Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Our First Day Together

Well, here's how we spent our first day together. Apparently our camera is still on US East Coast time, so the dates are wrong in the corners. And please forgive me, the formatting (extra spaces, not enough spaces, etc.) are glitches we've yet to fix. But with free internet access to all of you for this occasion, I choose to not care about spacing and formatting!


Baby's first bottle with Mommy. That's AFTER the cookie and the baby milk jug just an hour earlier in the Civil Affairs office. My girl can eat! After Jo left, the bottle was followed by Cheerios and Gerber puffs galore. It was adorable, she kept sharing them with both of us and smiling with her little scrunchy-nose smile (see side bar pics). Smitten. Just smitten!




Starting the paperwork. With a curious spectator :)

Kids, she loves, loves, loves that toy that Stacey G picked for her!



Baby is a ROCK STAR!
Stacey G found these on our shopping spree over Labor Day weekend. She loves them and keeps trying to put them on. When she does, she claps and claps for herself!


She may not be officially a Gang member till tomorrow's appointment at Civil Affairs, but we initiated her in the hotel pool anyway. She was a bit of timid and even scared at first, but that actually was a good thing because it gave me a chance to comfort and soothe her once again. That reinforcement is key to healthy attachment!. Curiosity won out and she was soon soaking wet and splashing the three of us with glee. Yes, BBE, just like Teagan :) This pic is mid-giggle. Quite possibly the sweetest sound I've ever heard! And a treasure to hear it so early in the "getting to know you" stage.


Apparently the pool time was just what she needed. With her regular schedule all out of whack, she fell asleep mid-bottle in The Boss's arms and slept like this for almost 2 hours. LadyBug, she loves the pink blankie! Note the adorable t-shirt. And yes, he already is. And plans to remain that way for the next 40 or so years.

We splurged a bit tonite and ate dinner in hotel's Western-style restaurant. We get a free breakfast buffet there every day and might go back another time for dinner. It was scrumptious! Remember I said this girl can eat? Tonite's dinner was about 2/3 c. of fried rice with veggies, several broccoli crowns, french fries, a bunch of cut up peaches and pears, and strawberry ice cream. I think if we'd have let her, she'd have kept at it. We didn't want her to get sick the first night, so we went a little easy. I can't wait till tomorrow's breakfast buffet!


When we strolled through the lobby after dinner, we were approached by several gals traveling with a group from Chile. They were admiring her and making faces at her. She was smiling and babbling back at them and they couldn't believe that today was her first day with us. We just smiled and told them it was a God thing. It totally is.
We finished our night with a warm bottle and fresh jammies. She didn't really need or want a lot of rocking or soothing - but I made sure to sing over her and rock her quietly in the darkened room. She may not have needed it, but I sure did. I can't believe she's really here. And I am amazed at the joy and pleasure of today. We are blessed. She is a gift straight from the Father's heart.
Today was a good, good day. We serve a good, good God.

40 comments:

Steve and Jen said...

Those first smiles and giggles are priceless. Congratulations!!!!

BuzzKnitter said...

psych!! I just finished writing my post on the 'gotcha day', and by the time it posted, here are new pics!!

oh T, she's beautiful!! and she looks like she is loving her new mommy & daddy (love the Boss' face in the pool pic).

I'm so happy for you guys... and now I'm anxiously waiting tomorrow when the news comes that she's 'officially' yours!!

(again) hugs from Pa... :)

Our Journey to Rachel said...

Hi again!
Wow! We are spoiled, two posts in one day! What a beautiful happy little girl. God sure does answer prayers! I just love all the pictures and seeing her smiling face. I love the way she looks at you T! She is just so darn precious. I can't wait to meet her in person. Give those chunky cheeks a kiss for me!

Blessings,
Sherry C. & Family

Bobby and Regina said...

She is adorable!! And, I agree that those giggles are one of God's greatest creations!! You can't help but smile when you hear them! Love, Regina

Salzwedel Family said...

Oh, she is so beautiful. It is just delightful to see you all together. I'm sure she will quickly become quite the princess, especially after she gets home to the rest of the gang.

Norma said...

You coming together has a feeling of peace and just pain rightness. We are very happy to see you together and can't wait for the whole gang to meet your sweet baby girl.

Handwoven Dreams said...

Precious, just precious. Congrulations!

Anonymous said...

Oh My Gosh, she is so adorable, you got me bawling here!!! It's such a God thing that she is so content and happy with you guys so soon. I'm thrilled you have this time with her alone there to bond and yet...wow, thanks for sharing & bringing us along for the journey!!! Blessed, thats what you are guys...blessed!!! And were so happy for you! Can't wait to see more pictures and get these ones off to the Prayer Chain, hopefully it will work! Praying for ya's around the clock!
Love ya, Crystal N.

Unknown said...

Okay, after my tears I am finally able to write something. I am so happy for you guys. Your story is a constant reminder of how faithful and promising our God is.

She is beautiful and can't wait to meet her.

Love you guys.

Anonymous said...

HI YOU GUYS ITS AUNT G AGAIN
FROM U KNOW WHERE I COULD NOT SLEEP THIS MORNING AND WOKE UP AND CHECKED THE BLOG AND I BAWLING MY EYES OUT HERE
SO HAPPY FOR YOU ALL
HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME AND ENJOY THE BABY
LOVE YOU ALL OXOXO

Mariann said...

I know you both are cherishing the time with the Lil'Empress. I know all the prayers and thoughts for this day are being felt as you go to rest this night - remembering God's faithfulness - His promises fulfilled. What a blessed family you are - I'm so happy I got the privilege of sharing this journey with you.

ralph said...

Oh, wow! This is just so wonderful Tracy and family! I am thinking of you, and so thrilled that your prayers have been answered.

Congratulations!!!!!!!! The photos say it all - wonderful!!!!!!

Kateri said...

Thank you so much for posting again so quickly. The pictures and words are truly food for my soul right now!!
I love the picture of Aidan looking at you while you're doing the paperwork. Amazing!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I had to hold back the tears just looking at the first picture. She looks so comfortable with the two of you. What an awesome blessing. We're glad to hear that things are going so well and look forward to meeting Aiden and welcoming all of you home.

Jess L. and family

Livin' Life said...

So darn excited for you all!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Likes icecream...hmmm...can't wait to see if she likes popcorn. maybe I can convert her.

Anonymous said...

WOW! Finally happened. CONGRATULATIONS! I love her smile!
VB & Helen SHAH

VikingClanEnMass said...

Hi! Can't believe how well she's settling in with you guys! She takes to the pool (and the food!) like a true O' Clan member!
VikingBoy4 says "we should say hi!" so we're saying hi! Continuing to pray for you guys and for the cousins and grandparent at home itching to get their hugs in person!
~VikingQueenMama

Heather said...

Congrats! She's just beautiful!!!

heidi @ ggip said...

Yay! I was thinking of you all last night as I was going to sleep.

After His Heart said...

She's beautiful! You all have a glow, must be a reflection from "Fathers" face on His divine connection! It's apparent, it's a match made in heaven!

Carol said...

Oh happy day...congratualtions!!

Promises said...

Praise God! She is beautiful and I am so happy for you guys!!!!!!!!!

Becki said...

I absolutely am enjoying your journey. What a great day and smiles too.

Amelia Antwiler said...

Oh, she's yummy.
I love that smile in her daddy's arms. That is just THE best shot. She's gorgeous.

I can't wait to hear how much she loves her new family!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you all. I am so excited and happy for the whole family. To see God complete this journey is amazing. He truly is amazing. She is beautiful and I can't wait to see her when she's HOME. Be blessed and soak it all up. Miss you. Taneka

JMCS said...

Oh congratulations honey! Aidan is gorgeous and looks like she has always been a "gang member". Love the smailes and the joy and so glad you finally have your sweet baby girl in your arms.

Love,
Jonni

My Little Nest said...

After all you guys have been through with the adoption process, you all DESERVED a beautiful, perfect first day with your girl. My kind of girl....loves ice cream!

Elissa said...

Oh wow!! She's finally here!! I am too happy to cry, sorta like on Lily's gotcha day, and I am not at all surprised that she was laughing so soon. God is SO good!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm friends with M and J. My husband (fiance at the time) and I were at your house for small group before. I saw the link for your blog on M's page and have been following yours for a few months now. :) I am so excited and happy for you guys that this has all come together with Aidan and all to God's glory! So Awesome!! :) She is beautiful and it is so wonderful that she will be growing up in a loving Christ centered family. :) Lauren B.

September 16, 2008 2:34 PM

edited for identifiers

A Beautiful Mess said...

I love the first pic! You are one happy mom!

She has been "yours" for a long time...now china just needs to make it official!

safe and happy travels!!!

Kristine B said...

We are so happy for you guys! I was crying with you reading this blog and looking at all the pics! Enjoy each other. Can't wait to see you!

Melissa said...

Congrats! She's darling! And, she looks so darn happy!

Kath said...

Congratulations! Your little one is absolutely precious!!

Steph said...

Congratulations! It brought tears to my eyes seeing your pure joy with your little girl. It makes me think of our gotcha day...10 months ago, but seems like yesterday! Cherish these moments and be sure to write down your thoughts and memories for her. It will be too hard to remember later and she'll love reading about those first days in your handwriting.

Sarah said...

She is just precious. Congratulations. And yes, we do have a good, good Father!
Blessings,
Sarah

Ron Smith said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Hi Gang,

Your blog clearly expresses how Aidan is where she belongs. Bayley and I love reading your blog and seeing how Aidan is opening up to your family. Her smile certainly speaks to a lively girl full of personality. Wow- ready to splash and swim within hours. She'll fit right in with your gang in the backyard pool.

Love,
Bayley and Brittany and Addie
Can't wait to meet you again in a few more days

edited to remove identifiers

The Literary Gourmet said...

Oh my word! I don't have the fortitude of others, and have been openly crying into my coffee this morning. It's so exciting to share your joy and have my heart burst with gratitute to Jesus, right beside yours :)

Mrs. C said...

So beautiful. What a precious gift!