As we headed out yesterday afternoon towards the Civil Affairs building, I couldn’t help but be nervous about the reaction we would receive, or the effect that we would have on Elli. We didn’t want to “grab her up”, even though we wanted to “grab her up”. My biggest fear was that she would be scared. There is a very big warring in your heart on “Gotcha Day”. The one side is so excited, so thrilled, so anxious for the day that you have waited for so long and the other is the incredible sadness knowing that they are leaving all they have ever known. You are taking them from their normalcy and turning their world completely upside down. It can be a painful transition…even if things go best.
We arrived at the familiar building, the crowded drive and got out of the van. We made our way up to the 8th floor and joined a room filled with smiling, anxious parents. You could fill the excitement and nerves. Across the room was smaller room with children. I glanced into the room and saw some children staring back across the way at all the strange adults. We turned to put our things down and I got out my camera. As I turned back around, I saw one of the sweetest sights dressed in pink ruffles. QiaoQiao had arrived and was walking into the “waiting room”. I snapped a quick picture, but only got her back…but I saw her face and it was stunning.
A family that I have had contact with for a long time was also getting their daughter and they were first. I was so honored to get to witness their family meeting for the first time. I held their video camera for them as their daughter recognized her parents and called them by name. It was a very special moment for a little girl that has waited for many years to finally have her day.
We were called away to sign some paperwork because it was our turn to meet our daughter for the first time. We walked across the room where a nanny and Qing Zu Qiao stood waiting. She was looking around the room, staying very close to her nanny and holding a big white bear close to her chest. I waved at her and she returned the gesture. I knelt down and smiled. The nanny started pointing speaking to QiaoQiao. She opened her mouth and said, “mama, baba.” We applauded her actions and she smiled. The nanny then asked her to say, “mother” and “father”. She did and did so very well.
I began showing her some of the toys in the backpack that we prepared for her. She was interested in the doll and her long, slender fingers reached out to touch the dolls arm. She handed me the bear and we traded. She was examining Rodney and me, checking us out from head to toe. I got out a sucker and she was very, very interested. I unwrapped the sucker and she quickly took it. At one point, she took the sucker out of her mouth and offered a taste to me. I thanked her and she smiled.
I was reaching out toward her, but not to intrusive. She still hovered very near her nanny, at times nearly going between her legs to find security. The nanny would gently nudge her forward. She loved the “magical” baby bottle that she just could not figure out where the milk was going when she turned it upside down. She laid the baby doll on my lap and we fed the baby. We had an opportunity to ask the nanny some questions about her daily routine, feeding habits, likes/dislikes, etc. She seems like a typical 3 year old. She told us that she wasn’t a picky eater but especially liked snack foods…yep, she is ours!
The orphanage had packed a little bag of treats for her, cookies and crackers, along with a photo album that they had made of her. There are some really sweet pictures that I will try to share later…but some really sweet images that we are very fortunate to have.
As we sat and played, she slowly made her way into my lap. I was glad that she initiated the closeness. She was standing between my legs as I held the baby; she slowly lifted one leg and Rodney said, “pick her up, she wants you to pick her up.” I lifted her into my lap and we sat looking at coloring books, stickers and again, the magical bottle.
After about 15 minutes, the guide gathered her items that we brought and told QiaoQiao goodbye. She just looked at her and the nanny walked away. I believe Rodney and I both held our breath as she rounded the corner and we could no longer see her wondering the reaction we would have. But nothing. We played a bit longer with stickers and Connie asked if we were ready to leave.
As we made our way to the hallway and elevator, Elli pulled her hand from mine a couple of times. I allowed her to wonder just a little before pulling her back. We walked outside and waited on the sidewalk for the driver. As we got into the van, I could see her face changing, she was scared. I quickly got inside the van, pulled her up in my lap and she began to cry. The tears were rolling. She had a very small, pitiful cry. The kind of cry that makes you want to cry with them. I rubbed her back, tried to comfort her and then I remembered the cookies we brought. Rodney got them out, and the tears quickly ended…a girl and her comfort food – again, confirming she is ours ;-)
She seemed to enjoy the ride back to the hotel after calming. She was taking in all the sights and the busy streets. After we got to the hotel, she examined the room and began to play. We finished up some paperwork and she colored and played with her baby. She did amazing.
Soon Connie left and it was just us. Just us. She seemed very comfortable playing and laughing. Running and being very, well bossy! It is really funny because I will tell her no and she will give me a little attitude, sometimes, but for the most part she does it. Rodney on the other hand – hahahahahha! She doesn’t get upset, but she isn’t intimidated by him at all! She has swatted at his hand, stomped her foot and shouted something at him when he tried to get her to stop unplugging things on the computer…she did this all while smiling at him. She just isn’t scared of him. She isn’t scared of me either, but I think maybe being used to female nannies, she sees me as an authoritive figure – Rodney, he is just a big play thing!
It wasn’t long until we went to get her some shoes because we had a little accident and they got wet…plus they were too big and she was tripping in them constantly. She didn’t want Rodney to pack her, so I had to pack her to a local shop for some shoes. Oh my gosh…she is a chunk! It was a relief to find some shoes that fit her BIG feet! She wears a Chinese size 25…which we were told is about a US 9…Anna wears a 6.5 and Parker is about 10.5…yes, she is a big girl. So far the clothes that I have brought seem like they will fit her well, 3 & 4 Ts.
After getting some shoes, we knew that she was getting hungry so we went for some dinner. One of the funniest things I have ever seen in my entire life. The way that she would use her fork to eat her noodles…it’s and art form I tell you. She is talented. Rodney and I laughed so hard and she would just grin and keep on eating. Sweet, sweet girl.
We are so thankful that things went as well as they did. I know that we “aren’t out of the woods yet”, but I couldn’t imagine them going any better. She is just a jewel.
Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna,
You all are going to LOVE Elli! She is a hoot. Funny, funny girl and knows exactly what she wants and when she wants it…just like you all! I think when you see her later tonight, she is going to love seeing herself on the computer…she is quite smitten with her face & we are too!
Sending love & hugs to Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna,
Rodney, Marcy & Elli (QiaoQiao)
We arrived at the familiar building, the crowded drive and got out of the van. We made our way up to the 8th floor and joined a room filled with smiling, anxious parents. You could fill the excitement and nerves. Across the room was smaller room with children. I glanced into the room and saw some children staring back across the way at all the strange adults. We turned to put our things down and I got out my camera. As I turned back around, I saw one of the sweetest sights dressed in pink ruffles. QiaoQiao had arrived and was walking into the “waiting room”. I snapped a quick picture, but only got her back…but I saw her face and it was stunning.
A family that I have had contact with for a long time was also getting their daughter and they were first. I was so honored to get to witness their family meeting for the first time. I held their video camera for them as their daughter recognized her parents and called them by name. It was a very special moment for a little girl that has waited for many years to finally have her day.
We were called away to sign some paperwork because it was our turn to meet our daughter for the first time. We walked across the room where a nanny and Qing Zu Qiao stood waiting. She was looking around the room, staying very close to her nanny and holding a big white bear close to her chest. I waved at her and she returned the gesture. I knelt down and smiled. The nanny started pointing speaking to QiaoQiao. She opened her mouth and said, “mama, baba.” We applauded her actions and she smiled. The nanny then asked her to say, “mother” and “father”. She did and did so very well.
I began showing her some of the toys in the backpack that we prepared for her. She was interested in the doll and her long, slender fingers reached out to touch the dolls arm. She handed me the bear and we traded. She was examining Rodney and me, checking us out from head to toe. I got out a sucker and she was very, very interested. I unwrapped the sucker and she quickly took it. At one point, she took the sucker out of her mouth and offered a taste to me. I thanked her and she smiled.
I was reaching out toward her, but not to intrusive. She still hovered very near her nanny, at times nearly going between her legs to find security. The nanny would gently nudge her forward. She loved the “magical” baby bottle that she just could not figure out where the milk was going when she turned it upside down. She laid the baby doll on my lap and we fed the baby. We had an opportunity to ask the nanny some questions about her daily routine, feeding habits, likes/dislikes, etc. She seems like a typical 3 year old. She told us that she wasn’t a picky eater but especially liked snack foods…yep, she is ours!
The orphanage had packed a little bag of treats for her, cookies and crackers, along with a photo album that they had made of her. There are some really sweet pictures that I will try to share later…but some really sweet images that we are very fortunate to have.
As we sat and played, she slowly made her way into my lap. I was glad that she initiated the closeness. She was standing between my legs as I held the baby; she slowly lifted one leg and Rodney said, “pick her up, she wants you to pick her up.” I lifted her into my lap and we sat looking at coloring books, stickers and again, the magical bottle.
After about 15 minutes, the guide gathered her items that we brought and told QiaoQiao goodbye. She just looked at her and the nanny walked away. I believe Rodney and I both held our breath as she rounded the corner and we could no longer see her wondering the reaction we would have. But nothing. We played a bit longer with stickers and Connie asked if we were ready to leave.
As we made our way to the hallway and elevator, Elli pulled her hand from mine a couple of times. I allowed her to wonder just a little before pulling her back. We walked outside and waited on the sidewalk for the driver. As we got into the van, I could see her face changing, she was scared. I quickly got inside the van, pulled her up in my lap and she began to cry. The tears were rolling. She had a very small, pitiful cry. The kind of cry that makes you want to cry with them. I rubbed her back, tried to comfort her and then I remembered the cookies we brought. Rodney got them out, and the tears quickly ended…a girl and her comfort food – again, confirming she is ours ;-)
She seemed to enjoy the ride back to the hotel after calming. She was taking in all the sights and the busy streets. After we got to the hotel, she examined the room and began to play. We finished up some paperwork and she colored and played with her baby. She did amazing.
Soon Connie left and it was just us. Just us. She seemed very comfortable playing and laughing. Running and being very, well bossy! It is really funny because I will tell her no and she will give me a little attitude, sometimes, but for the most part she does it. Rodney on the other hand – hahahahahha! She doesn’t get upset, but she isn’t intimidated by him at all! She has swatted at his hand, stomped her foot and shouted something at him when he tried to get her to stop unplugging things on the computer…she did this all while smiling at him. She just isn’t scared of him. She isn’t scared of me either, but I think maybe being used to female nannies, she sees me as an authoritive figure – Rodney, he is just a big play thing!
It wasn’t long until we went to get her some shoes because we had a little accident and they got wet…plus they were too big and she was tripping in them constantly. She didn’t want Rodney to pack her, so I had to pack her to a local shop for some shoes. Oh my gosh…she is a chunk! It was a relief to find some shoes that fit her BIG feet! She wears a Chinese size 25…which we were told is about a US 9…Anna wears a 6.5 and Parker is about 10.5…yes, she is a big girl. So far the clothes that I have brought seem like they will fit her well, 3 & 4 Ts.
After getting some shoes, we knew that she was getting hungry so we went for some dinner. One of the funniest things I have ever seen in my entire life. The way that she would use her fork to eat her noodles…it’s and art form I tell you. She is talented. Rodney and I laughed so hard and she would just grin and keep on eating. Sweet, sweet girl.
We are so thankful that things went as well as they did. I know that we “aren’t out of the woods yet”, but I couldn’t imagine them going any better. She is just a jewel.
Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna,
You all are going to LOVE Elli! She is a hoot. Funny, funny girl and knows exactly what she wants and when she wants it…just like you all! I think when you see her later tonight, she is going to love seeing herself on the computer…she is quite smitten with her face & we are too!
Sending love & hugs to Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna,
Rodney, Marcy & Elli (QiaoQiao)
8 comments:
Oh I LOVE how she is bossin' her some Rodney. That is FUNNY!!!!!! Wow, she does have big feet....Olivia is in a size 8 right now! Did you do me proud and get her some cute shoes? How did you NOT take a picture of her shoes? ;) It sounds like it was just a miraculous day....God is good!
What a beautiful retelling of your first hours together. It sounds like she was well prepared for you and this transition. Good good start. Adoption day tomorrow! YAH!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share. I know how hard it is to make the time but the memories, the tiny details fade and you never really get them back.
Who was the woman who came with her to CA?? Was it the director?? Dying for details of QY you know :)
Jill
Oh Marcy!!! Sounds like things are just going wonderfully! I'm so, so thrilled for you guys! Keep the posts and pictures coming... they're like crack. :)
Anne
Thanks so much for taking the time (on your very busy day) to give such a good update. I have been checking off and on all day, and was so excited to read about your happenings. You really are a good writer, and I almost felt like I was there too. Elli looks tall standing beside you, so I guess I'm not surprised she is wearing a size 8. Two have my girls are still wearing 8's, but they are ages 7-1/2 and 5-1/2. (My 7 year old has ridiculously tiny feet!!) Elli is very, very cute, and I am so glad she is accepting both of you so well.
Loving your blog!!! Thank you for sharing your precious Elli with us. The huge pictures are a treat as well :)
Blessings, Lisa C.
Oh my goodness!!! She is amazing!!! I'm so excited for you!! I so remember all those same feelings on Gotcha Day! I was so scared for Mia, I just didn't want her to be scared. And God was so good to us! We'll keep watching!!
STUNNING, absolutely STUNNING!!!! Just a complete and total BEAUTY!!! Hey Marcy, is that Connie in the first gotcha pic? If so tell her I would like a picture of that awesome new hairdo she's sportin'! =)CONGRATS GUYS!!!!!!! I can't get enough of the pics!!!!!!
Marcy, Wow - I am so excited for you! I saw your post on the Qingyuan board and rushed right over to your blog. I am so happy that Elli finally has her mama! She is even more beautiful than when we met her last year! She looks so happy and healthy. Congratulations!
Laura Beth in VA
mama to Eliana ZuGuo
also from Qingyuan SWI
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