Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Our First Full Day Together
This is the first moment I have had to sit down today. Sweet Lily is a total princess and demands FULL attention from all 4 of us. I LOVE IT!!!! There are no words to say how much your comments on here and Facebook mean to us. As I read through ALL of them, I sobbed (yeah...if you know me, I'm sure you're shocked...LOL). Your prayers are needed...please cover the 5 of us every minute. This is the most humbling experience of my life. I have never felt closer to God. Sure wish I could explain our feelings. I wish you could feel it, this total peace that God has given me for the past 8 months. We are exactly where He wants us to be!!!!
Now, for the Lily lowdown....
She had a great day. We had to wake her up at 7 for breakfast. All smiles! She is a smart girl who knows exactly what she wants. Picked her own clothes down to the socks :) She ate a good breakfast (dumplings,bacon,doughnut stick) as she slurped OJ with her spoon. She insisted on working on her nonsense novel as we finished eating. That net book goes wherever we go! As soon as she says type (her second English word), Baba brings it right out. She has him jumping on command!!
Lily Joy ChunHang Bamberg was legally ours by 10 this morning (11/29/11). We spent over an hour talking with the assistant SWI director. She cried with us and shared so
much info about Lily and the other children. Lily grieves because they taught her how to love. We know that's a blessing even as our hearts break when she cries.
She did tell the guide that she didn't want to go back to the SWI...she would just stay with Mama & Baba!!!!!! Then, she told Aggie that she was going to eat lots of vegetables and less meat so she would grow big and strong. I honestly think my girl is a genius:)
Note to MeMe, Pop, Grandmama, & Grandy....save up lots of money. Lily loves to shop and she's very good at it!!!! Trent was hilarious trying to buy EVERYTHING that she wanted. after we found a traditional Mongolian outfit...she wanted toys, then a watch, and most importantly...a cell phone. No baby looking cell...she wants the real deal. Reece was sure to remind us that he was still waiting for his phone :) we couldn't find a real looking play cell. So Miss Priss told Aggie to finish up her work then go find her a phone and bring it to the hotel!!!! We're in so much trouble.
We played in the hotel room all afternoon. All 5 of us giggling and acting silly. It is amazing. Lily insisted on taking her bath with jie jie/ big sister and had a blast. Kicking and splashing and belly laughing the whole time...until she got soap in her eyes. She was fine after a little comforting from the four of us. Have I mentioned that we love this little miracle???
At bedtime, she used her picture cards that I made to ask to play. When she didn't get her way, the wailing with NO tears started. WOW, REALLY??? 14 hours of play and she wants more??? LOL So very, very proud to say that Trent and I won the battle. After more than 30 minutes of that pitiful crying(without tears), our youngest pointed to her bed and let us tuck her in. I rubbed her hair until she fell asleep.
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y...we know we'll probably lose the next battle, but we are really proud of ourselves right now!!!
My big kids are THE BEST :) Loving their baby sister and making me the proudest Mama ever. God's perfect plan for our family is so obvious when I hear my three laughing out loud together.
We have tons of pics and videos. They will be added just as soon as Baba can de-Lily the net book. We can't get it online anymore??? No clue how to upload from my camera to the iPad :(
Now, for the Lily lowdown....
She had a great day. We had to wake her up at 7 for breakfast. All smiles! She is a smart girl who knows exactly what she wants. Picked her own clothes down to the socks :) She ate a good breakfast (dumplings,bacon,doughnut stick) as she slurped OJ with her spoon. She insisted on working on her nonsense novel as we finished eating. That net book goes wherever we go! As soon as she says type (her second English word), Baba brings it right out. She has him jumping on command!!
Lily Joy ChunHang Bamberg was legally ours by 10 this morning (11/29/11). We spent over an hour talking with the assistant SWI director. She cried with us and shared so
much info about Lily and the other children. Lily grieves because they taught her how to love. We know that's a blessing even as our hearts break when she cries.
She did tell the guide that she didn't want to go back to the SWI...she would just stay with Mama & Baba!!!!!! Then, she told Aggie that she was going to eat lots of vegetables and less meat so she would grow big and strong. I honestly think my girl is a genius:)
Note to MeMe, Pop, Grandmama, & Grandy....save up lots of money. Lily loves to shop and she's very good at it!!!! Trent was hilarious trying to buy EVERYTHING that she wanted. after we found a traditional Mongolian outfit...she wanted toys, then a watch, and most importantly...a cell phone. No baby looking cell...she wants the real deal. Reece was sure to remind us that he was still waiting for his phone :) we couldn't find a real looking play cell. So Miss Priss told Aggie to finish up her work then go find her a phone and bring it to the hotel!!!! We're in so much trouble.
We played in the hotel room all afternoon. All 5 of us giggling and acting silly. It is amazing. Lily insisted on taking her bath with jie jie/ big sister and had a blast. Kicking and splashing and belly laughing the whole time...until she got soap in her eyes. She was fine after a little comforting from the four of us. Have I mentioned that we love this little miracle???
At bedtime, she used her picture cards that I made to ask to play. When she didn't get her way, the wailing with NO tears started. WOW, REALLY??? 14 hours of play and she wants more??? LOL So very, very proud to say that Trent and I won the battle. After more than 30 minutes of that pitiful crying(without tears), our youngest pointed to her bed and let us tuck her in. I rubbed her hair until she fell asleep.
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y...we know we'll probably lose the next battle, but we are really proud of ourselves right now!!!
My big kids are THE BEST :) Loving their baby sister and making me the proudest Mama ever. God's perfect plan for our family is so obvious when I hear my three laughing out loud together.
We have tons of pics and videos. They will be added just as soon as Baba can de-Lily the net book. We can't get it online anymore??? No clue how to upload from my camera to the iPad :(
Monday, November 28, 2011
Lily Day
We started waking up around 1:00 this morning...too anxious to sleep. By 5:00, both kids were snuggling in bed with us. It is a sweet memory that I will never forget. It's like we all know our life is changing in a very big way and we are holding on for dear life. Trent and I told the kids how much they will always mean to us and how honored we are to be their parents.
They have been so great in China. Mash is our comic relief...speaking Spanish and calling herself Señorita! A nut...just like her Daddy!! Reece has been his same sweet,loving self. He always knows just when I need a hug. He has been sick and finally broke down and cried last night. He doesn't want to slow us down and felt guilty for being sick. He is such a sweetheart. I love these two so much!!!
It's 8:00 am on Monday morning (11/28). Lily should be leaving BaoTou any minute on the way to us here at our hotel. There is no way to describe how I'm feeling right now. Excited,nervous,a little scared,sad for her, ecstatic for our family. It's very overwhelming! God has been so good to us. This sweet little girl is meant to be with us. The months of wondering are almost over.
9:00 am...Just realized that sweet Lily has already left the orphanage and the only life and home she's ever known. So worried about her. I just couldn't stop crying thinking about how she must feel. I did feel better after skyping my Mama. Praying that she'll get here safely and will realize instantly how much we love her. God has given us that peace...I know that He will do the same for Lily Joy. So close to meeting her!!!! No words to describe this.
Still waiting...time is standing still. The four of us are watching Despicable Me. At the part where the girls meet their Dad. Sure hope Lily is as accepting as the littlest one!!! LOL
10:00 On the way to the lobby to wait for Lily.
11:30 Heavy fog has delayed our meeting. We are so disappointed but determined to stay positive. God has our perfect meeting planned.
We became the Bamberg 5 around 2:00 today. It was a dream come true to see Lily be carried into the lobby. That beautiful smile lit up the room...just as in every picture that we saw. She was reluctant to let us hold her at first, but she tore into that Hello Kitty backpack. She wanted her Tangled Barbie opened and started drawing on the magna doodle. She put on her Barbie sunglasses, shared her sucker with me and called to her big sister and big brother. The 4 of us st on the floor at her feet and pulled out every toy that we had. At some point, she let me know that she had to use the restroom and off we went. As I helped her with her pants, she looked in my eyes and just said, "Mama?". Y'all know I cried. It was amazing.
We felt your prayers and were overjoyed with our first meeting. It was absolutely perfect...until the orphanage staff put on their coats. I've promised myself that I would be honest to try and help others who are adopting older children...
Our girl grieved BIG TIME. The silent tears turned into wails by the time we reached the elevator. It was one of the most helpless times in my entire life. We got to the room and she would not be consoled. I held her as she howled. Trent was a rock and I love him more today than I ever have in my entire life. He held onto Reece and Mary Ashtyn as they sobbed. He sang to Lily and rubbed my back as I rocked her. At one point, I just cried out to God for help. I was begging Him to comfort her...because we couldn't. We tried everything...iPad,Barbies,candy. She just got louder. Aggie,our guide, who has been tremendous came to the room to try to talk with her but Lily just made this pitiful scream/howl. She had been interested in the lobby computer, so we thought the iPad was the ticket, HA
I had Trent get my net book that we almost left at home. We opened and gave it to her, little Miss Priss stopped crying and started typing. Nonsense, of course, but little hands in the correct position and fingers flying. She was still in my lap and just leaned up against me and typed away!!!! I had Reece bring me a Coke since I had just survived Hurricane Lily:) Guess who grabs it,gulps it, and gives us a look like she'd just discovered liquid gold? Yep, the princess herself!!!! Within minutes, she was laughing and saying "coke".
She has now completed an entire nonsense novel on the net book, beat Reece's high score on a game on the iPad, beat up both of her siblings with a ballon, ate a supper of noodles with coke to drink, picked out Hello Kitty pajamas, brushed her teeth, skyped all the grandparents and called them by name and said I love you to them, and completely wrapped the four of us around her itty bitty finger. I got out of the shower to find her fast asleep holding her Baba/Daddy's hand.
She probably isn't finished grieving, please don't stop praying for all 5 of us. I wish I could say something profound, but this Mama is exhausted!!! God is so good and carried us through a big storm today. We will praise Him for our beautiful joy.
Pictures very soon, if I ever get to use my net book again :). This girl is bossy, my friends...smart and oh,so sassy!!!!
Sorry for typos, too tired to proof. Off to stare at MY THREE CHILDREN for a few minutes before I sleep.
They have been so great in China. Mash is our comic relief...speaking Spanish and calling herself Señorita! A nut...just like her Daddy!! Reece has been his same sweet,loving self. He always knows just when I need a hug. He has been sick and finally broke down and cried last night. He doesn't want to slow us down and felt guilty for being sick. He is such a sweetheart. I love these two so much!!!
It's 8:00 am on Monday morning (11/28). Lily should be leaving BaoTou any minute on the way to us here at our hotel. There is no way to describe how I'm feeling right now. Excited,nervous,a little scared,sad for her, ecstatic for our family. It's very overwhelming! God has been so good to us. This sweet little girl is meant to be with us. The months of wondering are almost over.
9:00 am...Just realized that sweet Lily has already left the orphanage and the only life and home she's ever known. So worried about her. I just couldn't stop crying thinking about how she must feel. I did feel better after skyping my Mama. Praying that she'll get here safely and will realize instantly how much we love her. God has given us that peace...I know that He will do the same for Lily Joy. So close to meeting her!!!! No words to describe this.
Still waiting...time is standing still. The four of us are watching Despicable Me. At the part where the girls meet their Dad. Sure hope Lily is as accepting as the littlest one!!! LOL
10:00 On the way to the lobby to wait for Lily.
11:30 Heavy fog has delayed our meeting. We are so disappointed but determined to stay positive. God has our perfect meeting planned.
We became the Bamberg 5 around 2:00 today. It was a dream come true to see Lily be carried into the lobby. That beautiful smile lit up the room...just as in every picture that we saw. She was reluctant to let us hold her at first, but she tore into that Hello Kitty backpack. She wanted her Tangled Barbie opened and started drawing on the magna doodle. She put on her Barbie sunglasses, shared her sucker with me and called to her big sister and big brother. The 4 of us st on the floor at her feet and pulled out every toy that we had. At some point, she let me know that she had to use the restroom and off we went. As I helped her with her pants, she looked in my eyes and just said, "Mama?". Y'all know I cried. It was amazing.
We felt your prayers and were overjoyed with our first meeting. It was absolutely perfect...until the orphanage staff put on their coats. I've promised myself that I would be honest to try and help others who are adopting older children...
Our girl grieved BIG TIME. The silent tears turned into wails by the time we reached the elevator. It was one of the most helpless times in my entire life. We got to the room and she would not be consoled. I held her as she howled. Trent was a rock and I love him more today than I ever have in my entire life. He held onto Reece and Mary Ashtyn as they sobbed. He sang to Lily and rubbed my back as I rocked her. At one point, I just cried out to God for help. I was begging Him to comfort her...because we couldn't. We tried everything...iPad,Barbies,candy. She just got louder. Aggie,our guide, who has been tremendous came to the room to try to talk with her but Lily just made this pitiful scream/howl. She had been interested in the lobby computer, so we thought the iPad was the ticket, HA
I had Trent get my net book that we almost left at home. We opened and gave it to her, little Miss Priss stopped crying and started typing. Nonsense, of course, but little hands in the correct position and fingers flying. She was still in my lap and just leaned up against me and typed away!!!! I had Reece bring me a Coke since I had just survived Hurricane Lily:) Guess who grabs it,gulps it, and gives us a look like she'd just discovered liquid gold? Yep, the princess herself!!!! Within minutes, she was laughing and saying "coke".
She has now completed an entire nonsense novel on the net book, beat Reece's high score on a game on the iPad, beat up both of her siblings with a ballon, ate a supper of noodles with coke to drink, picked out Hello Kitty pajamas, brushed her teeth, skyped all the grandparents and called them by name and said I love you to them, and completely wrapped the four of us around her itty bitty finger. I got out of the shower to find her fast asleep holding her Baba/Daddy's hand.
She probably isn't finished grieving, please don't stop praying for all 5 of us. I wish I could say something profound, but this Mama is exhausted!!! God is so good and carried us through a big storm today. We will praise Him for our beautiful joy.
Pictures very soon, if I ever get to use my net book again :). This girl is bossy, my friends...smart and oh,so sassy!!!!
Sorry for typos, too tired to proof. Off to stare at MY THREE CHILDREN for a few minutes before I sleep.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Photo Update
Plane from Birmingham to Chicago
Snacking in Chicago Airport...Reece Popcorn, Mash Pretzel
Our new friend, George, his son is a peds Oncologist in New York. He was very proud. We were talking with another adopting family and looked up to notice George sitting with the kids. They were a little scared...it was hilarious!!
Waiting at Beijing Airport for flight to Hohhot...no other Americans ANYWHERE :)
Hohhot Airport...in the city where we'll meet our Lily!!!
First Day of Breakfast at Sheraton...loving the bacon. Reece is sick, but trying to eat a little something.
Chopstick Pro...she's really good eating with them.
If you can't use them correctly, just pose looking cute!!
My favorite pic so far...my three babies' toothbrushes unpacked and waiting together.
Mary Ashtyn and Reece outside a temple
Inside temple..very pretty
Aggie, our guide
My babies with a dog statue
Spinning the good luck wheel. No doubt who is taking care of us. We feel all of your prayers. Thank you!!
Ordered room service last night. Our afternoon nap ended up way longer than we meant to sleep. We woke up a 9 at night!! Just ordered a hamburger and fries and ate in the room. Starting to feel better and get adjusted.
***WE WILL MEET LILY TOMORROW AROUND 11:00***** Pray, pray, pray!! It will be around 9:00pm Sunday night for all of you. The next post should have the very first ever Bamberg Family Photo with all FIVE of us.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Day 2
Feeling great after a good night's rest. Reece is feeling sick, but we started his antibiotic and he should be fine in no time. Praying it's fatigue and he will bounce back after resting most of today. We slept in this morning and enjoyed a great breakfast buffet in our hotel, the Sheraton. I've spent the morning unpacking...getting extremely excited to get Lily!!! Putting up all her little clothes has me giddy.
It is almost noon on Saturday here and we are about to meet our guide to do some sightseeing. Hoping to post pictures soon.
It is almost noon on Saturday here and we are about to meet our guide to do some sightseeing. Hoping to post pictures soon.
Hohhot
After being on planes and waiting in airports for over 24 hours, we finally made it to Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Reece and Mary Ashtyn did great during the long flights...eating good,sleeping well, getting along with each other!!! We are so proud of them. It is such a blessing for them to be here with us. We love watching them experience so many new things. They are both so excited.
We are now in the city,in the same hotel where we will meet Lily!! Trent and I are awake at 6:00...so happy to finally be here. We won't get Lily until Monday. Planning on lots of sightseeing to make the next two days go by quickly.
Trying to get a few more hours sleep then off for a huge breakfast before we go to a museum.
2 more sleeps until our little ladybug is with us!!!!
We are now in the city,in the same hotel where we will meet Lily!! Trent and I are awake at 6:00...so happy to finally be here. We won't get Lily until Monday. Planning on lots of sightseeing to make the next two days go by quickly.
Trying to get a few more hours sleep then off for a huge breakfast before we go to a museum.
2 more sleeps until our little ladybug is with us!!!!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Impossible, Difficult, Done
This blog began 7 months ago after we fell in love with a sweet little girl all the way around the world. The first time we saw Lily, it seemed impossible that she could ever be ours. The past 7 months have been difficult, but God has blessed us tremendously. He has reminded us daily that He has the perfect plan for our family. Now, the waiting is done...we fly out of Birmingham at 6:00 am. By Friday, we'll be in Hohhot just waiting to finally hold Lily Joy in our arms.
Every great work of God, first is impossible, then it is difficult, and then it is done.
Praising God tonight for my blessings. There are no words to describe the peace that HE has given us about this adoption. We know that it won't always be easy. We'll face a lot of challenges when Lily gets home, but we know that God is in control!!!
Please keep us in your prayers. Remember our families who are waiting at home for us. Goodbyes are hard and we know that they'll worry until we are home. Please continue to pray for Trent's Daddy's health during his treatment.
This post is all over the place...just like my brain at this point!! So excited!!!
Next post....CHINA!!!!!!!!!!
Every great work of God, first is impossible, then it is difficult, and then it is done.
Praising God tonight for my blessings. There are no words to describe the peace that HE has given us about this adoption. We know that it won't always be easy. We'll face a lot of challenges when Lily gets home, but we know that God is in control!!!
Please keep us in your prayers. Remember our families who are waiting at home for us. Goodbyes are hard and we know that they'll worry until we are home. Please continue to pray for Trent's Daddy's health during his treatment.
This post is all over the place...just like my brain at this point!! So excited!!!
Next post....CHINA!!!!!!!!!!
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