Monday, September 10, 2012

china trip : forever phebe day

Forever Phebe Day!

It was a very emotional day, in every way. Full of nerves, happiness, sadness, love, joy, worry - at times my emotions completely overwhelmed me.

We arrived at the Civil Affairs office early, only to walk through the door and see our little girly, sitting on a big bench, waiting for us. She and the two ladies from the SWI office had taken the long 3 hour (public) bus ride there, that morning. Sweet little Phebe, not being used to travelling, had thrown up over herself and one of the ladies. Poor little baby girl.

She was shy and timid and very fragile - exactly what I expected. And her sobs were almost muted - she had the softest cry I've ever heard. Hearing her cry, made me cry.

Lilah was so so excited to see her sister, in fact, she'd been awake from 3am! And she was bouncing off the walls singing songs about her sister, shouting at the top of her lungs, "It's Phebe Day!" I honestly couldn't believe it, she was more amazing today than I ever dreamt possible. I only had Phebe on my knee several minutes when Lilah was asking if she could hold her - I couldn't deny her that! She sat and fed Phebe snacks and rubbed her back. I could just tell, from their interaction, that they'd be friends for life. We couldn't have been more proud of our biggest girl - she truly was born to be a big sister.

We came back to the hotel room and our guide (Amy) told me I should bath Phebe and change her clothes right away, because of the sour milk smell. It was hard for me to do this... I felt like I was washing away everything she'd ever known... the smells, etc. It hit me hard, because I could tell how upset she was when I first removed her shoes.

She is very possessive about everything and she certainly has a right to be. I was explaining to Lilah earlier, how everything she has ever known was taken away from her in an instant, this morning, which is why she is having a hard time letting anything we give her go. Everything Lilah gave her, she wanted it all, but she couldn't hold it all - it was heartbreaking. We had to tell Lilah to go easy on the amount of toys and things she was giving her.

Lilah fed her noodles for lunch. They both had a nap. We took a few walks outside. They shared snacks together, again. We ordered in supper. And finally, I changed her into pajamas at bedtime... suddenly, in the blink of an eye, her personality changed. The shy-timid-fragile-limp-sad little girl we had seen all day, suddenly changed! I took her to the mirror to show her that she and her sister had matching pajamas. Well, she started looking at herself, touching the mirror and chattering! And shortly after, she started walking around, exploring, checking everything out - especially the carpet, my oh my, did she ever examine the carpet! And then she started giggling at some of our funny antics! By the time she was ready for bed, a happy spicy girl was fully emerging! She came through so much today, more than we'll ever understand... we are so proud of her. We love her so incredibly much.

I just want to say thank you for the comments you've been leaving and also the prayers - they've meant so much to our family.
Please continue to keep us all in your prayers...especially little Phebe.

Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day!


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Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day!


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Forever Phebe Day!


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Forever Phebe Day!


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Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day! Forever Phebe Day!

[ the flickr set is here ]

32 comments:

  1. Such a heartwarming story to fill my rainy day in PEI with joy and my eyes with tears...so exciting! Phebe is beautiful!

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  2. oh jill. looking at these pictures and reading your blog, i suddenly realized how hard it would be to be little phebe today! she's close in age to sam, i think, and i can't imagine if he was suddenly taken from everything he knew. no matter how loving the arms that greeted him, it would be really difficult. your darling is in my prayers today. <3

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  3. Thank you God for this amazing family. Continue to bless them and guide them. God you are amazing!

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  4. OH happy day! I'm so glad the day ended on a happy note. She's beautiful. Today is my first born's birthday, and your forever Phebe day. Hallelujah! Safe travels home.

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  5. I am so so happy that you have Phebe safely in your family now and that all seems to be going so well. She is absolutely precious and Lilah looks to be doing an amazing job as a big sister. Congratulations on a beautiful family!

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  6. Oh My! I woke up this morning and prayed for your family!!!! Phoebe is just PERFECT!!!! What a beautiful family God has blessed you with:) Blessings! Kelly

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  7. So glad it is going well I bet she will do just fine with all the love she will be getting! Praying for you all.

    Oh that room brings back memories for me and it looks like you are at the same hotel too.

    Enjoy the rest of your time in china.

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  8. what a wonderful real life story, about wonderful and blessed parents and their two blessed and wonderful daughters. Thanks for sharing your journey Jill, my girls will love to read it as much as I did (and see you photos, of course). Both of you guys are such inspiration, and you all are definitely in my prayers.

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  9. Praise God... Another precious gift is with her Forever Family!! Jill you looked so beautiful!!!! Phoebe looks like she is tiny and sweet!!! Another beautiful daughter!!!! Those windows in that Civil Affairs office bring back so many Sienna memories!!!!

    I pray you are sleeping peacefully now! Congratulations!

    Hugs,
    Diana

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  10. Congratulations!! She is just beautiful!! So glad the day went well and she is showing her little personality already!!

    I love all of the pictures, but the one of Lilah and Phoebe sleeping is divine! I remember those days of the crib pushed up against the bed and little eyes looking out in the morning.

    Enjoy your time in China!!

    P.S. i also love how your husband's shirt matches the blog! :)

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  11. CONGRATULATIONS, so happy for your family. You can certainly see the fear and uncertainty in Phebe's eyes in the first few pictures. It's so hard for them, but what a change in the pj pictures, she has an amazing big sister to help her adjust. I love the matching jammies. Will be thinking of you guys over the next few weeks!

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  12. I'm SO happy for you guys!!! Lots of love and prayers coming from us:) God is good, isn't he;)

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  13. Wow, this is the day that the Lord has made!! Congratulations dear, and thank you for sharing you joy with us~ Love your sweet family, God bless~

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  14. Sitting here crying tears of joy for you and your family. Praying for you and can't wait to see you in a few weeks.

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  15. Oh what a day! I remember these emotions well, and I how you wish you could take all of the fear and sadness that your child is feeling and just absorb it for them. She is just beautiful and I'm sure that in no time you'll be seeing lots more of that adorable smile. You are a wonderful Mama and Lilah is just amazing, too, isn't she?! I loved the little video of her singing her "sister song". Hugs and prayers.

    Gin =)

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  16. So so happy for your beautiful family!

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  17. Lilah and Phebe are so cute together! Love the picture of the two of them in the bathroom. Phebe is a beautiful edition to your lovely family!
    Rykauna

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  18. Oh Jill.....how wonderful!

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  19. Oh, I'm so happy for you! I got teary-eyed while reading this, it's so wonderful. I love those pictures of her smiling!

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  20. So happy for you!!! I've been a long time blog reader and you are such a beautiful and wonderful family!
    Reading this brought tears to my eyes! Phebe is beautiful and Lilah is already an incredible big sister! Congratulations to you all!

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  21. you all look like you are fairing well. She is just so sweet. I am so thrilled for you all.

    enjoy every last minute.

    You are coming to mind so much during my day!

    lea
    xo

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  22. Okay, second time crying happy tears for you! The girls in their jammies was just too much. I thought I had it together this time!

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  23. Glen &Margie10 September, 2012

    Margie &Glen
    It is so nice to see the bonding between Lilah and Phebe and of course with Mom and Dad.Y
    our are in our prayers.

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  24. What a beautiful little girl you have. And your little Lilah looks like a natural at being a big sister. Congratulations!

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  25. I am so happy for you all! She is beautiful. She even looks like Lilah...

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  26. Oh, you have no idea how much my heart is singing for you all right now. I have had a very busy day, and it bummed me out that I couldn't get online until tonight to see these precious photos. I have enjoyed every one of them. What an incredible day. The Lord has showered His blessings upon you!!!!! And I get to witness it! I will be lifting you all up in prayer.

    Hugs!

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  27. This post fills my eyes with tears and my heart with joy.....I love seeing you all together and Lilah as a big sister!! You guys are such a beautiful family......what a blessing to follow your journey!

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  28. God bless you guys! Thanks for sharing your story for those who are behind you in the adoption process. I was able to share your pictures of Lilah with our daughter Caroline, and show her what will be happening to our family. Caroline and I prayed a little prayer for you guys sitting here at the computer.

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  29. Wonderful!! So happy to know how your Forever Phebe Day went...God answers prayers. We are SO happy for you! Congratulations on the arrival of your precious, beautiful daughter! Thank you for posting the beautiful pics and happenings. Lilah is an amazing big sister! You all look so happy, including, Phebe. We are continuing to lift you up in prayer and can't wait to see all four of you. S & M xoxoxo

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  30. Oh my goodness... look at her! Phebe Jane is so precious! I know how tough those first days can be, but I bet Lilah is a wonderful diversion for Phebe! Sounds like she's going to be the best big sister :)

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  31. Congratulations, Jill, Colin and Lilah! Your new addition is absolutely beautiful. It's so heartbreaking to see her pain in these early photos but I know she has so much joy ahead of her as a beloved member of your family.

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  32. Oh my, just reading your post brings back so many memories of our first moments and hours together with both out girls. I hope Phebe was able to relax enough and get some sleep. My favorite picture is the one with both girl's sleeping - could Lilah sleep any closer to the edge of the bed to get closer to her Mei Mei?

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