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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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Tallula day… continued.

It’s 6:30AM here, Tallula is still sleeping soundly.



Praise the Lord.



I took these yesterday, after we got back to the room.

This girl is a complete crack up, with a laugh that is positively contagious.



She loves to play, loves to laugh and loves to imitate.



And loves to get into every. single. thing.

She’s gonna keep me on my toes, for sure.



So thankful for all the prayers going up on our behalf, for Tallula, for Dalton and for the family back home… they truly are being felt. And thank you for all the sweet comments y’all left yesterday – I loved reading every one.

P.S. The bruise marks on her head are from a recent bout with bronchitis… evidently that is where they gave her IV fluids. She still has a bit of a cold, so continued prayers for her health are most appreciated.

oxoxox,
One happy mama


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04.09.12 · Tallula, Tallula China trip 85

Comments

  1. Christie Daniels says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:46 PM

    She has an amazing smile! I know that you are so grateful that Day 1 was a good one. I am praying that every day gets better and that you can soon be reunited with your family. She is positively beautiful! Congratulations!

    Reply
  2. natalie says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    Congratulations on a beautiful new baby girl. Tallulah is adorable as are your other children You have a great family and I am so thrilled for you. Best wishes for a good stay in China.

    Reply
  3. Kimberly E says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    She is absolutely precious! What a sweetheart! So happy for all of you!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply
  4. Kirstie Bikakis says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Wow she is gorgeous!!! Praying that everything continues to go well and everyone is healthy and safe!<3
    God bless and have fun in China!!!

    Reply
  5. Robyn says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Hi it’s Robyn! We are in nanning and doing well too ๐Ÿ™‚ Mamie is off the charts tall, so I can’t wait to get these girls together in gz! Ha! Praying for great rest of week.

    Reply
  6. holly arnold says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    It is so wonderful to see a smile on her face, what a doll. Thanks for sharing your journey and life. I hope her happiness continues!
    Best,
    Holly:)

    Reply
  7. The Gang's Momma says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    Reading it all backwards, as we’ve been out of town and I’m playing catch up. WHAT A SMILE!!!!! Love her sweet little face. And I have to say, she doesn’t look NEARLY as big as the update pics and referral pics made her look. LOVE that pants, with those ruffles, by the way ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  8. nancy says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    Can’t soak up enough of her! Thanks for posting!
    Nancy

    Reply
  9. Bev Gayman says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    What wonderful pics! LOVE the ones of you two together
    from the previous post!

    Thanking God for preparing her heart for your arrival.
    Sounds like her foster mom did a great job in preparing
    her for you as well. Our daughter was just as blessed with a
    great foster mom.

    Will keep her in our prayers for healing and for you and
    Dalton as you continue to bond with your sweet Tallula.

    Reply
  10. Fliss says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    This is so awesome… love her and those cheeks are SO pinchable…

    Reply
  11. Kelly Payne says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    She is simply beautiful! What a blessing for your whole family!!!

    Reply
  12. Marci says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    What a cutie-patootie! And, I agree, she doesn’t look nearly as big as the previous pics made her look. Love her smiles.

    Reply
  13. Jaymi says

    April 9, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    she is beautiful! And doesn’t look at all like a 4T like the orphanage said! Were you correct to just bring 2T and 3T sizes?

    Reply
  14. Monica Carter says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    OH my….that smile….so happy for you!!!

    Reply
  15. Holly says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    So maybe she’d had iv’s recently in her referral pic too? I really thought maybe she had the same “kisses” that our little girl has…looks much like a bruise but we call it a kiss mark ๐Ÿ™‚ Yes, do tell what size she is in !! ๐Ÿ™‚ So happy for you!

    Reply
  16. stacy says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:12 PM

    What a Cutie! She sure seems happy. Glad Gotcha went so well, the screaming is hard to take.

    Reply
  17. Lisa O says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    She is so stinkin’ cute! I am so excited you’re getting belly laughs and lots of smiles. What joy, already! I will pray for you to have extra energy and extra speed as your inquisitive little Tallula keeps you hopping. ๐Ÿ™‚ I know you must be filled with so much gratitude toward her foster family for loving her so well and preparing her for this time. What a blessing!

    I pray sweetie gets feeling better and that you and Dalton will get rest, enjoy these moments, and feel totally covered in prayer.

    Love you~
    Lisa

    Reply
  18. Doreen says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:16 PM

    She.is.adorable. So happy to hear how well she’s adjusting. Brings tears to my eyes.

    Reply
  19. Stacy says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Can’t wait to see how she gives the rest of the kiddos at home a run for their money! So thankful things are going so well!

    Reply
  20. Kim says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    This reminds me so much of when we met Katie. She was the only baby who actually laughed and giggled and smiled through the whole experience – cautious initially at first but she loved to entertain us and she still does 5 years later! Tallula is adorable and I’m sure has succeeded in wrapping you tightly around her little fingers ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  21. DITA says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Clearly this little sweetheart is creating smiles from here to China. A seriously beautiful little girl!

    Reply
  22. Michelle says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Oh my good gracious..she s precious and those kissable cheeks…oh my word. I can’t stand it.

    Reply
  23. elisabeth says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    So so happy for you!!!! God bless that sweet little one! xoxo

    Reply
  24. Rebecca says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:25 PM

    IV’s in the head are so horrible. Joey had one once and they had to use this super stinky glue to make it stay. A horrible experience.

    Praying your ‘little’ girl recovers super quick and is healthy all her life ๐Ÿ™‚

    She is a doll!

    I may have missed it, is she a size 4? I remember you were debating on what size to buy.

    Reply
  25. Dardi says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    Such cuteness!!! Keep enjoying the time with your sweetie & Dalton…I can’t believe we’ve been there & back already, & I just told Joe that I will treasure sharing that part of Kemeri’s story with Kade for all of my days. And while Kemeri loves all her Geges, she especially loves Gege Kade. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  26. Deanna says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    So glad to see such a smiley face! Congrats! She’s a doll!

    Reply
  27. Leanne says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Oh my! She is positively adorable. How blessed you must be feeling to get smiles and laughs already! So sweet.

    Reply
  28. Suzanne Rowe says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    Too stinkin’ cute! Oh, my goodness! Thank you for sharing ’cause we love reading and praying. Praying that she recovers ASAP. No doubt those little bruises have already received and will continue to receive Momma kisses. Praying that Tallula’s heart just sinks right into the security and love of her momma.

    Blessings,
    Suzanne

    Reply
  29. Jessica says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    I just keep envisioning how perfectly she fits into your beautiful family!

    Reply
  30. Sarah says

    April 9, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    Tallula is absolutely georgeous! What a blessing she is!!!

    You may not be able to see how the pictures pop up on your website, but one picture of Tallula looking up from yesterday has popped up right next to Ester’s in the sidebar. Is it just me, or do they really resemble one another? I can’t believe no one else has mentioned, but I actually thought Esther’s picture WAS Tallula. What a beautiful reminder of the sweet spirit who eventually brought you Tallula.

    Reply
  31. Chris Lessly says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    She is so beautiful! Love her smile! Blessings to you and your family.

    Reply
  32. living out His love says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    Stefanie, I am just overjoyed for your family. What an amazing little girl! She reminds me so much of how happy Sunshine was in China … just love seeing these Gotcha Days, what a blessing she is! And yes, she is absolutely stinkin’ adorable … she has a smile that will surely light up any room! And oh I adore her in that t-shirt, looks like it fits her perfectly, how did the sizing on the clothes work out? I cannot WAIT to see more of you all and this new precious girl. Oh, I have a smile ear to ear looking at these pictures! I’ll continue to pray for her recovery and a smooth transition! God Bless you all!

    Reply
  33. Kimberlie says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    She is so incredibly adorable! My Wuhan boy was a very happy boy too. I wonder what it is about that city? Will continue to pray for you all.

    Reply
  34. Karin says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:15 PM

    So happy for you and Tallula! Is it me or does she resemble Esther? Maybe she just resembles that one picture you have up on the blog…but it caught my eye.

    Anyhoo….LOVE that she is wearing a So Loved shirt. :))) Hopefully you have a picture of the two of you with your matching shirts! ๐Ÿ™‚ HUGS!!!

    Reply
  35. Carla B says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    She is SO precious!

    Reply
  36. Kam says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    This makes me so happy. Beautiful girl. I would just like to squeeze her…you do it for me. Okay?

    Reply
  37. laine says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    PRAISE GOD! She is a DELIGHT, Stefanie! Will step up the prayers for her cold to get better and for all of you including the troops holding the home fort!
    Hugs!

    Reply
  38. martha says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    Praising the Lord that she is happily bonding with you guys. Have been stalking the computer at this time knowing that y’all might be up and blogging. Sweet updates. Can’t wait to see more photos. Love her So loved shirt and pink leggins…so cute!

    Reply
  39. Erin says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:34 PM

    Love her little spirit shining through all the pictures. Just precious. Congratulations on your baby girl!
    XO

    Reply
  40. Heather Peterson says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    How incredible to see a child in this situation so happy! God is good! So, so excited for your future with this little beauty!

    Reply
  41. Jennifer says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    She is so amazing!

    Reply
  42. Carol says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    I’m loving reading of your experiences. It was almost exactly 16 years ago (April 2, 1996) that I met my oldest daughter. She was an 11 lb, 6 month old who couldn’t lift her head and had severe bronchitis and double ear infections, but is now an active high school sophomore. Best wishes. She looks like a LOT of fun!

    Reply
  43. Jenn says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:51 PM

    Oh, thanks for explaining the bruises. I was wondering about what happened. I’m glad she is on the mend.
    I think it is priceless that most of your kids said on her birthday that Tallula would be funny, and she is funny. That’s too sweet.
    I can’t believe the transition. Amazing. I hope it continues to go like this.
    Oh, by the way, what size is she in??? Just curious.
    She’s a doll baby.
    Congrats. This is so fun.
    I can’t wait to see how Poppy, and Vivi react since they are your babies back home. It’s going to be cute to see them all together.

    Reply
  44. Sue says

    April 9, 2012 at 7:54 PM

    Our little one had to get IV’s in her head for a cold while we were in Kunming last year. It was a little traumatic for her and us! Have fun getting to know her!!

    Reply
  45. Wendy says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Stefanie, she looks like she is going to hit the ground running and fit in just fine when she gets home to her big ole family! I’m so happy that things are going so well with her transition. It is amazing to see such big, joyful smiles at this point. She is precious! Thinking of you all!

    Reply
  46. carla says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    she is beautiful!! congrats!! so, what size it she? she looks so little bitty with only a t-shirt and leggings on!!

    Reply
  47. kate hawk says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Congratulations on a blessed Gotcha day!! I’ve been praying for smooth transitions and joy! Lil’ Miss Tallula is such a cutie! Praying for your family here in the states, just itchin’ to love on their new little sister.

    God Bless you, may His favor be poured out over you three in China.

    Reply
  48. Leslie says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    SO LOVED.

    Reply
  49. Sharon Ankerich says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    I am SO behind reading blogs and was SO thrilled when I opened to see beautiful Tallula!!! What a precious baby!!! So happy for you all and know it is so wonderful being in China again! XOXO

    Reply
  50. Andy says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    She rocks.

    Reply
  51. Amanda says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    So. In. Love.

    I know it shouldn’t be surprising that she “gets it”, and her heart is ready…for that’s the exact prayer we’ve been praying! How good is God, beyond all we ask or even think of, to sometimes give us what we hope for and not always just what we need? Still praying, always will be, but now praying a prayer of gratitude as well!

    Reply
  52. Julie Hand says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Oh my word! I’ve been looking at these pictures and just crying tears of joy seeing that precious girl, in her So Loved shirt, smiling that great big smile! I think I will wear my So Loved shirt tomorrow so I will remember to pray for you all day. ( I purchased it at the Created for Care retreat in January, sorry I did not get to meet you in person)
    I will be praying for healing for her, continued good health for you and Dalton, and for your family at home.
    Can’t wait to wake up and check in to see how your Tuesday/ Adoption day went!
    May God shower you with His blessings today!!

    Reply
  53. Ashley says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    So, so adorable!!!! Praising him that she is in the arms of her forever mommy & brother!! Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip!!!

    Hugs, Ashley

    Reply
  54. Sharyn says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    She is too stinking cute!!!! I am in love!!! I just love that smile! It is too hard to tell her size? Is she a size 4T or smaller? Looks smaller to me unless she’s tall. God bless and have a safe rest of the trip!!! (((hugs)))

    Sharyn

    Reply
  55. Jennifer says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Stefanie,

    Always a joy to see your family grow.
    She is adorable and praying things continue to
    go smoothly.

    Reply
  56. Brenda Stevens says

    April 9, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Oh my, when you look at your first post and the pisture of sweet Esther is above Tallula to the right, they look so much alike…..It could be her picture…..God is amazine and he has put these two in an amazing family! Continued prayers for your whole family! Hope she is as healthy as she is happy! Get some rest and I hope Dalton is having a wonderful time in China helping hios wonderful mama! Oh, please tell us how big or little she is…..I bet smaller than you thought?

    Reply
  57. LaRita Stephens says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    what a sweetie! Makes me all the more excited about getting my new baby/big girl this summer!!! So very happy for you and so excited for me!

    Reply
  58. tish says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:04 PM

    HA! oh, goodness, stefanie…i’m cracking up thinking about how the family dynamics will all change once sweet T is home …what a big splash she is gonna make!

    Reply
  59. Diana says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Oh my word, she IS a little love bug!!!! That adorable smile tells a lot about your new cutie!!! She looks like she is so much fun!!! And, so happy!!! What a blessing it is Stef to see God’s newest gift safely with you!! I will be praying for this amazing transition to continue… And, for your plane ride home!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ She is going to keep those flight attendants on their toes too!!!!

    Enjoy every minute of your new precious daughter!!! She just makes me smile!

    Have a great Day 2!!

    Love,
    Diana

    Reply
  60. Kim says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Oh. My. Word.
    Could she be any cuter?
    What a joyful delight.
    Am I correct in remembering that her name means “abundance”?
    How fitting.
    From the photos and all that you describe of her personality … she indeed is a beautiful reminder of the abundance of His faithful provisions and endless gifts!
    Tallula … you are indeed SO LOVED!
    Love & Blessings,
    Kim

    Reply
  61. Roxanne Reinhart says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    She is a beauty and she looks so happy and content. Congratulations and may you continue to have a safe and happy, happy jouney,

    Reply
    • Roxanne Reinhart says

      April 9, 2012 at 9:38 PM

      journey – why do I proof AFTER I hit post…..grrr…

      Reply
  62. Hillary Glauser-Patton says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    She is beautiful! So happy for you ALL! And, is she really a 4T? She looks awesome!

    Reply
  63. Dusty Drosche says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    She is so beautiful! We are so happy for y’all and the fact that all is going well so far! Prayers for this continuing while you’re in China and when you return home! Blessings!

    Dusty

    Reply
  64. stacey milchman says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    So glad to hear she is doing so well. She is beautiful!
    Continued prayers that things keep going in a positive direction.

    Reply
  65. Teri says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    She is so cute!! Oh my goodness! Praying for all of you and LOVING seeing your photos!

    Reply
  66. ellie says

    April 9, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    congrats! she is just beautiful – and she sparkles doesn’t she??

    praying for all of you!

    xo ellie

    Reply
  67. Eva says

    April 9, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    That face. That smile. I could just eat her up!

    Praying she’s on the mend.

    Reply
  68. Lisa s says

    April 9, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    Seeing her so happy made me smile!! Thank goodness her foster momma loved her soooooo much that the picture book made you a part of her before she saw you! What a blessing!! You so deserve an easy baby girl!!! Hope she keeps and Dalton smiling!! Boy, wait till she gets home….and sees she hit the family jackpot!!! Wow….still smiling for you 3….Hi Dalton!!

    Reply
  69. Babsi says

    April 9, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Congratulations!

    She is so beautiful!

    Barbara (germany)

    Reply
  70. Katherine says

    April 10, 2012 at 12:06 AM

    Gorgeous. Stunning. Spectacular. Praise-inducing. ๐Ÿ™‚ So thankful that you’re already getting to see that joy bubble over!

    Reply
  71. Jaime Kinser says

    April 10, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    She is positively stunning. I am so very happy for you. Congratulations Stefanie!

    Reply
  72. Vicky says

    April 10, 2012 at 2:44 AM

    Wow, what amazing photos – surely she knows that she is now a member of a very special family! What a fantastic smile really lights up the room. Hope the next few days go well too

    Reply
  73. Kathleen says

    April 10, 2012 at 3:42 AM

    So lovely, so precious, so ready, so MUCH love, enjoy every single precious moment as this love grows!

    Reply
  74. Aus says

    April 10, 2012 at 5:11 AM

    Basking in the glow of that smile – the shirt is perfect and ever so true – oh, and the getting into stuff – may I suggest roller saktes to help you keep up? ๐Ÿ˜‰

    hugs – great joy – aus and co.

    Reply
  75. Sharon says

    April 10, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    She makes me smile : ) Amazing how her personality is shining through like this.

    Reply
  76. Deb says

    April 10, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    OH THAT SMILE! She is stunning.

    Reply
  77. Kim says

    April 10, 2012 at 6:35 AM

    OH MY GOODNESS! what a doll! i cannot get enough of that adorable grin….it lights up a room! oh you are going have so much FUN with that little one. blessings to you and your family.

    Reply
  78. Sonia says

    April 10, 2012 at 6:48 AM

    Seriously!! She is incredibly beautiful! It is though light just radiates from within her! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  79. Melissa says

    April 10, 2012 at 6:51 AM

    She is beautiful…what a smile! So I’m dying to know what size clothes did she wear?

    Reply
  80. Nicole Settle says

    April 10, 2012 at 6:54 AM

    Look at that smile!!!!!!
    Congrats to you all on your beautiful daughter!
    Beautiful !
    Nicole

    Reply
  81. Nicole A. says

    April 10, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    That sweet girlie just exudes happiness and energy!! What a fantastic smile ~ her whole face smiles!

    Praying for you all, for continued safe, healthy travels!!

    All the best,
    Nicole A., now in LA

    Reply
  82. Patty says

    April 10, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    Oh my!!! She is so precious! What a beautiful little girl! You must be so thrilled to finally have her in your arms!

    I might have missed it, but have you shared her special need? Just wondering.

    Love her adorable outfits too. How’s Dalton doing so far?

    Reply
  83. lisa says

    April 11, 2012 at 7:29 AM

    She is TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!!!! Oh how these photos make my heart happy!!
    I can only imagine what it must feel like to be there with this beautiful child that you have longed to meet for so many months. Enjoy every minute Stef….. She is one beautiful and special little lady!

    Looks like things are going so very well! I could not be more thrilled for you.

    xoxo,

    Lisa

    Reply
  84. Samantha says

    April 11, 2012 at 7:45 AM

    She is absolutely adorable! I can’t get enough of these pictures. How wonderful,
    Samantha

    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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