Poppy China Trip

November 11, 2011

Poppy: then and now

I was digging through some of old drafts today. And I found this. I guess I never published it because I didn't finish it. I wrote it when I was in China and, things were a bit *ahem* crazy then. But now - well, things might still be crazy, but it's a different crazy. A comfortable, predictable crazy. And, in reading what I wrote just 3 and a half months ago, I realize just how wonderfully far our girl has come. Written on August 2, 2011: I want to get a few things down because, to be completely honest... I forget stuff. Important stuff. And I … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: adoption, Poppy, Poppy China Trip

August 7, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {home}

I've got to make this quick. But I wanted to let y'all know. After a shuttle ride, train ride, taxi ride and two plane rides... we are, at last, home. The trip was manageable. It had it's moments. Definitely could have been worse. But 28 hours? With at 22 month old? Well... it's over. And that's all I wanna say 'bout that. The highlight of the trip was the outstanding welcoming committee at the airport. I'm so glad I had my camera handy. Seeing those smiling faces filled this mama's heart to … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: family, Poppy, Poppy China Trip, Sunday Snapshot, Zach

August 4, 2011

Dear Poppy…

My little love. You have endured so many changes in the last few weeks. I know how frightened all this must be for you. And that we are only at the beginning of our journey together as mother and daughter. But know this. I will do my very best to love you unconditionally. To comfort you in times of sorrow. To celebrate with you in times of joy. And when my flawed and human efforts come up short - as they most certainly will - I trust God to fill in all those gaps. Because I know, I know how very much He loves you. And that He will … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: Poppy, Poppy China Trip

August 4, 2011

Poppy: day 10

Just a few pictures from our last full day in China. That were sort of overlooked in my red couch frenzy. Sorry, little pictures. As a person who knows that a picture really is worth a thousand words, I didn't want to leave these out. And now, I can go on with my life. Over and out. … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: Poppy, Poppy China Trip, Zach

August 3, 2011

Poppy and the red couch

Sweet Poppy. She just sat, like a little doll, on the red couch. So incredibly beautiful. But still, so very much hidden beneath the surface. Honestly, I'm incredibly proud of her. And how far she's come in less than two weeks. So grateful that we have a lifetime together ahead of us. She's got a lot of smiling to do. … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: Poppy, Poppy China Trip, special needs adoption

August 3, 2011

black and white: red couch prep

I have high hopes for these red couch pictures we're hoping to get this afternoon. And, because I'm really, really tired of seeing pictures of myself, my hopes include photos of just Poppy. Alone. On the red couch. And then I realized that I hadn't yet taken any pictures of Poppy, that didn't include contorting or twisting to get a picture of her on my own lap, or sitting within arms reach of me. And I panicked ever so slightly. So off we three went, after breakfast, to the garden area at our hotel. I put Poppy down, cautiously. And … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: photography, Poppy, Poppy China Trip

August 2, 2011

Poppy: day 9

Winding down here. And honestly, I am thrilled. I do so enjoy China, and try to soak in all I can while I am here. But, whether I want to admit it or not, I seriously can't wait to get home. To be home. I would have posted these few day nine pictures last night, but I fell asleep on the couch with Poppy laying across my chest. Might have had something to do with my continuing jet lag. Might have had something to do with ingesting a combo meal from McDonald's, a Coke Light and a Dove bar. Wishing I had more pictures from the … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: Poppy, Poppy China Trip, special needs adoption, Zach

August 1, 2011

Poppy: day 8

I didn't think it would come again so quickly. In fact, I wondered if we might have to take her back to Shamian Island, to the same shopkeeper, to get another one out of Miss Poppy. But I was wrong. During our normal (normal for China, that is) morning routine - right in the middle of breakfast in fact - it happened again. With a little under-the-arm motivation. She tried to stop herself, but she couldn't keep it in. She smiled. BIG. And the skies parted. And the birds sang. At least in this neck of the woods they did. What … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: Poppy, Poppy China Trip

July 31, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {Sunday on Shamian Island}

It was a good day. After spending the majority of two days in the hotel room, we decided to spend the day out. On Shamian Island. We went to church. We strolled. We shopped. We Starbucked. Which probably isn't a word, but it should be. The heat was unbelievable. And the porch at the Starbucks was a most welcomed relief. As was the Java-Chip Frappuccino we split. We hauled ourselves up, after a while, and shopped some more. And then headed to the Cow and Bridge for dinner. It was good. Oh, and did … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: Poppy, Poppy China Trip, special needs adoption, Sunday Snapshot

July 30, 2011

Poppy: day 6

Poppy continues to struggle. And, here on day 6, I found myself struggling as well. I know it's only been 5 days. I know this too shall pass. And yet, I struggle. So grateful for Zach being here. He's been a rock. And a most welcome comic relief. Because it's so very hard to see all Poppy is going through. To feel less like a mother and more like a bystander - unable to help her through her grief. Today we ended up skipping the shopping and the Starbucks and came back to the hotel after the medical exam Although that didn't … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: Poppy, Poppy China Trip, Zach