Monday, May 20, 2013

Gotcha Day!





What a day! Little Miss Xiao Mei showed up with her orphanage director at 11:30am! I can't imagine how overwhelmed she must have felt for us, the nannies, the guide, and all onlookers in the hotel to be giving her so much attention. She warmed up after a few minutes and the next half hour was spent signing papers and taking pictures. Her nanny sat down with me and gave me so much information about her schedule and told me how much they all love her. She was the favorite in the orphanage because she is "beautiful and sweet". It was obvious to us that the nanny was sad to be leaving her but happy she has a home. The orphanage also gave me a scrapbook of pictures and her hand/footprints. This is very rare to have such a gift! She walked to the room hand in hand with her new daddy. I couldn't get a picture because I was loaded down with all of the stuff!!

This is what we knew about Ella Joy when the day started (according to her nanny)...

she loves music (they were playing Taylor Swift for her on an ipod), she runs FAST, she will eat anything they give her, she likes warm water, she is tidy, she likes to play games and help others.

After a little time in our room I could tell she was sleepy so I cradled her and held her sippy and she went right to sleep sucking her thumb. When she woke up she had a smile on her face. The only time she cried today is if I tried to remove any of her clothing she was wearing when we got her. She went to sleep with her shoes and I removed them during nap. We removed the 3 layers she had on from the orphanage and gave her a bath. She never sat down but at least she stopped crying! I dressed her but now she wouldn't let us put shoes back ON her feet. Also, notice the bow? She was wearing that this morning and we absolutely can not remove it or she cries! I even tried to sneak it out and put a small white bow in its place. After about 10 minutes she reached on top of her head and discovered the difference. We may be wearing a turquoise bow for a long time regardless to the outfit! Hey at least she likes bows!

She was very solemn so we decided to try our luck outside of the room. Sometimes kids will panic and cry when parents try to take them out of the hotel room but she did fine. There is a small play area for kids in this awesome hotel we're in. It didn't take long before the real Ella started to emerge! She is going to be a pistol! She went from quite and solemn to laughing and teasing and rolling all over us in a matter of minutes! It usually takes a few days before personalities start to shine-oh my, what are we in for? It took her about 5 hours! I should have known better when she was sticking her tongue out during the above group picture! She is the perfect addition to the Newberry clan and the boys are going to have so much fun with her! We are crazy in love with this precious little one already. She is amazing. I am so thankful that God chose her to be ours-we are the lucky ones.

11 comments:

  1. Oh my!!! The pics brings tears of joy to my eyes! What a wonderful 2nd birthday gift God blessed her with & what a blessing she will be to you all!! Oh I think she is going to have everyone wrapped around her little finger♥

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  2. Tears of Joy !! You all are so blessed !!!! Cannot wait to see those sweet cheeks in person! Love you!

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  3. Congratulations! She is so beautiful - love the smiles!!

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  4. Reading for second time, crying again! So excited for the Newberry family. I've been thinking back to the time you came into exam room while I was waiting for Eric- and you asked if you could talk to me about something on your heart. I'm so happy & excited (and proud too) of you Jen that you followed through with Gods prompting! What a journey! May God bless you and Eric during this alone time with sweet Ella. I pray that He will fill all 3 of your hearts with love and joy and create an amazing bond!
    May you Enjoy Gods Blessings!!
    Love you-Vicki Argabright

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  5. Congratulations Newberry Family!!! Miss Ella Joy is PRECIOUS!!!!!! Answered prayer that she had such a wonderful first day!!! She is going to have those big brothers wrapped around her finger in no time!!!! Enjoy this very special time bonding with your tiny blessing!

    Hugs from MN,
    Diana

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  6. Jennifer and Eric,
    From Alaska. :). Tears are flowing down my face with joy and happiness for all of you. I remember you and I having this conversation about adoption 14 months ago and now it is a reality. God has held each of your hands and cradled each of you as He has walked you through this process. She is so beautiful and such a lucky little girl. You will all be a testament to the joys of adopting these beautiful children. God bless all of you! I can't wait to meet her!! Much love being sent your way!

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  7. can I just say "ADORABLE"!!!!!!! I'm thrilled that she is doing so well, what a cutie pie!!!!!!!! Praying for a wonderful trip for you guys!!!!

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  8. Congratulations!! She is absolutely beautiful!! Love it that she/ya'll had an amazing Gotcha Day! And how funny is that she notices the turquoise bow, but like you said, at least she likes bows?! Praying for the rest of your time in China to be a wonderful and memorable one! Can't wait to meet her and for us to move to Melissa and start having Anna/Ella/Molly/Harper play dates! God is amazing, isn't He?

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  9. So excited to see her with you guys!!! She is so cute! Jordan tells everyone she has a new cousin... that came from CHINA!!!! lol! Can't wait to meet her. Take care. What happens next? Keep us informed.

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  10. Oh my goodness she is so cute!! I'm bummed I missed the play by play of China when you were there, but I am catching up now, starting from the beginning! :) She is absolutely precious!

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