Monday, January 9, 2012

Introducing...

We arrived with our guide to the Civil Affairs office around 9 am. Shortly after we got there Emma arrived. Matt actually caught it on video tape (see below).  The paperwork went super smooth and we had nothing but smiles and laughter from Emma.  The day was honestly beautiful -- sunny, cool, and We couldn't have asked for a better gotcha day.  

Here she is!! What an amazing, precious child.


First family picture at the Civil Affairs office

About 5 mins after Emma arrived!

After the civil affairs appt we then went to the police station to apply for Emma's Passport.  This process takes about 4 days so we wanted to get it started today. Although you can't tell, she was all smiles at this appt as well.

In the van on the way to the police station

Applying for Emma's Passport

A few tidbits that we know so far:

  • So far she is super happy, smiles a whole lot.
  • That said, she does not want to sleep. When we put her in the crib or leave the room she will cry.
  • She has 1 full tooth and 1 poking through (hence she is drooling a lot!).
  • She is walking!! We figured this out when she walked over to get some puffs from us in the civil affairs office.
  • She told us when she had to poop in Mandarin today (our guide helped explain). The funniest part is that the word for poop and daddy are basically the same (baba). They are different 'tones' but we couldn't tell so it was good the guide told us.
  • She did her first sign today for 'more'.  We showed her like 5 times and then she did it herself! Those sweet potato puffs are like crack you know.
  • She just took her first bottle of the day (at 5 pm).   She eats a ton of food (cracker, puffs, fruit, pretty much anything we give her) but the bottle is still something we are working on.
  • She sucks her thumb (its adorable!)

As I mentioned, Emma was clearly fighting sleep today. We couldn't figure out what would help her go to sleep. Finally around 4 pm we went downstairs to get some dinner from the hotel restaurant.  Not even 30 seconds in the high chair and she fell asleep.  We think she just felt comfortable in it so finally relaxed enough to fall asleep.





20 comments:

Kam said...

Just woke up and you were first on my mind!

SHE IS GORGEOUS!!! The Lord has given you a beautiful experience...whatever happened, it would have been beautiful! Tears or smiles would have both been beautiful...but my goodness! The way she reacted is precious. Joel was the exact same way! And we have wonderful memories from that day. What a gift for you both.

She may still grieve soon. Hang in there of course and just love her through it. Sweet baby. Gosh, I'm just so happy for you all.

Oh, happy day!
Much love and prayers from the other side~
Kam

Lana said...

YAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!! She is absolutely gorgeous!!! Congratulations Lillie Family :)

Pam said...

Oh my goodness... she is absolutely adorable! How BLESSED you are with all the smiles! You couldn't have asked for a better "gotcha day!"
I am so happy for you!

Stacia said...

I am really glad things have gone so smoothly. She is finally with you!

Kristine said...

She is beautiful. Soo happy for allof you!

Tera said...

When I saw the first picture, I said, "Oh my lands that girl is cute!!" She is gorgeous and looks so healthy!! She does look tiny though? Can't wait to see the video! Glad the day went well...Congrats!!!

Carrie said...

love it! what a great day. Perhaps you should put a high chair in the hotel room for her to sleep in!!!!! So adorable. I love that she sucks her thumb. Wish I could hug you all. Welcome to the family baby girl!

Deitra said...

Love it Love it and all your smiling faces... am so happy for you!!! She is beautiful..

Unknown said...

she's so gorgeous!!! and HAPPY!!! What an amazing blessing!! You all look wonderful -- i'm so happy today went so well for you!!! Can't wait to read more!

A2traveler said...

She is SO cute. I'm loving seeing you in my Chinese hometown. I hope you get a chance to get a peek at some of the things that make it such a special city -- the blue skies are a good start.

bronwyn said...

Hooray!! Wonderful news to wake up to! She looks beautiful and so much bigger! Can't wait to meet her!

Christy said...

I am soooooooo happy for you guys!!! I cant belive she is doing so well!!! What an amazing gotcha day!!! She looks so chubby and healthy and so well adjusted. Ohhhhhh-- its like utopia gotcha day!!! I cant be happier for you guys and I cant wait to walk in your same footsteps in just a few months. Walking-- really??? She is totally ontarget!!! And learning sign so quickly-- she is totally smart. Loving hearing all this-- makes me have high hopes for Emery!!!

Nancy said...

Yippee! She is such a doll baby and Christy, I've never seen you happier! Congratulations!

Tracy said...

Yay! Congrats! She is beautiful! Can't wait to meet her in person!

Anne Ulrich said...

She is amazing! What a wonderful family! I am so thrilled for you all!!!!!

a blog full of weldons. said...

I'm freaking out I'm so happy!!! she is amazingly beautiful and happy!! that smile is incredible!!!! oh what an amazing first day!!! praising God with you!!!

martha B. said...

Oh be still my heart...she is amazingly beautiful and is doing so well! So happy for you! She has so much hair...no more mohawk :)

Aimee said...

What a beautiful, happy baby! My heart is so happy that you have all finally found each other. Oh happy day!

JimandJackie said...

She is lovely! I love that she just fell asleep at breakfast, hoping things continue to go smooth. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Your daughter is so beautiful and wow what a happy girl!