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when east meets south

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the stuff

It’s the little things.



Like the bathtub.



In China, Poppy sat like a stone in the tub.



Seriously.



No expression.



No movement.



And, most definitely, no playing.



I’m not sure if it was seeing the other kids play….



or if she had it in her all along…



but it sure is sweet to see.



This is the stuff.


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08.10.11 · Poppy 64

Comments

  1. rachel says

    August 10, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    amazing. I love watching her blossom through your pictures. xxoo

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    August 10, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Beautiful!!! She has the most delicate features. Love watching her unfold. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    August 10, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing! Such a joy to see her open up and show that beautiful smile!

    Reply
  4. Kathleen says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    The sweetest smile of all, is the smile you have waited so long to see! Can’t wait to hear that Poppy is giggling and squealing with her biggest fans. Hope Mama is feeling better and Zach is still flashing his great smile too!

    Reply
  5. Laine says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    She has that bubblin’ joy! I just might have to get her a Miss Patticake dvd. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  6. Snekcip says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    That personality is POPPING out!!!

    Reply
  7. Donna says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Oh my goodness – she is just the sweetest thing!!!!! It’s so beautiful to see that smile, not just with her mouth, but in her eyes!!!

    Reply
  8. Sarah VanGrunsven says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    She’s so so cute! ๐Ÿ™‚ Look at that beautiful smile:)!!

    Reply
  9. Erica says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    New follower here. I love seeing pictures of your precious new little girl. Can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
  10. Lori says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    What pure delight to see your little Poppy-cakes come alive. Her expressions are priceless joy!

    Reply
  11. Dusty says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Love it!

    Reply
  12. Kristie says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    What a sweet little blessing. Love that smile!!!

    Reply
  13. Jerusha says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    She’s GOR-geous! But you already know that.

    Reply
  14. Hailey says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    So precious! I was wondering if she would open up really quickly once you got her back home with all the other kids. So happy to see her happy! Such a pretty smile!

    Reply
  15. Julie says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    She is simply gorgeous!
    So happy to see your blossoming!

    Reply
  16. Sharon Long says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    Such a beautiful smile!

    Reply
  17. jodi says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    The small stuff that brings such joy!

    Reply
  18. Rebekah says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    As your last post was titled – Poppy sure is blooming right before your eyes! Such a wonderful miracle to be a witness to!
    Blessings!

    Reply
  19. Ali says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    Are you SURE this is the same princess?? Amazing what God can do with lots of love (and other kids). Just amazing.

    Reply
  20. Shasta says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    My goodness, what a difference! She is so beautiful! Precious, just precious.

    Reply
  21. Mary says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    I can’t tell you how much it warms my heart to see that smile!!

    Reply
  22. tish says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    praise God! can;t wait to hear what she thinks of the crew! and how vivi is doing with a new baby in the house

    Reply
  23. Nicole Chryst says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    Wow, seriously … I have been following your journey the whole time and it’s just amazing to see the layers of Poppy unfold like a flower. She is truly blossoming and it’s just miraculous to watch through pictures … I know it’s even more miraculous watching as her mama. Having just been through all of this (though not at all to the extent you have) … wow, seriously wow. She is a stunning little lady, really really beautiful. Oh what a perfect addition she is to your family … it sure is easy to see God working through her. Such a beautiful thing to see. God Bless your family during this time and always ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  24. Krissie Murphy says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Can you see my heart smiling from here? Smiles…. SOOOO happy to see this little one blossoming!

    Reply
  25. Robyn says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    Oh Stefanie, that *is* the stuff. Look at that girly! She’s becoming all giggles & smiles. Priceless!

    Reply
  26. Rebecca says

    August 10, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Oh my word. I just love her and I just want to give her a great big squeeze. Hug her once for all of us. Just sit in a big squishy arm chair and hold her and squeeze her and tell her just how loved she is by everyone, even those of us a thousand miles away who have never met her.

    If you are ever in MY neck of the woods, I better get an e-mail.

    Reply
  27. Ruby says

    August 10, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    It is darling to see her playing like any other child.

    Reply
  28. The Gang's Momma says

    August 10, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    I know I (and most likely a ton of your readership is as well) am biased toward the beauty of our Chinese children, but sheesh. Seriously. This girl is gorgeous. Her face is breathtaking – and the smile? OY! I love seeing her bloom and blossom – God is so good.

    So good.

    Reply
  29. Cheri says

    August 10, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Wow, what an amazing transformation! I love her sweet, gentle smile. And her hand…just like my daughter’s, Joy. Congratulations to you and your family.

    Reply
  30. Nancy says

    August 11, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    So who’s in the tub with her, making her laugh? Great shots of a happy girl! Looks like she ENJOYS her siblings! She is a doll.

    Reply
  31. Vicky says

    August 11, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    What a blessing to share in these precious moments of life! I am amazed at the transformation. She is beautiful and it is wonderful to see Poppy smiling and playing! God is so good!

    Reply
  32. Lisa says

    August 11, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    beauty unfolding…like a rose : )

    Reply
  33. Football & Fried Rice says

    August 11, 2011 at 12:30 AM

    She reminds me an awful lot of our Mya! I should show you a picture of her from when she was Poppy’s age! So sweet to see her TEETH!!!! And those eyebrows? Just like my girls! So precious when they are smiling!

    Reply
  34. Grace says

    August 11, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    I’ve been following along on your journey since the beginning. It brings such joy to my heart to see Poppy with a smile on her face. So happy for you and your family.

    Reply
  35. Kathleen says

    August 11, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    It’s wonderful seeing Poppy progress. God is SO good.

    Reply
  36. Robin says

    August 11, 2011 at 1:44 AM

    Thank you so much for sharing. It fills my heart with Joy to see Poppy letting herself live again.

    Reply
  37. Cindy says

    August 11, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    Love watching her sweet personality start to shine! Yay for Poppy!

    Reply
  38. Wendy says

    August 11, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    Thank you for allowing us to share the joy of seeing this precious little girl blossom over the past few weeks. For me, there is nothing more incredible or inspiring than watching our children make these huge developmental strides post-adoption. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness. Hugs to you all!

    Reply
  39. Virginia says

    August 11, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    Beautiful!! It’s almost hard to believe this is the same child!

    Reply
  40. j-chin says

    August 11, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    smile poppy smile,
    and me … a big poppy fan now~

    Reply
  41. With Grateful Hearts says

    August 11, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Oh Stefanie…she is utterly adorable. That dear sweet little face.
    Congratulations on her beautiful homecoming!!!
    Cherie

    Reply
  42. Diana says

    August 11, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    So amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think she has the most gorgeous eyes I have ever seen!
    I am thrilled to see these great posts since you got home. I am counting down the days already which I hate
    to admit.. Bring on the jetlag!!!!

    Hugs from Nanjing!

    Love,
    DIana

    Reply
  43. Charlotte says

    August 11, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    a smile is so beautiful.
    Thanks to share

    Reply
  44. stacey milchman says

    August 11, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Her smile makes me smile. Forget the baby steps now…
    she is taking huge steps now that she is home.
    So glad for you all.

    Reply
  45. Teresa says

    August 11, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    That little gal just continues to melt my heart. Those pictures are just too sweet! Still praying for all of you. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  46. Jenny says

    August 11, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    LOVE IT!!!

    Reply
  47. Aus says

    August 11, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    Morning Stef – I’m thinking you “know” me well enough by now – and at the risk of sounding something like the people I cage for a living – she is absolutly breathtaking!! You have made such great progress with that little doll – she’s just blooming before our eyes….

    And yeah – that is the stuff – it’s the payback – it’s the joy!!

    Thanks for sharing that with us!

    (and no – I haven’t been ignoring folks – just trying to get by my busted up paw…the pain has been limiting!)

    hugs – aus and co.

    Reply
    • NiHaoYall says

      August 11, 2011 at 3:34 PM

      Oh no! So sorry to hear you’re injured… hope you’re back in action soon ๐Ÿ™‚
      Thanks for the love, Aus – we agree, she is absolutely breathtaking!!
      ox,
      Stefanie

      Reply
  48. Ellen says

    August 11, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    How amazing, she is just stunning. Your posts of Poppy brighten up my day! So glad that every photo captures a smile now. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  49. Annie says

    August 11, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    She is too sweet! The change in her expression and demeanor is astounding, especially when you consider that it’s only been a matter of days. Love to see her smiling!

    Reply
  50. Kristi D. says

    August 11, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Praise the Lord! Look at little Poppy!! The picture of security and true happiness ๐Ÿ™‚ And those adorable little smiles in yesterday’s post? So.incredibly.precious and dare I say a smitten of sneaky was noted in them too?? Want to hear all “the stuff” whenever you get the chance. Heartwarming for sure!!

    Reply
  51. Kelly says

    August 11, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Every little ordinary thing becomes extraordinary as you watch your child blossom before you by God’s grace. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  52. TanyaLea says

    August 11, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Most definitely… that IS the stuff!!

    God is GOOD!! Isn’t it beautiful how He continues His good work in them and they just BLOSSOM! So beautiful… so, SO beautiful! <3

    Hugs,
    Tanya

    Reply
  53. Nancy says

    August 11, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    Why is it that the little stuff is so endearing to our hearts. Wow, the Lord sure does speak through the little children.
    Just bliss,
    Nancy-of the crazy 8

    Reply
  54. Nicole A. says

    August 11, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    She’s home ~ and can feel the love, the comfort, the security. Her face seems truly happy and truly peaceful. It’s almost like a switch was flipped or a light bulb turned on. Sounds like it’s all going to keep going in the right direction. Happy for you all! What a blessing!

    All the best,
    Nicole A., now in LA

    Reply
  55. Leanne says

    August 11, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Seriously, could she be any more adorable?!?!

    Reply
  56. Jill says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    She’s making me grin…HUGE! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  57. Stephanie says

    August 12, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    AMAZING EYES! So pure and beautiful! WOW, opening up like a flower before your very eyes! I am sooooo enjoying following your journey. It gives me hope and inspiration for my own adoption journey. prayers for you and your angels! ~Stephanie (http://adoption-thecrookedroad.blogspot.com)

    Reply
  58. Sharon says

    August 12, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    So good to see!

    Reply
  59. TexasBlueEyes says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    It’s so nice to see a smile on that baby’s face.

    Reply
  60. Eva says

    August 13, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    Love it!

    Reply
  61. DITA says

    August 13, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    She is exceptionally PERFECT in every single way.
    I have a feeling there is much more “in” her that she is getting ready to reveal to you as the months unfold.

    Knowing she is nestled there…at home…….among you and your precious brood makes my heart just sing.

    Hugs,
    Dita

    Reply
  62. Sarah says

    August 13, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Your family and your photos continue to be a testimony to the Lord’s goodness and His amazing power to not only “set the lonely in families” but to reveal His good good plans for each individual, precious one. Thanks for sharing your beautiful girl’s pics! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  63. jody says

    August 13, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Oh it is so wonderful to see this sweet pie smile and have fun! IT was there all along, but she was just saving it to make homecoming extra special for you!!!
    What a jewel and blessing from God she is!

    big smiles,
    Jody

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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