When I sit here and try to wrap this journey up into words, they completely fail me. There really are no such words that could describe the magnitude of what has transpired. I really always wondered if this dream would actually happen. It’s as if it was just yesterday that someone placed this perfect child into my arms to be her Mom, but yet in so many other aspects, it’s as if she has been with me forever and part of that statement may ring true. She really has been in my heart for as long as I can remember, but when I look into her eyes, I see something so new and so beautiful.
As excited as I am to get back home to where the real journey begins, I am also sad to leave the country that has blessed our life beyond measure. The culture was something we enjoyed soaking up and I looked at everything as if it would be the last time I ever saw it. I wanted to remember all the images and the beauty of it forever. I am going to miss our alone time and the simple play time of laying on the bed and just being together. My little girl has so much waiting for her on the other side of the world and we can’t wait to watch her experience it all.
This really has been the journey of a lifetime and my wish would be for every being to experience such a thing. We can hardly believe 2 weeks have passed us by and we are now the parents of 4 beautiful children. I miss my boys tremendously and can’t wait for their sister to feel whole within our family. We will forever be grateful to the People’s Republic of China for the beautiful gift of Emerson Grace and we will forever hold China close to our heart.
We are coming home to where our story will begin…
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Last Post From China
Posted by t~ at 6:50 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
58 comments:
OH my goodness.. could that smile be any more contagious!! She is definitely a dollbaby. LOVE her USA day attire! Can't wait to start watching the journey unfold at home. God Speed and Safe travels
Your first post in China made me cry and so did this one..You could not have summed up your journey any better. Eme is beautiful and her smile looks like it could light up a room. I can not wait to see the first picture with her brothers.
Hugs
Beautiful post:) Has it been 2 weeks already?! Emerson is just glowing (and so are her mommy & daddy) - so very happy for you all - these are just the BEST pic's ever!
Beautiful!
Safe and speedy travels home to those big brothers waiting for the moment of a lifetime.
Much love to all.
PS: Wow, you had an enormous travel group.
It has been a pleasure following you along on this wonderful journey. It has brought back so many memories of our own two trips so thank you for that.
I hope you guys have a safe trip home and I can't wait to see pictures of Eme and her brothers!
You know it's a shame that miss Eme never smiles. I know I have already told you this, but it is worth saying again. She is so stinkin cute, absolutely precious. Safe travels home. Hope to meet up when you all are ready.
Wow! She is amazing, truly a beautiful child and a beautiful story and she is so happy. You can see it her face. Congratulations with my whole heart and I wish you a safe journey home.
I just cannot get over the smiles. Girl...you have done everything right. That girl feels right at home there with you (both). You can tell thru her smile and eyes that she has a beautiful soul...just like her mama and dada. I cannot wait to see the pictures of her meeting her wonderful brothers and playing in the sand.
God bless on the trip home. I can't believe this part of the journey is done...but the best is yet to come.
xoxo
You certainly have a way with words! Are you sure you aren't a writer, along with being a great mom and wife??!!
Emerson has just florished, it is so heartwarming to see that beautiful smile and the love radiate for both of you.
Thank you for the great journey. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Sharon
And two weeks turns into a lifetime. Perfect.
Safe and peaceful :) journey home.
peace
fm
What a happy family!!
LOVE the USA outfit
I can't believe your trip is already ending. It seems so surreal. I am a blubbering fool here for so many different reasons. I remember stepping off that plane with Colleen & meeting you for the very first time ever 3 years ago. I remember all the talks we have had about, "Is this really ever going to really happen?" I remember all the good times shared and all the tears shared. The crazy phone calls as "Debbie Haynes" Being on the phone with you when Fedex delivered my referral package ---- just so many things... And here you are on your way home.
***sigh***
Have a SAFE and BLESSED trip.
Now onto the real journey. Can't wait to meet Emerson.
XOXOX
I can't believe how different Eme looks from the first day until now. We can see her blossoming right before our eyes. The pics tell the story. She's just got such a personality. The camera captures every bit of it. :)
Can't wait to see her with her brothers. Have a safe trip home.
Oh my gosh, look how much she's changed already! Isn't it amazing what love can do? Be safe on your journey home, I can't wait to see your beautiful family of 6 together!!!
What a joy it has been to follow your journey to your precious girl.Each day Eme's personality unfolded like a beautiful rose. You could just see her trusting and loving her Mommy and Daddy mare as each day passed. How wonderful it will be to be back home and begin the journey with all FOUR of your darling children. I felt the same as we left China,it is beyond words the gift that they bestowed. I look forward seeing the boys meeting their sister. Safe Travels!
Ellen
WOW! What a smile!
Definitely a match made in Heaven. She's your girl, there is no doubt about it. I cannot say it enough, you are so blessed.
You should be so proud of yourselves..you are doing a heck of a job making sure that your sweet daughter bonds to you properly. Her face tells the story of your dedication.
She is one beautiful little sweetie!
Safe journey home and a joyful family uniting on this side :-)
Thank you for taking us along on your journey of a lifetime! It has been wonderful! Can't wait to read your adventures when you arrive home with your precious girl. I want to see the whole family united!
Love the photos, ALL OF THEM!
You are great with words, I feel like anything I will say could hardly compare.
It has been such a long time since I have seen so many babies on that couch!
Safe trip home!!!
Beautiful post, truly.
Thank you for letting us take a look at your journey, I have enjoyed it immensely.
Have a very safe trip home!
(I also noticed how huge your travel group is.)
You have done an amazing job with your beautiful daughter,oh wow, I"m trying to write this and can't stop crying. all I can say is God Bless you and your beautiful family and God Bless America
Have a great trip home.
anna
I can't believe you are done! I have really enjoyed following your journey. Your Eme is beautiful. You have truly been blessed :)
Really have enjoyed my trip to China with you. Your little angel is adorable. Her smile is precious. Prayers for a safe trip home. From you Kentucky Friend Linda
Well said! You have described in words what those of us that preceeded you feel. What a fabulous journey you have been blessed with. Best wishes for a safe journey home.
what a beautiful little girl. love the smiling pics!
safe journey home.
I have loved following your trip and hope to follow your family once you're back home. Your pictures and words brought back so many happy memories of ours which wasn't that long ago, yet seems an eternity. Have a safe journey home.
Wow -I can't believe your heading home. Safe travels. I've enjoyed following your journey from way back and now to watch your dream come true.
Beautiful pictures. I have really enjoyed following along on your trip. Like you, we brought our daughter home from China to join three siblings. It was the best thing we have ever done! Your boys will adore her, I know. And the joy you will feel when they hug and kiss her and say "I love her so much....." is indescribable.
Beautiful....
Thank You Jesus for answering our prayers...
God's Speed Home..................
Safe travels home!! She is so beautiful (we have that same white gown..we used it for Annslee's baptism) and I love her USA attire too! I know what you mean..it really is hard to leave the feeling of just you..no phones or distractions...just family time. Of course your trip is different b/c your boys are at home. Can't wait to see a pic of the SIX of you together!!
Safe travels home & thank you for letting us follow along.
Donna
The pic of the three of you with your sweet girl holding the flag.....it could win awards....what a beautiful picture and what a beautiful story.
Blessings to you on your trip home....
Sandra D.
I really enjoyed following your journey...brought back many memories of China. Your little girl is just so beautiful, love all the smiles...it just gets better!
Safe travels home and GOD bless you and your family.
Barbara (in Orlando)
I bawl like a baby everytime I look at the smile spread across this sweet girl's face. So obvious she feels wanted and loved by you. Her American girl outfit is the best thing ever, holding that little flag in her hand. Now I am DYING to read of her reaction to her three big brothers and their reaction to her; I know it will be just what you've been waiting for. All the best to all of you!
That was so beautiful T. You made me cry yet again. I can't wait to see you all together and Eme starting her new life with her forever family. Fly safe!!
Bobbie
Little E's personality is just wakening right in front of us. Those smiles! T, it has truly been a privilege to follow you and J on this journey. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and pictures. It means the world to those of us still waiting. Now we can't wait to see E with those sweet big brothers of hers! Safe travels.
Thanks for sharing with us this wonderful and emotional time. It reminded so many good and hard memories.
This moment is so bittersweet as your daughter leaves her birth country but yet an amazing journey is awaiting you all on the other side of the world.
Your daughter is a delight and I cannot wait to see her with her brothers.
Have a safe trip home!
Thank you so much for sharing this journey. I look forward to reading more once you get safely home. God Bless you and your family.
Your daughter looks so amazingly comfortable and happy with you. She is beautiful and just shines with life. Congratulations again, and safe and speedy journey home.
The smile on that kiddo! Oh my goodness-she so belongs in your family! =)
Beautiful Pictures!
Eme is such a happy girl!!
Have a SAFE trip!
I can't believe your time in China has already come to an end. It took so long to get there...Then it was over in a flash. But, you're right....The story is just beginning now. I can't wait to see your beautiful Eme with her 3 handsome brothers!! I have to say it again....That girl of yours has a smile that just lights up a room. My gawd, she is adorable!!
Safe travels home, T.
Beautiful post! You are a special, wonderful, lovely family! Enjoy arriving home!
Alyzabeth's Mommy
It seems like you were just stepping off the plane..
Emerson is soooo BEAUTIFUL.. her smile is priceless...
I am sooo happy for you girly..
I feel like you .. is this ever going to happen..but dreams do come true and you make me feel sooo much better...
HUGS..
Can't wait to see Emerson with her brothers... they will be in HEAVEN..
Hugs..
Love ya girly.
Safe travels..
Wow! Coming home already. What a blessing it has been to follow your journey and to see Eme safe in mommy and daddy's care and her glowing face shows it! I've said it before and I'll say it again...You're AMAZING and have done things so well to help Eme through this time of transition.
Safe travels friends. Praying for you.
Special K has got it right. It's amazing how much Miss Eme has changed just in the short time since she's been in your arms. I think I've seen it on every blog I've ever followed.
Thanks for taking us on this amazing, wonderful journey of yours. Eme is a perfect fit for your family. It's kind of funny I look at her smile and then look at the picture to the side of W and see an amazing similarity in their smiles. The big cheeks, the scrunched/squinting eyes. Life is pretty amazing in that sense.
Safe travels home!
Congratulations on your gorgeous daughter! She sparkles :)
We've been home 14 months with our China doll and I still wake up and pinch myself - I can't believe how blessed we are! Enjoy every moment :)
Safe travels !
What a beautiful gal !
Hope you have a safe trip home -- I'm sure looking forward to the reunion pictures with the boys!
So happy that your dream has come true...... ;)
So excited you are headed home, can't wait to see you all together, and her at HOME at last. That Gotcha moment for my kids was just as emotional as the one with just my husband and I! Godspeed,
lora
My daughter and I followed your journey each day. Thank you for sharing. My daughter (4) was so intrigued with the Ergo carrier, because it is the same one we used in China. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the research you did prior to adopting your daughter. You were so well educated and it is clear that your daughter is benefiting from your commitment to her well-being.
Mary
I was just hopping around blogworld today and happened upon your blog that was linked from another blog. It made me SMILE when I saw Miss Emerson's pillowcase! I made it back when I had a little embroidery business! So thrilled to see the cute sweetie who is FINALLY in her mama's arms named EMERSON. :)
So happy that your dream has come true...I remember pinching myself over and over again making sure it was real. I have 4 boys and I couldn't believe I was momma to a girl..I now have two daughters.
Miss Emerson Grace is adorable!!! You have a beautiful family.
What a beautiful daughter and wonderful journey you have had. Looking forward to seeing your entire family together. Thanks for sharing your journey. You have a gorgeous family of 6. Best wishes. - Sue in Illinois
Just love the patriotic little smile on Em. Welcome home and please keep us posted as much as you can. We here in MA are so happy for you. Peace, Debi ( Colleen's sis in law )
Oh Tracy....she look like she is BEAMING here and so do you two! I love what you wrote and I am so happy for you. I look forward to seeing your WHOLE family together soon.
Post a Comment