Tallula Mae.
First picture we saw of her.
Taken at probably about 11 months, our little peanut was, well… clearly not so little.
And this reality is making packing for her most challenging.
We’ve received two sets of measurements for her, one when her medical report was completed at one year, and another at 17 months. She was big at a year, but at 17 months, she was completely off the charts.
Since then I’ve been hoping and praying for another set of measurements, to help me determine if she really is that big for her age. I mean, we have found the measurements provided by the orphanage to be off, way off, in the past. So I have to wonder.
I have tracked her on a growth chart and if she continued to grow on her ‘curve’ (well above the 100%ile) she should be about 37″ and 39 pounds by now.
Which would make her a size 4T.
I don’t even have any clothes in a size 4T, y’all. Poppy is barely a 2T and Vivienne is between a 2T and a 3T. And she’s 4 and 1/2.
I honestly thought we’d have new measurements by now – and without them, well… I just couldn’t justify shopping for my just-turned-two year old in the 4T section.
So I didn’t.
Now I’m wondering if I’ve made a grave mistake. In about 20 hours I’ll be boarding a plane. Time has officially run out on getting new measurements.
So, I guess I’ll be packing everything I’ve got in size 3T. And a few 2Ts to cover my bases. And a few extra bucks in case none of it fits.
Oh girl. I know my heart is up for you. Just hope my back is up for you, too.
Lisa says
She’s padded. I can’t imagine she’d be a 4t.
Traci says
Praying for all of you on your journey to this precious “little” girl. I, personally, think you will do just fine with 3T and a few 2T – bring a small sewing kit, safety pins or just a needle and thread just in case you have to tack the waist or the length. Best wishes – praying!!
Krista says
I was told my 6 mth old was 22 lbs in her updated measurements. I found that very hard to believe considering most Chinese girls are petite and everyone always said their babies were tiny little peanuts when they got to China and actually held them in their arms.
But she really was! I was so glad I’d packed those Carter’s cotton stretchy fabric sundresses and lots of leggings. I figured if she was in the right size for her age they’d be dresses but if she were bigger they’d be more like tunic length shirts. And they were shirts…. LOL!
My suggestion is to pack the same way. That way you’re covered for the variable of probably 2-3 sizes.
living out His love says
Oh Stefanie, good luck! Packing clothes for your new little is such a challenge! Having said that though, I cannot imagine she is really on track for a size 4T. I bet they are weighing her with all of those clothes. I’ll be following your journey and praying for everything along the way! Have a safe and uneventful journey there!
Nancy says
I can’t imagine she will be a 4T either… Even if she is big for her age. She looks like she will be a character! I am so looking forward to your pictures of her in China! Have a GREAT trip!!!
Pieni lintu says
Goodl luck for your trip! <3
elisabeth says
Lol, I just had the same predicament a few weeks back to pack for my little one! Some stuff fit and some stuff didnt! Praying for your trip and your sweet little-big one! xox
martha says
My girl is from wuhan too, and the measurements they sent were pretty much on the money. But those measurements could have been taken with ALL those clothes on. I think my girl’s were, so the clothes we brought worked out, the shoes we guessed at just barely fit, but oh how she loved them (high top girly tennis shoes).
BLessings to y’all for a safe, smooth, trip with lots of supernatural bonding thrown in!
Sara says
I was concerned b/c DD’s measurements put her at a 2T for length and 12 month for waist. Let me just state that dresses were my friend. ๐ If I were you, I’d get a bunch of 3T dresses and some leggings and hope for the best. DD is still like that, very skinny in the waist but normal length for her age (3). May God bless the inventor of adjustable waistbands! ๐
Leslee says
Knit dresses and leggings….so forgiving.
Jordan says
Lexi was a chunk for a while too. Once she started walking she became a twig, but I have her in 3t or 4t because she is off the charts tall. Shes only 22 months. Bring alot of loose fitting clothes, no jeans lol. You just gave more to kiss on, and snuggle up with! She is a doll!
M3 says
Our Hubei girls’ measurements were spot on. I think they said about 20lbs at 12 months old. They were 50% height and 50% weight on the U.S. charts (U.S.!) from day 1 and still are. The things that fit perfectly (since they were so forgiving) were the dresses. We had brought tights and little jumpers and those fit no matter what — maybe because they didn’t have to hold around waists. Oh, and my friend who met her Hubei baby in 2006 thought all measurements were wrong and she was so surprised to meet her 22lb 11-month baby. You can read about adorable Lizzie here.
Can’t wait to see you holding her!
tish says
crack me up! oh, tallula, we are crazy about you already!
i call silas the “thigh master” because he has been so abundantly blessed in thigh-ness!
how perfectly made they all are!!! will pray for your back, stef!
Sherry says
Our not-so-little girl is from Hubei as well and she is 90th percentile on US charts! I packed dresses and leggings since we also received conflicting measurements from the orphanage. Congratulations!!
Jill says
I agree on the dresses – they’re definitely the most forgiving. And if it’s warm enough in her province, shorts are great, too.
My daughter was 20 lbs. at a year. Some folks told me to stick to 6-9 mos as measurements are inaccurate, but she was pretty spot on 12 mos. sizing – she wore a few 9 mo. Our son, adopted at 4 1/2, was given measurements close to our daughter’s (they’re 2 1/2 mos. apart)…and I knew it was not possible. Our northern girl is tall and he is very small. She’s almost 5 and wears 5T, weighing in at 39 lbs. He is only about 30-33 lbs. and only comes to her shoulders. His feet were measured the same size, but he’s at least a shoe size smaller. Without the diaper padding, he could wear 18-24 mos. shorts or 2T pants. He has one Gymboree 18-24M tee he wears, otherwise we’re mostly 3T, but he could do some 2Ts also. So there’s no way she could be a 4T IMO. I know from the organization they were with that they’re usually measured/weighed fully clothed. I think our son’s diaper must have been full when he was weighed. ๐
Nicole A. says
Just wanted to stop by and say have a great trip!! We are so very happy for you all, and we will be praying for safe travels, good health, and great bonding with precious little T. Your family is amazing!
All the best,
Nicole A., now in LA
Rhonda says
Hi Stefanie,
I’ve been a long time reader, but never posted until today. I just felt compelled to comment and then I see that my friend M3 commented and mentioned my daughter Lizzie. Lizzie came home in April of 2006 from Hubei. Like Tululla she was in foster care and we met her in Wuhan. I was just sure when they sent me her measurements that they had to be wrong. Even though her little face was the pudgiest, roundest, and pinkest face I had ever seen in a referral picture, the measurements had her off the American growth charts, never mind the Chinese growth charts. I even disregarded the updated measurements because they seemed so improbable!! Well, the measurements were off by 3.5 pounds. She was heavier than they said!! Lizzie had to be squeezed into everything I brought until we could buy her some loose dresses. But she was so used to be bundled and squeezed into multiple layers that being squeezed into one or two layers didn’t seem to bother her at all. ๐ Whatever you bring will work until you can get something else. Don’t worry. I was shocked, but also thrilled that my daughter had been so well fed and cared for. Talulla looks like her foster family has done a wonderful job. Those cheeks remind me so much of my daughter. I love it. Lizzie is now 7 and is still a big girl. She wasn’t on the American charts until about 3 years old and now is roughly 90% in height and 75% in weight. She is muscular and strong and very healthy. I will be following along and can’t wait to see you holding your Hubei Honey. Just bring lots of Motrin. ๐
emily says
ok– there is still shopping time—
i agree- that seems way heavy– my 3.5 year old linebacker from china weighs 37 pounds and is about that tall– he wears 3T pants and 5T shirts. china does make ’em big sometimes..
i say bring forgiving outfits– leggings and tunic style dresses– maybe size 3T.. you really need to max out this opportunity to go and buy cute girls clothes in a different size!!!!!! drop what you’re doing and head out to the nearest store and shop!
nancy says
Best wishes to you as you travel and wrap your arms around your girl! Waiting and watching for your updates!
Nancy
Annie says
Oh I just love this! Lizzie was the total opposite – off the charts the other way but her measurements were correct! Love those cheeks and will say a little prayer for your back!!!! LOL!
lisa says
I am with everyone else….. dresses and leggings in size 2 and 3 and you should be ALL SET!!! I still cannot believe you are leaving TOMORROW!!!! I will be here with a few thousand other people just waiting to see your beautiful Tullula in your arms!! Safe travels Stef…… we will be with you every step of the way!
Lots of love and blessings,
Lisa
Jenn says
LOL. Cute post.
I am so excited for you. I can’t wait to follow your journey.
I think 3T is the right size to go with. I think you will be okay. Just scrunch her in there. LOL.
Bring a stroller incase you can’t carry her too far. LOL. You will be fine. Good luck. ๐ Soooo exciting.
Kristen says
When we went to get our 8 month old, I had all 6-9 month clothes. She was in 18 months at least. I called my Mom to do some serious shopping back home and we ended up getting her all new clothes at the Wal-Mart in China. Even now, at 6 years old, she is off the charts tall! You can always shop in China!
Gail says
Just wanted to say safe travels to you Stefanie!! Those cheeks on her are so kissable, I know for sure you’ll be kissing them LOTS. What a cutie. Can’t wait to see her in your arms.
I know you’ll do great, somehow the size thing works out.
big hugs,
Gail
Julie says
We ended up doing LOTS of shopping at Wal-Mart in Nanchang! Sabrina was also off the charts for her size, and she still is the tallest girl in her 1st grade class. ๐ Definitely not the stereotype of a petite little girl from China.
Enjoy your trip!
AndreaY says
I just have to say that chunky babies are so delicious I can hardly stand it. I love baby chubb! What a squeezable delight Miss T is! Blessings on your travels!
Snekcip says
Happy Travels!!
Yvette says
HA! Everyone said oh he can’t be that big- he is Chinese (His hands looked enormous). UM our Cav is huge! And it doesn’t help that the next two are dwarfs! Bring leggings and then swingtop and knit dresses. She will be so freaking cute, and we will all want to eat her up!
Blessing son your travels!
Cate says
My lil’ peanut is 10 months and still 14 lbs. We’re never getting to 6-9 month clothes.
Have a wonderful trip!
Diana says
I wish you had emailed me.. I could have sent you a “just in case” 4T package! I will be praying for your back too!! ๐
She is going to be a love bug!! I just know it!
Can’t wait to see that first forever blog post!!!
Love
Diana
Rebekah says
I don’t know what size you should take, but I am so excited for you! I can’t wait to hear how it all goes! I will be praying for you, her, Poppy, and the whole family.
christy lillie says
OMG so excited to see her!!
Kimberly E says
Stefanie! I can’t wait to see this little one in your arms! She looks like she will just be so much fun! I’d have to agree with the 3T knit dresses and leggings… So much to love <3
Blessings on your journey!
Kim
Londa says
Oh Stefanie, I am so excited for you all!! I can’t wait to see miss Tallula home with her family. Our Hubei darling is small, but our Jiangxi darling is big. When they told us her measurements I thought for sure they had to be wrong, but they were not and at age 2 she is in 3T. She is one solid kid! But 39 pounds!! I hope not for your sake. Our daughter weighed in at 31 pounds last week and she is now 29 months old.
Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful time in China!!
Jennifer says
Can’t believe you’re just HOURS away from your little dumpling! ๐ Very excited for you!!!! ๐
Hannah says
Goodness… even the chubbiest one here still wears a normal size… she probably carries it all in her scrumptious cheeks!
Heather Peterson says
Oh my goodness! So excited for you! What an amazing adventure! I bet she has short, little, skinny legs and a huge tummy! ๐ We have a couple like that! I can’t wait till you get to meet this little cherub!
Virginia says
Echoing what some of the others said…dresses and leggings. Have a wonderful trip. Oh those cheeks are just killing me and I am DYING to find out what size she actually is!
=)
Shasta says
Bella will be 3 in August, she is 35 pounds and wears a solid 4T, but it’s all in length. Cannot wait for you to get your hands on that puddin’ pie!!!
laine says
PRAYING Stefanie! I am SO excited you are on your way! Your back will be GREAT! Piece of cake, right?
Remember our Crickett…she’s a big girl with lots to squeeze and smush and love on!
Praying you will know JUST WHAT TALLULAH NEEDS in each moment of your time together…James 1…ask for that wisdom! He gives it generously!
LeeAnne says
๐ She does look alot rounder in the face, that Poppy! I’m sure you’ll be able to get her whatever she needs in China! As much as its all important before you leave, that Tallulah looks adorable in her outfits… when you’re there, cuddles is probably more important!
Laurie says
I am a long time lurker and first time poster too! Just had to chime in!! My youngest is a Fuling girl and was 22 lbs. at 10 months of age. I traveled solo to adopt her because our oldest was a fussy travleler at the time. None of the clothes I brought fit her (mainly 12 months) and I had to buy her a whole new wardrobe in Guanzhou!!! I also squeezed her into 3 different baby carriers but she was killing my back. (Never mind that I’m only 4’10”!!!!!)
She was a stroller baby after our first 3 days together!
Now my girl is about 100% on the American charts in height and weight and towers over her 3rd grade girl peers!!
She’s quickly catching up and going to pass her 12 year old sister!
Just remember that when in pain, strollers are your friend!!
Good luck and can’t wait to read about your first days with Talullah!!
Lisa, another Wuhan mom says
ooooh, so cute-a face like a peony!
Looking forward to seeing what size she really is-my daughter from just outside Wuhan looked like a chunkster too until we got the 6 layers of clothes off her. She had those beautiful round cheeks too. I brought a range of clothes from 12 mo to 24mo (she was 13 mo) and the middle range stuff fit the best-i donated the small stuff to the SWI and repacked the big stuff.
Wuhan’s wonderful-hope you can get to the Hubei Provincial Museum, and Yellow Crane Tower. The shopping was great too.
God speed and safe journey !