Tuesday, September 11, 2012

china trip : our first full day together

first full day together...

We started off the morning at the breakfast buffet. We are staying at the Sheraton here in Changsha and it is an incredible hotel. The buffet and everything else is top notch! We got plenty of smiles and giggles out of Phebe this morning, over breakfast, which was beautiful.

After breakfast, we met our guide and completed all the paperwork to finalize our adoption of Phebe, into our family. Which means we are now (legally) a family of four! We spent the morning doing paperwork in the same Civil Affairs office, where we got our Phebe girl yesterday. I could tell she was unsettled about seeing the girls that brought her to us, from the SWI yesterday, but she didn't cry and promptly fell asleep on my lap on the short drive back to the hotel.

It was a million degrees here today. Obviously that is an exaggeration, but it is SO hot and sticky and when you are also carrying a hot and sticky baby, man oh man it feels hotter than hot! We were planning on walking to a local park here in the city, but changed our minds and decided today would be a good day to check out the indoor pool. The pool is beautiful and when you go in, everyone is given a swimming hat to wear. They really suited out adorable little girls, but not so much for the older generation, Colin and I, I mean! Phebe liked the pool, she really seems to like baths too, which is great.

It sure is nice to see our beautiful girl's happiness shine. This afternoon/evening, it certainly turned out to be a rougher time - our little girl was feeling overwhelemed with everything. Of course, we expect this and know that if she didn't grieve, it would not be a good outcome. So I am thankful that she is grieving, even though it breaks my heart and at times I just cry with her, because I feel so sad that a little innocent (almost) 2 year old should have to go through such trauma. Our Lilah girl told us that she doesn't like to see her sister sad. So sweet. She really stands up for her sister in everything.

Your kind thoughts and prayers are especially appreciated... for Phebe's little heart, both emotionally and physically.

first full day together... first full day together... first full day together...


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first full day together... first full day together...


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first full day together... first full day together... first full day together... first full day together... first full day together...

[ the flickr set is here ]

19 comments:

  1. Love the matching outfits on the girls. And I especially love how Phebe is always looking to Lilah to see what to do and how to act. Sisters...at last!

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  2. Look at the beautiful smile! And she is seriously adorable in that little bathing suit. Congratulations on being made "officially" a family of four. She already looks more relaxed to me, and the rest of you just look totally in love.

    Gin =)

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  3. She is so beautiful...as is your Lilah! Congratulations!

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  4. Congratulations to such a sweet family of four! Love the bathing suits so sweet and the bathing hats too! not so sure about Colins though! but it did make me(: (:
    Huggs to all nono & papie xxxx

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  5. Congratulations on legally being a family of four! Lilah looks like she keeps Phebe quite entertained and I am sure that makes the adjustment a lot easier. It is so hard to watch them mourn!

    Those are two cute girls you have!

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  6. Congratulations family of 4.... those girls are so adorable together! Bless Phebe's sweet heart and Lilah for being such a good big sister. Lily still protects Ty and is still known to cry if Ty does. Lilah and Phebe are going to be such a team!

    By the way... Colin is rocking the swim cap!

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  7. wow, a lovely post from a compassionate Mom. I will pray for you all. I just know this sweet little thing is right where she belongs.

    lea
    xo

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  8. Love seeing the glimmers of hope in your little Phebe's eyes. She does look like she's starting to relax. praying for her little heart while she grieves and yours too. Lilah is so cute with her sissy!

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  9. Such sweet, sweet sisters!! I love how Lilah looks at her sister. So cute!!

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  10. So glad you are at the Sheraton!!! That is where we stayed too!!!!!!! I know you will find Martyr Park! Such a beautiful spot for photos!!!!
    What a blessing to see that sweet little Phebe fitting right in!!!! She looks so content and happy already!!!! Way to go Big Sister!!! You are amazing!

    Blessings,
    Diana

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  11. Oh she looks perfect. Like she's been with you always. So happy for you all. Safe travels, praying for Phebe's heart.

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  12. Jill, I find my thoughts turning to you all several times a day :)

    Im so glad to be able to follow along with such a heart warming story. Dx

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  13. So beautiful to see pictures of Lilah and Phebe playing together! praying for Phebe's heart!
    Rykauna

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  14. That precious little face at breakfast...oh my! And in her swimsuit and cap? Darling. I just adore Lilah in her big sister role. Congratulations on being official. Doesn't it feel grand? Continuing to lift you up in prayer.

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  15. She is so pretty! And Lilah looks like an amazing big sister. So glad to see them together, sisterhood is such a precious gift.

    Congratulations on your family of four,
    A long time reader

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  16. Love the smiles and love seeing the doting big sister! Congratulations to your beautiful family! Wen

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  17. Such precious little girls! Congratulations to your family! Reading your posts and looking at your beautiful photos takes me back five years when we travelled for our little sister. Our oldest travelled with us and it was amazing to see the two of them together. Big sister had waited soooo long for her little sister and she was perfect with her, as your Lilah is too, from the very beginning.

    All the best to you and your lovely family! I pop in every day to read your updates.

    Erika B

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  18. Enjoying and feeling blessed to be able to share your journey to Phebe and in becoming a family of 4!!! Your girls are just so beautiful!! Praising Him that your journey is going relatively smooth, and praying for your little one's heart. God is so good!

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  19. Oh, how wonderful to see that beautiful smile!! Thank you for sharing your journey and beautiful photos with us. It brings back sooo many memories and makes me excited for your continued journey as a family of four. Hooray!

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