Join Us On Our Journey to Bring Sophia Jane Home.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

We are here and we have our daughter!

We are here and we have Sophia. It has been a crazy 3 days.

We knew we were going to have a 6 hour layover in Chicago, but the 6 hours turned into 12. It was a complete nightmare. By the time we made it to Beijing we were absolutely exhausted and ready to go to bed. They took the temperature of everyone on our plane before we could get off. There were heat seeking machines in the airport that scanned the body temperature of everyone walking through the airport. Eli was singled out as having too high of a body temperature. We were put into a curtained area where they took his temperature again and lucky for us, he was ok and we could proceed through the airport. Our agency guide was there to pick us up with a big smile on her face. She told us that the next morning we were going to get Sophia. So we got a few hours sleep and were up early to meet our daughter.

Yesterday we climbed into a bus with two other families heading for
Sophia's orphanage. It was a gray rainy day. It took us about an hour to get there. Her orphanage was a nice looking building surrounded by a very run down neighborhood with small cinderblock units used for housing and storefronts.
We were allowed inside of the orphanage gates, but not into the orphanage itself. They are very concerned with swine flu here. We waited in a guard building right by the gate.

We watched through the pouring rain as a woman came out of the orphanage with a small girl in her arms and an umbrella. There were two of us watching to see whose daughter it was. I could tell that it wasn't Sophia because she had longer hair. It was
Rosalee and Tim's daugthter Arianna. Arianna was all smiles and hugs for her new family.

Then we saw a woman come out of the orphanage with a small girl in her arms. She began walking to the guard building, but then turned and went back. Eli was glued to the door watching for his sister. After a few minutes the woman came out again and headed toward us in the rain. I knew she was carrying my daughter. Sophia was not all smiles. She was screaming and crying that she wanted to go back and calling the same name over and over. She kicked at me and pushed me away. Eli burst into tears saying that his sister hates us and will never love us. My heart was just torn, both of my children were in turmoil.

Shiyan our guide said something to Sophia and we were able to get onto the bus. All of the families decided to go to McDonald's. Let me tell you, there is magic in a chicken mcnugget. My daughter smiled at me for the first time while eating them. Daddy got the first smile, but the next one was for me and it was priceless.

Since then, things have gone very smoothly. She is a very happy girl, lots of smiles. She eats very well, no over-eating or food hoarding. Last night was our first night with her and she fought really hard to stay awake, but once she was down, she slept all night with no terrors or disruptions. She is very polite and thanks me all of time. She does wonderfully with the potty, but she does not know how to wipe. She washes her hands every time though. She knows how to brush her teeth.

She is a COMPLETE PRINCESS. She always checks her hair to make sure she still has her hair bow in and wears the head band also that she came to us with. She must have both a bow and the head band on. She refused to take them off to go to sleep. I took off the head band while she was sleeping and when she woke up, she had her hand in a little fist holding the bow. She will not take off her tinkerbell bracelet and converts hair ties and anything else into little bracelets she puts around her wrist. She also must have a sticker on the top of her left hand, it appears that any sticker will do. She loves dolls and her cell phone.

She puts everything we have given her into her Shay bag. She takes it everywhere and the handles can fit over her shoulders like a little backpack. I think she is afraid that we are just a temporary situation and wants to make sure she has everything with her in case we leave.

Today was a free day, so we did not have to go on different appointments or fill out any paperwork. It was a nice day for us to relax together. She is becoming more comfortable with us. I can tell that she was loved and very well cared for.
She knows how to kiss and how to blow bubbles. She woke up from her nap today and looked at me and her eyes filled with tears. I know she misses her nanny. We ate some banana chips and we cuddled for a bit and then had a wonderful afternoon.

Tomorrow we have more places to go and paperwork to process. Blogger is blocked. Tim can bypass so I can blog but I can't get the pictures in. I'm e-mailing them to Kelly and hopefully she can get some on. I tell you, Sophia is just darling. Her photos did not capture her spunk and her smile with 3 little dimples is completely enchanting.

More to come.

Hey all, it's Kelly here -- just letting you know that I haven't received any photos yet from Kimberley or Tim. As SOON as I get them, I'll get them posted! I'm chomping at the bit like the rest of you to see that beautiful girl with her Mama, Baba & ge ge! Kelly (aka Truly Blessed)

49 comments:

k1 said...

SOOOOOOOOO Happy to hear from you!!!! I haven't even read the whole post yet!!

Congrats on having Sophia. Gonna go read the post now!

Truly Blessed said...

{{{{{{{{{SCREAM OF JOY!!!}}}}}}}}}

YES!!!!!

Send me pictures if you can, I'll post them!

I'm SO happy for you!

Truly Blessed said...

This is Kelly -- I haven't received any emails yet -- you can bet the second I do I'll post them.

I'm just so excited for my dear friends!!!

Elise said...

Congratulations on your dream coming true! She sounds like the perfect little princess for your family. Prayers for a smooth transition and a wonderful experience in China getting to know your new daughter!!!

Nancy said...

WOOHOO!!
I am glad you have her in your arms, finally. Looking forward to seeing pictures.

Jewels of My Heart said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Thank YOu Jesus for answered prayers!
Oh, Kimberley, I have tears in my eyes, chills and am I am overflowing with joy and thankfulness for you and your beautiful daughter.....
Oh, how faithful our God is....
She's in her Mama's arms....
I will be praying and a big hug to little Ely too. I will pray that the Lord gives him comfort and understanding that soon he and his sister will be best friends I am sure....
Love you friend....
ENJOY
Welcome to your family sweet Sophia... they love you so much.

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

I have tears streaming down my face!!!! I have been SO worried about you and here you have your beautiful girl already! She sounds SO much like Mia Hope with the bracelets and hair bows. Mia will wake up and cry when I try to remove them while sleeping. God knew what He was doing when he blessed you with making bows! :)

I can NOT wait to see photos of your beauty!!! This is the most excitement I've had since Mia Hope came into our lives.

I'm sorry Eli felt rejected. Mikayla did too. It took about a week before Mia would open up to Mikayla. It will get better! Hange in there!!

I'm SO SO SO SO happy for you and your family! Congratulations my friend!

Love, prayers, and hugs!!!
Robin

Much Ado said...

Wooooooohoooooo!!!! The post we have all been waiting for! So happy for you all. Thank you so much for updating. Can't WAIT to see the photos of you and your precious Sophia. God is good.

Musings from Kim K. said...

I've been worried sick about you and your lack of posts. I'm crying at work tears of joy!!! I'm so happy for you. Congratulations, dear friend. I can't wait to see pictures of Sophia Jane! It's been a long time coming.

Gail said...

I'm crying tears of joy for you all...have been waiting for your post! Congratulations! You're a mommy to a daughter and a girly one at that!!!!!!!! She sounds perfect and is doing soooo well! It gets better and better I promise!

Can't wait to see the pics...big hugs to you Kimberley! So happy for you all!

Rachael said...

So happy for you! I've been waiting and waiting to hear these stories from you.

day by day said...

Oh, Happy Day!!!!! Congratulations to your family with the blessing of a new daughter/sister!!! Can't wait to see some pictures. Sounds like she is doing wonderfully!!!

Congratulations, again!!! : )

Steffie B. said...

I am here in Maui girl.....just crying at my computer while my precious babies are still sleeping.....I am so happy for you....I can't wait to see your precious daughter.....I do believe our babies were well taken care of there......I am so happy I can hardly see the keys as I type....enjoy your time.....and remember to soak it all in....embrace it all sweet girl..... email me when you can!

Love you...
Steffie

Kimmy @ kimmythingy said...

I actually teared up reading this. Congratulations on your new daughter - she is clearly so adored already!

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Dear Kimberly,

I just read your post to my sister and daughters and we are just blown away. What a precious story and loved reading about your moment!!! There is nothing so precious. I have chills and tears!!! I am so very happy for you and can't wait to read more!!! It gets better and better!!!

Blessings and love,
Shay

Marla said...

Oh Kimberley! I'm SOOOOO happy that Sophia is finally with her family. I'm glad things are going so well and can't wait to see pictures of your sweetie! Prayers that the rest of the trip goes smoothly.

Noemi said...

I am crying the ugly cry here at work! I am so happy for you! She is finally in your arms! I can't wait to see pictures!!!!

Kelley said...

It's just wonderful to hear from you! I am so happy for all of you! I know that as the days pass, Sophia will get more and more used to seeing all of you. From your post, you sound like you really have a handle on things, Kimberley, and fully know what to expect. You are all so blessed. I know that Sophia must feel the love that you all have for her. Take care of yourselves, and let us hear from you when you can. I'm praying for you all!

Kathy said...

Congrats on Sophia. Can't wait to see pictures. Shiyan is such a special lady and will do anything for you. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Kathy(mom to Rieley)

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

xo
Lea

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Oh Kim... I am so happy for you all... and glad that all is going along fine... I have to remember that bit about the checking of temperatures on the plane...

Somewhere In The Sun said...

It seems so surreal that you are in China! I'm so very happy for you all. I'm glad to hear that Sophia is doing well. How wonderful that she is so girly! Can't WAIT for the pictures!

~Lynn

Lori said...

God is sooooo very good! I'm so grateful that the family is all together!
Can't wait to see those pictures!

Lori

LaLa said...

Soooo happy to see a post from you! Have a wonderful time getting to know your sweet girl. Sorry about poor Eli but glad he now sees the love his sister will have to give to all of you!

Now send those pics : )

mommy24treasures said...

wonderful wonderful wonderful, I just loved hearing every detail.
Many congrats!

~verna said...

YYYYEEEEEE HHHHHAAAAAWWWW!
Together at last!

Dawn said...

Oh I am so thrilled to read this post!!!! I CANNOT wait (like everyone else) to see the pics of your sweet girl!!!!! xoxo

thatgirlblogs said...

deep sigh of relief!!! cannot wait for pictures. god bless you all ;)

Joanne said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! So glad everything is going well :) Looking forward to seeing the photos!!!

junglemama said...

Kimberly, she sounds dreamy! I am so glad that everything is going so well! Enjoy your time there--- for you will be home before you know it.

Patricia said...

YAY!!!!!!!!! THRILLED to hear from you, Kimberley!!! I'm so glad things are going smoothly now!! God is sooooo GOOD!!!
Still praying for all of you & I cannot wait to see your NEW family photo!! ;)

Kim said...

YEA... I am sooo happy for you guys....
I am excited to see the photos..
Sounds like everything is working out well..
Hugs..

Michelle said...

So glad to hear that you made it safely and your girl is in your arms. Can't wait for the pictures!

Linda said...

Tears of relief that you guys are ok and Sophia Jane is with her forever family.. How wonderful she is a girly girl. Now you have someone to cook and shop with and dress so cute.
Tell Eli that when Sophia gets used to him she will love him so much. Lauren has the best time with her cousin Josh.. She follows him and wants to be with him when ever she see's him. Sophia will love Eli even more, since he will be with her forever.
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy.. Cannot wait to see the pictures of the new family... Linda

Diane and family said...

All the time, God is good!!!
God is good, all the time!!!

Sophia and her family:)
God is good!!!

Holly said...

At last!!!!!!!
Can't wait to see pictures.
praying for the remainder of your trip, for her sweet little heart and for protection and favor.
love,
Holly- purpose driven family

Alyson and Ford said...

Tears of joy!! Yes! What a wonderful story so far. You are going to be a wonderful family together! So glad Sophia is adjusting; it takes lots of time but it will happen!
Can't wait to see the pictures!

Alyzabeth's Mommy of Nine Months

Carrie said...

So happy for you all! Bring on the PIC'S!

JMCS said...

CONGRATULATIONS honey!!! We are so excited you finally have Sophia Jane. I loved the McNugget story and so glad to hear that all is well. We can't wait for the pictures and I wish you a wonderful trip. Please send more updates when you can. We can't wait!

Hugs,
Jonni

~Amy~ said...

Praise God in the highest! Together at last....Together FOREVER!!! I'm OVER THE MOON for you my friend! I can't wait to see sweet Sophia in her momma's arms! I BETTER see you girls this summer! ;) Love ya!!

Heather said...

SO. EXCITED!!!!!! Oh my goodness, how surreal is this??? Kimberley, so happy things are going smoothly with your precious Sophia. Cannot wait to hear more...will be stalking (I mean following:).

Praying for you!!!!!

Love & Hugs,
Heather

ArtworkByRuth said...

Congratulations! I am amazed at how much detail you have retained, this will be cemented forever in your memory! What a precious girl! God Bless!

Chelley said...

oh how I have been hanging out to hear how things are going!!

big hugz and congrats mama!

Dita said...

Kimberley:

I am so thrilled for you! I, too, am in tears. FINALLY its YOUR turn and your precious Sophia Jane is just gorgeous!

I laughed when I read Robin's comment that it was no accident you were making hairbows! Looks like SJ will be giving you a run for your money, honey! I think we have a new model on your website!

I can't tell you how incredibly happy I am for you and your beautiful family when I look at these pictures.

I, too, will be stalking your blog so don't leave out ONE LITTLE THING! :)

Big giant hugs,
Dita

Michelle R Photography said...

Congratulations!!! How absolutely wonderful!!! She is just beautiful!! SO BEAUTIFUL!!! And she looks so happy. I just sat here and smiled as I read every moment of your journey thus far and looked at her wonderful pictures.

If you have a moment, could you please email me and let me know what you are doing to bypass Blogger? I will be in the same boat and I'm not a technical expert. :) Thank you in advance!

Michelle
nmraines@aol.com

Unknown said...

Congratulations!! She is very beautiful. Yes, McDonald's is a life saver. Andrew fell in love with french fries at McD's in China. Glad all is going so well for you guys. We'll keep you in our prayers. Enjoy your time in China! It will pass by very quickly.

Chuck & Susan

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

I am so happy for you {{{{hug}}}}} I am in tears reading your post. I know that Sophia must be confused..poor little thing : ( She will adjust : ) Your love shines through in the pictures. I am heading out in the morning to spend the weekend in SC with my parents but I am bringing my laptop so I can follow your journey. I sure wish you would of let me know you were in Chicago for 12 hours. I would of come and met you. I am sorry for the rough lay over : (

The Byrd's Nest said...

Poor little Eli.....way too hard for big brothers to understand isn't it? I am so thankful though for the following posts and praying they will be the best of friends. A big brother is so important to a little girl....one day he will be yelling..."Mom...please get her out of my room!" LOL

kitchu said...

Wow... amazing. This is WAY late but congratulations to all of you. I"m so glad she screamed and kicked, that she was attached to her nannies- that she settled in easily after- and that things have progressively gone well. I am SO SO happy for you.. for her... for all of you. What a journey!