Baby steps.
That’s the name of the game these days.
Poppy slept less anxiously last night.
And made an attempt to feed herself some hard boiled egg at breakfast.
She didn’t swallow it, but she did try to eat it.
She was slightly tearful on our very-short-because-it-is-exceedingly-hot outing for the day, especially when anyone tried to look at her.
Or worse, talk to her.
Even Zach and our awesome guide Rebecca are on the boo-hoo list. For now.
She did manage to tolerate almost an hour of skyping with her exceedingly excitable brothers, sisters and cousins this morning with nary a tear.
And that’s sayin’ something.
So while I am anxious to see that sweet smile I know is in there somewhere…
and her the sound of her tiny voice for the first time…
For today, I am content to wait.
And along the way, I’ll be celebrating the baby steps.
Yay, for baby steps!!!
Poppy is just precious!
I’ll second that, “yay, for baby steps”!!
The picture of Poppy eating her egg is sweet.
Hi Stephanie — I haven’t been in your shoes, but will be. So I thank you so very much for your frequent posts. Every one I read prepares me for what may lie ahead when we travel to China in the next 4 to 6 months to get our little boy, who will turn two in a couple of weeks. We have four biological children, but this is our first adoption so I’m taking in all that you’re experiencing with Poppy and all the comments of so many other experienced adoptive parents. I realized yesterday that in the hustle of what summertime is, I’ve really not been praying enough lately for our sweet James’ broken heart — I’m sure he’ll grieve as Poppy is. How can they not? So, I have a renewed focus (thank you) and my prayers for our James are being lifted alongside those for your sweet Poppy.
Aww, she is a doll!
I think she is just painfully shy so it may take her longer.
My youngest did the same things and I gave birth to her!
One day at preschool she asked me to ask people not to talk to her
because it made her stomach hurt. That was very enlightening.
Praying for you all! Sheri
ooohhh…every single time I look at Poppy’s sad little face I think of Grace and our time in China. Grace had the exact same sad look, I couldn’t put her down and she was definitely not into being held by daddy. Two-and-a-half years later she is still a mama’s girl, but she loves her daddy too and is a cheerful, soical little girl. She truly makes everyone around her smile. Praying that your little Poppy comes out of her shell…thanking God for the little steps. What a beautiful little girl.
Lovin those baby steps! She is such an adorable child!
Thanks for sharing such awesome pics!
God is faithful to answer prayers! I dont recall her ever smiling in her pics before you met her. Part of this could be her little personality. But again, be thankful she is holding on to her mama. I’m sure she doesn’t understand exactly what is going on, whereas we have so much more time to prepare for our chosen children than they did us..AND they didn’t choose us, but God will perform the bond there in His time. My experience is my 7 1/2 yr old son screaming in the floor at civil affairs saying In Chinese he didn’t want to go with us and wanting to stay with Hu Mama his beloved nanny. I had to pick him up legs and arms flailing screaming all the way to the cab like we were kidnapping him . Now he is the MOST affectionate and loving child I have out of my three! Be patient, it will come!
She is undeniably, unbelievably adorable. And precious. And a million other words that all mean precious.
She is so focused (and cute) going at the egg! You are doing a fantastic job. She looks like she is opening up more! And like her smile is just waiting to come out.
I was wondering when you’d mention the heat 🙂 I thought you were immune to it because you are a Southerner. =)
Praying for you and your sweet Poppy. May God’s grace and mercy abound. What precious pictures and what a beautiful place you must have visited yesterday!
Zach is doing a treat job on the photos. I will say he has 2 gorgeous girls to photo, makes his job easier!
Love to see Poppy biting the egg…I just cant get over her beautiful eyes!
Hugs
Just keep plugging along. You know that she will “emerge” when her poor little soul has had time to absorb the trauma.
She’s had so much loss to bear in her tiny life. As heartbreaking as it is to watch sweet Poppy grieve, it is such a blessing to see her finally in her Mama’s arms, leaving behind the pain and abandonment forever.
God places the lonely in families, he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. Psalm 68;6
He’s put her in your arms, now He will heal her hurting heart.
Praying still.
Diane
Rebecca was our guide too. She is awesome. Loving the photos.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I love how she is leaning in to you. God designed her just the way she is. What a momma to be so patient and loving! I’m sure before long that Zach will bring many smiles to Poppy! What do you think she’ll think when she gets home?
She’s a doll. And thanks for bringing us along on this journey. You are an amazing woman.
Each picture she looks more and more comfortable, though, even though you can still see she’s scared or sad. The smiles and talking will come… So excited to see this (albeit slow) journey. Keep loving her!
Still praying! I’ll bet her voice is as tiny as her sweet little mouth! And I sure bet it won’t take her too much longer to share it with y’all!
My heart breaks for her. But like you said in your previous post…it is good she is grieving now and expressing herself. I am praying that her heart heals and she can trust you completely soon.
K
I was praying for y’all this morning, praying that God will show you one little peak of a smile … it’s coming … have that camera ready girl. Before long she will be smiling, laughing and talking!!! Press on.
Hooray for hard boiled eggs! Love the sweet pics!!
She’s just so precious. Praying for you guys!
Every time my little one played, laughed or gave me a hug last night, I thought of Poppy. I continuously prayed God would soothe her little spirit and that she would soon come to recognize the great love you have for her. She has no idea yet how blessed her life will be with your family, or how wonderful it is she will be introduced to an amazing God. But she will, via this journey of baby steps.
Praising God for baby steps! Love the pic of you, Poppy, and Zach together! Continuing to lift you all up in prayer!
Checking in everyday and praying!!
Morning Stef – I’m seeing the progress – and like always singing the song “In her own good time”!!
Still y’all look great – and as for the hot – we’ve only seen GZ in November and January – and it was still plenty warm there then – I’m thinking Key West? 😉
Great joy for you guys – and in case your guide Rebecca is the same one we had – pass along our greetings and THANKS!!
hugs – aus and co.
She. Is. Precious.
I’ve been wondering if Rebecca could make any headway. She was like the “baby whisperer” for us. When XiXi was having a hard time, she’d get down on his level and rub his cheeks and speak so quietly and sweetly to him and it was like he’d go into this Rebecca trance, all happy and content. That’s too bad that Rebecca’s not even doing the trick. I wonder if she could contact the orphanage and get some more insight from them on what makes Poppy tick. Is there a food that she just loves? Or a song that they usually sing to the kids? Or do they have any advice at all?
Will you be able to go to the orphanage? I know for some people, they found that to be a real turning point. One 12 month old in Maya’s travel group wouldn’t eat any solid foods (although the orphanage said she could) and it was very frustrating and worrisome for the parents. When they went to the orphanage, they handed her over to the staff and asked them to please feed her because they couldn’t make it happen. As they learned, the orphanage wasn’t exactly accurate and they couldn’t get her to eat “solids” either. They just cut a big hole in the nipple of the bottle and made kind of a congee slurpee. That was what they considered “solid foods”. At least it was enlightening for the parents.
Poppy does look more comfortable with you, so that is progress! I have no doubt she’ll come around soon…..and can you imagine her with sweet ViVI? That girl will get a smile out of her, I’m sure.
AWww, im so happy things are getting better each and everyday!!!!
Love the pictures. Beautiful little family!
In our sea of love
Continuing to pray for all of you – for sweet Poppy’s grieving heart, for God to continually give you wisdom and grace and peace. Zach is doing a great job with the pics and I’m sure being his mama’s extra hands!!!
Definatley progress! Look how she leans into you in the two photos you are carrying her!! I hadnt noticed that before!
She looks so much better today, still scared but not terrified. The first picture you can really see it, speaking of pics…what on earth is that guy in the white pants doing in the background of the second to last pic? Lol, Michael Jackson impersonation???
Oh my heart just breaks for her….knowing the grieving she is going through yet I praise the Lord that she is at the beginning of healing. Oh sweet Poppy you are moving this mama to tears as I look at your sweet eyes so filled with fear and almost hollow look. Fill up her cup to overflowing Lord Jesus! She is loved!
Dear Stefanie,
First of all…Congratulations, Momma!!! God is so good. What a joy it is for those of us who feel as if we know you to see you holding your little one. I imagine her Daddy and brothers and sisters are more than eager, excited and anxious to meet this sweet, sweet girl. So glad her big brother, Zach, could be there to help you welcome her.
I’m praying, as soooooo many are, that Poppy will continue to find peace, comfort, warmth and love in your arms and face and smile and touch and voice. And…I believe she will. You are her momma and God has equipped you to be so everything that you are feeling led to do or not to do…well, keep walking that way.
As you well know, momma of many…each child is so wonderfully, fearfully and differently made. You can tell through your pictures and through your words that you are leaning in to and loving the One who made Poppy and celebrating the gift the Father has just placed in your arms. A precious friend of mine says, “Don’t miss the gift, looking for the package.” How tender that you are cherishing each step Poppy is making because each step is a gift no matter when or how it presents itself.
Thank you for letting us share in this amazing journey.
Dear Poppy,
Sweet girl, you are loved more than you’ll ever know. Your family feels and knows they are blessed beyond words that God has chosen you for them and them for you. You are safe in your momma’s tender arms. Praying that your heart and precious body will relax, rest and soak in all that God has for you. What a gift you are, Little Love.
Grace,
Suzanne Rowe
Poor baby!! I too (like a previous commenter said) have been thinking about your previous pre-China trip pics of little Poppy. And it made me wonder if she was in an orphanage or in a foster home? I also wonder (though none of my business whatsoever) at what age was she relinquished?? Poor thing apparently has led a very sheltered life and this is likely a contributor to her contemplative, cautious personality. I suspect that she’s so intelligent she is a very cautious child.
Regardless, my bio daughter also had A LOT of fear of strangers and new situations and now, she can’t wait for the next adventure! Her toddler years were pretty tough on us both, but I decided that she had to learn to deal with her anxiety, so determined to take her virtually every where I could (all errands, etc.) so she could face her fears head on and put them behind her and start enjoying her life. It didn’t happen over night but it finally happened!! And as painful as this all is on you both, she needs all of the exposure to the world that she is currently getting to get to a better and happier place. Hang in there. You are doing great!! This is going to take time but she IS going to work her way through this. That’s my vibe 😉
Stefanie,
I just have to say I can feel your grace and gentle care through your loving posts. I am not a BTDT adoptive parent…yet. Soon! I just know Poppy will blossom under your constant reassuring love!
She is beautiful without the smile- can’t wait till she treats us to one of them but for now baby steps work!
She has such soulful eyes! Absolutely lovely!!
Gods blessings on your journey!
The word that comes to mind every time I look at her sweet face is “precious.” She just is. Your pictures are beautiful, and I am wondering where you were. I love the boats and the stone steps!
She’s starting to relax. Ahhhh! 🙂 Poppy, we’re praying!
After each comment you made, I kept looking for the “LIKE” button!!!!! Every day will bring Poppy alittle more out of her shell.I’d be more worried if she just “threw” herself at you, although this is painful to watch…but SO worth it!!!!
she’s so sweet!
Each and every day is one day closer to forever. Keep the faith, Mama!
xoxoxo
Dita
Poor baby…I can just see that she’s been grieving so hard. That must mean she is very emotional and a deeply concerned being. Sending good thoughts and prayers for your beautiful Poppy.
She’s absolutely beautiful. My heart aches for the sweet little thing. But someday soon she will be SO grateful for her mommy. Praying she adjusts to the transition soon!
Love Eileen’s comments – so good.
Kept Poppy’s pic up on the screen for much of the past two days. Li’l Empress is praying regularly for “liddel Poppy’s heawt to be awwwwwwlllll beddah” when she spies it. Really, it’s the cutest thing.
And whether it’s baby steps, great big toddler steps, or no steps at all – right now, right there, you are being Jesus to your girl. And so is Zach, even if he is on the boo-hoo list. Keep on keepin’ on. And we’ll all keep praying.
Hugs, my friend. Hugs.
First off, I have followed your blog off and on for a while now, and I have to say I really admire what you and your family do!
Secondly, my heart goes out to little Poppy. She can’t quite understand what is going on and she doesn’t even have any way to express it except through tears. I pray God continues to grant you patience and that He provides courage for your new daughter!
Congrats on your newest little one! She is stunning!!!! It sad to see her so frightened but it sounds like she’s coming around slowly but surely! I know from reading your blog that you’ve always taken your little ones to the SWI they came from for a good bye of sorts. Will you do this with Poppy as well or will you forgo that due to her very difficult transition? I will be praying for y’all and for that sweet baby to find some security in her new mama!
Praying, praying, praying for sweet Poppy. She is really gorgeous!! 🙂
What a sweet post. She is absolutely adorable! And a little peanut!!!! All of these pics are amazing! You are right about baby steps…so amazing to see how they progress!!
I love reading your Poppy stories. You are an amazing Mom.
Poppy is absolutely adorable. Her eyes tell stories beyond what we could ever know…. I may be only 20 (10 years away from adopting my own as I put it!) but I absolutely adore your stories and pictures of your family. Thank you for telling us your story!
She fits into your arms very comfortably it seems 🙂
Cheering you on from here!
She’s so beautiful! Alaina was stuck to my hip (and snuggly) the whole two weeks. Poppy reminds me of how Alaina responded. Breaks my heart. Hang in there. Won’t be long and she will be smiling. 🙂
Oh Stefanie, you can see the progress in her sweert face (and yours too) everyday! She looks more relaxed everyday. Your Zach is a handsome fella! Praying that smile comes out soon! I hope your able to get cool. Maybe swim? Hope your getting some rest! Continued prayers for you all…..
It warms my heart to hear of Poppy’s progress. Yay for her baby steps. Continuing to pray for you all.
Still praying and keeping you, Poppy and Zach close to my heart. Hoping things went well on Day 5 and know that your strength for difficult adjustments is well honed. Stay the course, keeping your eye on the prize. All the best.
I only refresh a bajillion times a day to get our updates, and then I read and hang on every word, and picture, but I forget to comment. dude. nice friend. whatupwitdat?
love that little Poppy, G. Love how she clings tight to you for dear life. I love that you are just so patient with her, and letting her come out at her own pace. Because I KNOW how much you just wanna squeeze her and get in that sweet little face… who wouldn’t
praying for all of you.
Love you tons, gills.
😉
Amie