting part.”
Peek-A-Boo!
And then the bite…
And Kai to Mommy for some comforting…
And some more playing together:-)
What a great first meeting! I’m sure Kai will settle into being a new big brother quickly. 😀
GN
This is so touching, guys!!! Thanks so much for sharing this experience with us! Congratulations!
Love,
Michael & Valerie
This post gave me such a smile!
So happy to read this update!!! Amazing that the boys wore the same shirts that day !!!
so sweet they were wearing the same shirt!
I love this!!! So happy to see big brother and little brother!! Btw, we found out we have a little hitter/pusher! We will be busy!
Side note about “shirts”, DJ and I were looking at pics from our “Family Day” with Kai just over 3 years ago and we noticed I was wearing the same shirt that day as I was today.
That really is one amazing coincidence that Cristina & Omma chose the same shirts for the brothers to wear at their first meeting! It is really wonderful that you have taken the time to share all of this intimate details with all of us. Kai certainly is ready to be the Big brother and share his loving family with Keegan. He is living proof of what great parents you two are. It has been long journey and it has really just begun!, love you all.. . Dad, Grandpop..& great grandpa…ie ..Roy
By the way, Keegan has a Great Smile!
tears in my eyes and joy in my heart – so excited for you all! thanks for keeping us updated!!!!
Love this! Love you guys!!
This is so wonderful that we get to see your very first time together. Oh and about the shirts, wow! Isn’t ironic don’t ya think? <3 Lots of Love!!!!!
Keengan! No Bite! — Totally awesome post, Congrats!
Great pics guys! I must say typical little brother, he bites Kai and is smiling any playing with the bear while Kai goes Christina!
Awesome!! It’s so wonderful to see the newest addition to the Sollenberger clan. He’s adorable and what a beautiful smile. And Kai looks like he’s really happy to be a big brother. Congrats!
Enjoy and look forward to reading your “diary” each day describing the Kai & Keegan Excellent Adventure! Your resilience amazes me – both of you!! To be so full of spirit and totally willing to explore and work with the time difference on so little sleep. God Bless you and your family! We’re all thinking about you! Suzanne
Love these updates! And especially that precious quote from Kai. It brought tears to my eyes!
He is so beautiful!
What a wonderful day for all of you! I’m very happy for you. Thank you for sharing these photos of the day with us.
So happy for all of you. Keegan is so cute. Thank you so much for taking the time to update us! Can’t wait to meet Keegan. By the way Traci was a biter!
Congratulations to all of you. Keegan is sooo cute, can’t wait to meet him. Enjoy your time there and have a safe trip back home.Love the macthing t-shirts.