Sunday, May 24, 2009

Emerson Day!!!
















And on this day, she filled our dreams with everything and more we could have ever imagined. She is love and we are over the moon with how beautiful this day was. There are just no words to describe it, it's like referral day bliss times 10.

Emerson Grace went right into my arms and has not shed one tear, but instead has been very interactive with us both. She only got a pouty lip after Daddy was gone from the room for about a half an hour to do paperwork and when he came back in, just sort of shut down...her protective wall went up. We will just have to prove ourselves to her that this is her last stop.

A little bit about my girl. She's a peanut, she blows kisses, she claps, she giggles out loud, she's very wobbly while sitting and falls over easily. She has very little strength, she can barely pick up a gerber puff...but she loves them. She hasn't sucked for me yet. She has pee'd in the potty twice when I put her on it and whistled. She was digging the bathtub water and the stacking cups are a huge hit. She has taken them all apart and put them all back together again in the right order several times now. She could be a genius or she's just darn lucky;0)

She's getting a kick out of the mirror. She seems fascinated with her feet and has an acrobatic talent with them. She saw her belly button and was fascinated with it. She has the marks by her knees of her time served that I wish to God she didn't have. And she's sporting the ever trendy bowl cut. What's so sad is they deliberately shaved the back of her head, it's just ridiculous. She seems to like the Ergo and she stares up at me. She also searches the room and watches me if I get up from the bed. She fell asleep in my arms at 8:05 and is now resting peacefully.

I can not believe that I walked into a room only 15 minutes after arriving at the hotel and somebody handed me my baby girl. I just kept saying to J, "Did I just walk in that room and leave with the most precious baby ever?" It's an indescribable feeling!

103 comments:

Diana said...

Big happy tears as I post this. I am so happy for you and your family!!! Emerson is BEAUTIFUL. I love her smile as it looks like it can light up a room:)
I have followed your blog for so long and waited for the day to see you with your daughter and I could not be anymore happy for someone! Hugs to you and your beautiful daughter:)

~ Alison said...

Mali was just asking me if we could go see Baby E yet, she's very interested in all the pics.

So glad to see that E looks amazingly happy & healthy.

Isn't it crazy? They just walk in & leave u with a child - and then they leave. It really does take a while to get over the initial shock, but it's a wonderful feeling =)

Looking fwd to more pics - Can't wait to meet her!!!

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

So happy to see you finally united with your precious girl. She looks to wonderful and so do the both of you!

As far as that haircut. I was told by several guides in China that they give that cut with the shaved bottom to children that they believe to be very special in some way and that it signifies that belief. Your VERY special child's hair will grow out long and beautiful in no time. Katie Starr had a very similar cut (only shorter) and now her hair is to her waist and I have cut it several times ;-)

Hugs and huge congrats Mama and Baba!

Lori

Pug Mama said...

sobbing my eyes out. She is just perfect - just perfect.
love you guys.
God is good.

Liene said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Colleen said...

I am typing this thru sobbing tears!! I have been checking all morning, and texting with Mare... I decided to go scrub my shower.... and I got a voice mail from mare. I don't even think my feet hit a stair - I leaped all the way down!! To see that girl in your arms - is really the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!! The smiles of pure joy just melts my heart. She is stunning and sweet and I cannot wait to smooch her little face!! God she is just beautiful. I have to go look at the pictures again.

I love you guys. I am so over the moon happy for you.

And .... for the record...your hair still looks sassy!

Angela said...

She's so precious!
Congrats to the whole family for their new baby girl!
I will continue to stalk the blog for more.

staci said...

thanks for posting - you made my day - what a beautiful bit of a thing - and a smile to light up the room - it matches yours -

M :-) said...

I'm crying happy tears for you. Congratulations!!! There really is nothing like that moment -- and nothing can prepare you for how wonderful and amazing that moment is.

So happy for you!!!

Luna said...

I'm STILL crying even though I just saw these photos already on FB!! Dreams REALLY do come true!! Congratulations, T & J on your BEAUTIFUL girl!! What a happy sweet baby girl she is!! What a long journey it has been, but WOW!! Totally worth the wait!! Enjoy every second getting to know your daughter!

Suzie said...

Congratulations!!! She is beautiful!!!

A Beautiful Mess said...

Congrats!! I have been up since the crack of dawn checking FB and here...I even sent you a text:) I am so excited for you guys! She is beautiful! I love those eyes and that smile!!

Happy day!!! Safe and happy travels my friend. And give that girl a smooch for us!!


( ok now I can go on with my day)

Anonymous said...

T & J

She's beautiful and that smile melts my heart. You all three look so happy. Can't wait for you to be back for the boys to meet their new sister. SHE'S PERFECT!!!

I love you and I can't wait to tell everyone I now have a grandaughter. I just talked to Judy and the boys were talking to you.

Be safe and enjoy your time with your daughter.

Love to you,

Mom

Vicky said...

Oh, she's BEAUTIFUL! I cannot believe how she is smiling for you already! I am sure there will be rocky days ahead but to have such a good first day is something to hold on to. She is such a cutie!!!!!

Jennifer said...

This is amazing!!! I have tears in my eyes. I am so happy for you guys...

Michelle said...

Oh my goodness, she is gorgeous. I love the smiles. Congratulations on your sweet baby girl.

Kim said...

BEAUTIFUL..
Tracy she is soooooooo PERFECT..
I love the photos.. and once again, and they say it all the time.. they have the perfect little girl for the perfect family..
HUGS..
we got home at 3 and I was stalking..
I am soooo HAPPY ... HUGS..
Happy Family Day...
Can't wait to see you home with the boys...

EJ said...

What a precious sight to behold! The sheer joy just comes out in each one of those photos. She is gorgeous and her smile would light a stadium in a milla second! How wonderful to have her in your arms so soon after arriving, I know it seems sureal! I have followed your blog for such a long time and am so happy to see YOUR dream fulfilled! Life doesn't get any better..well I am sure it will when you are finally home with all FOUR of your precious children in your arms. I will continue to follow these amazing journey of yours and J's as you are amazing people!
Ellen

Deb in MT said...

What a lovely day! Unbelieveable smiles from your precious daughter!!! What a great blog to wake up to today.

hugs from MT
Deb M.

~Kristen said...

Ohhh those cheeks... that smile... She IS your daughter. What a wonderful post to finally see. You are blessed. Enjoy getting to know that precious little girl. Can't wait to see and hear more about her!! XOXO

Lindsay said...

Oh boy - she is so gorgeous. What a wonderful smile.

You must be thrilled.

Congratulations.

Polar Bear said...

Ohhhh T! She is absolutely AMAZING!!!
Both R and I are looking at your pictures and he commented how cute she is! :o)

We are so, so HAPPY for all of you!!! What a blessing!!

Liz and Ava said...

Congratulations! Emerson is just beautiful...and looks so happy!

3 Peanuts said...

T,
Crying like a BIG baby here. She is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love her smile and she looks as though her heart has been waiting for yours all her little life. She looks long and lean.... I cannot beleive she has not cried. That is so wonderful.

Kate was wobbly and would not drink for Dave...it was the adjustment. He used a medicine dropper for a few days and then just shoved the bottle in on day 3 and she finally drank. It was a trust issue..we think. Also, her strength and abilities will come out over the next few days...I

Soak up every little second with your beautiful angel....you waited SO long for this joy and I am so happy to see it for you:)

Kim

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! She is adorable.
Vcki

MCW said...

Congratulations! She is beautiful and such a huge smile! She must have known who you all were from first hug...

Tao's Mommy said...

CONGRATULATIONS......WOW, what a great surprise to get Em a day sooner. She is beautiful and those boys are gonna have her so spoiled once she is home!!! Enjoy your 1st days together figuring eachother out. Cant wait to see more pictures......I'm happy for you!!

Joanne said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your daughter is just beautiful and her smile is amazing :) I am so thrilled for you! Mia also would not drink from her bottle, but that was a few days in - we would grasp water in the straw and put it in her mouth that way - it worked for a while until we got home and used sippy cups. She looks tall and has similar hair to how Mia's was - it's taken a while - but it's growing in beautifully! Enjoy these days alone with your daughter, bonding and just getting to know each other :)

Unknown said...

It's been a long time coming, but your day finally came. She is so beautiful, and you all look so very happy.

Congratulations!

Special K said...

Finally dried my tears & gathered myself enough to leave a comment....

Emerson is beautiful!! Just absolutely breathtaking! She couldn't be more perfect. I think I imagined her meeting you this exact same way. All full of smiles and personality. She is YOUR daughter after all... and already looks like a perfect fit for your full of life, fun loving family.

I couldn't be any happier for you, J and her big brothers. I love you guys! Now relax and enjoy this very special time getting to know each other. :)

Karen said...

Again...new reader of your blog. She is absolutely precious! Congratulations on your beautiful new daughter.

Karen - Mommy to a Jiangxi girl

Catherine said...

OH T!!!! Beyond thrilled for you! THe pictures of Emerson in your arms gave me goosebumps! I love the one of you and J with her and her little hand is crossed over her wrist...so relaxed!

Praying for all of you as you get to know one another more and more.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Sandra said...

Crying big tears of joy for you! What a beautiful girl you have!

Briana's Mom said...

She is truly breathtaking! I love a girl with a good smile! ;)

You all looks so happy. It warms my heart! Big, BIG hugs to you!!!

Noemi said...

OH MY!!!! I am sooo happy for you and J! She is just beauitiful! Her smile is just oh so adorable! I am very happy for your beautiful family.

The Carmodys said...

Congratulations to all three of you! Wow - beautiful pictures. What a smiley girl you have there! You sure are blessed.

k

Robin said...

Will you look at that beautiful smile!! What a happy girl you have there. I know your heart is just busting at the seams. And look at that hair, that buckeye bow might be staying in there all on it's own by this fall with no need for the headband!! :0)
Congratulations to all of you and this amazing day!

Tiffany said...

Isn't she perfect?! Congrats!

Allison said...

Congratulations to all of you! She is just beautiful! Enjoy your time with your new sweet baby girl!

HuluMama said...

Congratulations! Enjoy!

Island Girl said...

Congratulations T & J she is so beautiful. I am so happy she is smiling and that she came right to you. Have fun with her!!!
Bobbie

Jacquie said...

Thrilled to pieces for you all. What a lovely little girl. And look, she's full of smiles already. A beautiful sight. Congratulations to you and your family. I am truly happy for you.

Dana said...

Congratulations to your family! She is beautiful and precious and I cannot believe the smiles that you are seeing already. You are one of the first March LIDers I met on this journey and it was so emotional to see you meet your girl today. You have been given a wonderful blessing in your little Emerson.

Carmen said...

I´m so happy for all of you...
All the best from Spain. Carmen

LaLa said...

she is sooo beautiful and smiley!! Love all that hair and hope the adjustment continues to go well!!

laurie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Global Girl said...

HUGE congrats!

Abby's Mom said...

Congratulations! She looks the perfect fit for your family. Your all beaming so brightly :) Enjoy this time it goes by so fast!

carolinagirl said...

My heart is OVERJOYED for you and your family!!! Your baby girl is a beauty, and I know that every time you look at her, your heart melts!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Samantha said...

She is gorgeous! Love the smiles! Congratulations! I remember the awe of it! It is a true miracle!

Anonymous said...

Wanted to pass on my congratulations and best wishes for your life together. I have been following your story from England as I am interested to adopt one day (I'm only 23 now !!) and am so happy to see this day come for your family,

Katie

Dawn said...

Oh thank you for sharing this moment with us...what a BEAUTIFUL girl you have....she is just a little peanut...I KNOW she will just blossom more and more each day...she looks as if she has been waiting for you her whole life...well, she has...

xoxo

the mudder said...

Wow....what an incredible sight....to FINALLY see your daughter in your arms!! She is beautiful!

SOOOOOO happy for you all!

Sandra D.

Melissa said...

I was holding my breath with much anticipation that you had GOTCHA day photos. The pix are awesome, your daughter is beautiful and what a smile. I giggled when I ready that she tinkled when you whistled, as I have heard this from other traveling groups. Your pictures look great ( you are all photgenic) and she just looks so happy. I can't imagine the excitement of discovering so many new things with her. I didn't quiet know what you meant by the posting of the marks by her knees and why did they shave the back of her head? Not that any of it really matters. I am very excited for you and your family. You have waiting for a very long time to become a family.
God's blessings to you.

Unknown said...

Oops I commneted on the wrong day's post!! Awesome!! She's beautiful and looks like she has always belnged in your arms. Congrats to you all and God bless.

Jewels of My Heart said...

Sweet Emerson is finally in her Mommy's arms. She is just beautiful!
Enjoy all the hugs and kisses and love and nurturing from your forever family precious little one....
Welcome home...

Unknown said...

She is so precious!!

Football and Fried Rice said...

Indescribable for sure!! Did you know about those dimples?? To see her smile while she is in your arms has made my day! My day!! praising God for your gift of Emerson - how loved she is by your family, your boys - I can't wait for the rest of your trip to fly by, so we can all see EG with her geges.

Enjoy your time getting to know that beautiful little girl!!!

Rhonda said...

Beautiful pictures! Congratulations again, I couldn't be happier for all of you.

jeanette said...

congratulations! that smile of hers (and yours!) is priceless.

congratulations on finally having this beautiful blessing in your arms.

Colleen said...

I'm back. Can't stay away. I just had to marvel at these beautiful pictures again. I am overwhlemed with happiness for you both (and the boys). What a perfect fit Emerson is for you...I can just tell. Thas beautiful easy going laid back smile. She is YOUR girl...and yes, she has been waiting for you her whole little life. You have so much fun to come. Congratulations again. My heart is smiling SO BIG! I think I might even make myself a rainbow paradise drink!!

2china4S said...

My husband actually nagged me to look and see if you had Emerson. She is simply BEAUTIFUL. Our daughter (10 months home) looked at her picture and squealed "BABY!"

T, I do not know you, but we have been following your waiting for at least two years. It's amazing to finally see you holding your precious daughter.

We had a similar experience on Family Day. I walked over to SS and her nanny, said her Chinese name, and the nanny just shoved her to me. What an unbelievable moment.

Emerson is quite the smiler, and the picture of the three of you is just perfect.

SS was a little upset because I cried when I saw you together. Have to do something about my eyes, they tend to leak. :)

Sugar Momma said...

Congratulations!!! She is absolutely beautiful. Those big smiles on day 1 - what a blessing! She is gorgeous - so happy for you all.

Chani's Bow Making Mama said...

Congratulations! She looks so happy and she's just beautiful!!

laurie said...

She is beyond beautiful! That smile...it's like she knows she belongs with you T and J. Enjoy getting to know each other.

Anonymous said...

T and J-
Wow, big tears of happiness for you both! Can't believe she is finally in your arms. What a gift!! What a journey! Congratulations!!
Jenny V

Jodee said...

Congratulations! She is just adorable!

4D said...

Our hearts are singing a beautiful song! We are so happy to see Miss E with her Mummy and Daddy!

Lovely pics!!!!!!!!

Keep smilin!

Joy said...

Tracy,
She's absolutely adorable!! It's such blessing to finally see her in your arms. I cannot help but cry lots of happy tears as I scroll down and see her beautiful face. God has given you such a treasure! Congratulations!

Joy

Alyson and Ford said...

What a perfect day!! So glad she's sleeping too. She's so cute, adorable, beautiful!
Perfect family!

Alyzabeth's Mommy

Debra said...

Wow, she is beautiful! Her long, thin body reminds me of my Jiangxi girl when we met. She is a dream come true.
Congratulations and blessings to you all.

3 Countries 1 Love said...

Congrats! She's precious and has a smile to melt a mama's heart! Vivi was smiley just like Emerson from the minute she was handed to me and she has never stopped smiling :) Soak up every single second....it goes by way too fast!

Shannon

Sherri said...

Congratulations!! Emerson is gorgeous and that bright smile of hers is so, so sweet. Thanks so much for sharing, it made me really happy to see this day finally arrive for your family.

Sherri said...

Congratulations!! I have tears in my eyes looking at your pictures and reading about your beautiful day with Emerson. She is beautiful!!

Sherri

Colleen said...

Ohhhhhh she is perfect!!! Love those dimples!! What a beautiful moment!! It is sooooooo wonderful seeing her in your arms. Congratulations!!!!!!

Headmeister said...

I was telling Mel just the other day that a big part of me is still in shock over the fact that people I know and love have their referrals and are about to finally hold their daughters. Now I come here and see this and My crying my eyes out... This is the most surreal, most magical, fabulous thing to see... Words can't describe how utterly overjoyed I am for you guys!!!! All of my love to you and your beautiful, gorgeous, incredible daughter!!!! I can't wait to meet her!!!!

Dawn said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!

Lily's Pad said...

Emerson is beautiful(love the name). She looks to be a perfect fit with your family. Congratulations and best wishes on the wonderful journey ahead....

Lisa~~ said...

Congratulations!! Love Emerson's beautiful smile in so many of the piccies.

dawn said...

Now you truly can say, Paradise Found. Emerson is gorgeous. Congratulations, so happy for you all.

Doreen said...

OMG! SHE IS PERFECT!! So happy for you guys, What did I tell you! Those Jiangxi officials!!!! They love to shake it up!!! You are blessed with such a girl.


Doreen in Montreal single mom to Faith-Jiangxi & Mia-Sichuan

Melinda said...

She is beautiful! What an amazing dream come your new daughter is! Enjoy every single moment with her! I am so very happy for you and your family! Congratulations!

Leah said...

Congratulations! She is beautiful! And I love that she is so happy.

Anonymous said...

Oh my... what a beauty! You all look like a very happy family. So happy for you! I can't wait for her to meet her brothers! Enjoy this moment!

Kathleen

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Just saw your site... oh I long for the days where I have the feelings you are having right now... thankfully... my turn is just around the corner...

C's Mom said...

OMG...I have been out-of-town..another story. I did not think E day was until Monday HERE. What a surprise to see you beautiful gal in your arms!!!

Hah, I know what you mean about the feet fascination. C seems to thinks her feet are just another pair of hands :0>

Much love to you all as the day of your dreams has finally arrived.

My heart is full...your face says it all, mama. Baby girl love at last.

Kramer said...

Did you see that beautiful smile?!!! She is so beautiful! Mike and I couldn't get over how happy she was. We are so happy for you. I know you are over the moon in love. I know at this moment that Emerson was worth every single moment you waited for her! Congrats Mom and Dad and big brothers!

Anonymous said...

She is so beautiful! Congrats!! Thanks you a million times over for letting me 'experience' this day/journey with you and your family!! I am so happy for you guys!

Tracy
South Dakota

Tammy said...

:D Big smiles! She's so beautiful - her smile went straight to my heart! Thank you for sharing all of this with us. If a lurker like me is moved to tears, I can't imagine how you and your loved ones feel! Enjoy each other! Safe travels & take care!

Paulette said...

Little E is just beautiful love the dimple in her smile. Life will never be the same for her what a good thing. Congrats I am so happy for you all.

Debbie said...

so happy for you guys!! so happy to see your beautiful girl in your arms where she belongs!
lily still remembers how to respond to "give me five" in chinese...maybe try with emerson since she is about the same age lily was when we met her. Say "PIE PIE SO" ... that means "clap" or "give me 5" ... see if it works with emerson. the first time a chinese lady said it to lily at an ice cream shop in indiana, lily put her hand out to "give her five".
sorry for the rambling ... so glad to see you with your beauty queen!
love from california -- debbie

Mom 2 six said...

Couldn't be any better than that !
She is precious. Can't wait to see her with her brothers. It only gets better and better !

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! She is gorgeous! I saw the pictures pop up and I started crying before I even read what you wrote......

What an incredible day.....you all look so happy. Sounds like the transition is goine very well.....enjoy your time in China and cherish every moment of this once in a lifetime event.

Hugs and Best Wishes!!

Lisa

Jennifer in Miami said...

Perfection....She is truly beautiful. Isn't it so surreal? I mean, you get to go to China and they hand you love, and you get to take her home forever!!!!! So happy for all of you.

kitchu said...

i am so happy for you guys. so happy. speechless with your joy. and she is simply, simply beautiful.

all the best to you guys.

MsJess said...

Oh look at the smile! She smiles with her whole body. What a darling girl.

Angie Wells said...

She is amazing. Truly a beautiful child, inside and out. My sincerest congrats to you. And, indeed "the most precious baby ever"... She is yours.

Kayce said...

T and J....your pictures say it all!! Congratulations again!

lora said...

The photos we have all been longing to see.....Shedding tears of Joy for you...
She is so Beautiful!

Congratulations!!

Steffie B. said...

Tears are just a streaming here....I'm so happy for your family and for your sweet girl to finally be in her Momma's arms! ;)

cougchick said...

OMG! She is so beautiful and Momma's face says it all. Pure joy.
Congrats, Tracy.

Debbie said...

What a beautiful sight!! A sweet E in her momma's arms FOREVER!!! Dreams do come true!!! She looks Happy and well adjusted and is fitting right into her new family!! The look on your face when they handed her to you is priceless!!! A momma knows her child even if she grows in her heart!!! A perfect fit!!!

Julie said...

I'm a little late in commenting... but Happy Emerson Day! Those pictures brought tears to my eyes! How wonderful to finally see your dream come true- you in China with your beautiful daughter! Thank you for sharing your amazing journey!