• Home
  • About
  • Wild Olive Tees
  • No Hands But Ours
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • RSS

Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

  • Ni Hao Y'all
  • Faith
    • my faith
  • adoption
    • special needs adoption
      • clubfoot
      • Down syndrome
      • dwarfism
    • shared list
    • advocating
  • family
    • Magnolia
    • Clementine
    • Tallula
    • Poppy
    • Esther
    • Vivienne
    • Shepherd
    • Jude
    • Isabelle
    • Sophie
    • Dalton
    • Asher
    • Zach
    • Victoria
  • Life
    • memory lane
    • what works for us
    • things I love
    • Q and A
    • marriage
    • cooking
    • celebrations
    • blogging
      • love others
      • kudos
  • photography
    • photography 101
    • Sunday Snapshot

meet our new daughter

It’s my birthday.

And birthday girls get to do what birthday girls want to do, amiright?

So today, on my big day (both figuratively and literally), I want to introduce y’all to someone very, very special.

Meet our new daughter.

Clementine1

We will name her Clementine. Clementine was a name we’ve considered in the past, but it just never did seem to fit. (Poppy is so not a Clementine).

But for this little one, it just seemed right from the get-go. The meaning of Clementine is merciful and mild, which I absolutely love. And then, a few weeks after deciding on her name, we found out her Chinese name means mild, as well.

Her middle name will be Joy. It’s the name of one of my closest friends and most faithful prayer partner, Colleen. We tried and tried to find a “family” name so that, like our other kiddos, she would have a chosen first name and a family middle name. But we just could not find one that we felt a peace about. We thought about Rose. We thought about Pearl. But, despite the fact that we love both names, they just wouldn’t stick. Then one day – as I was sharing with my prayer buddies that it was *for joy* that the Lord had called us to adopt this child – that we all sat there and it hit us. Joy was to be her middle name.

So there it is. We are adopting again. And we are filled with joy in every way. And there is so, so much more I want to share about this journey. God has done a no-way-God-not-me-okay-maybe-me-actually-yes-me! kind of work in my heart for children with Down syndrome since I saw this post almost a year ago. I also want to share some prayer requests for our little one because she has been sick and continues to struggle with health issues.

But for today, I just want to share Miss Clementine Joy – this precious blessing the Lord has brought into our lives.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. — Psalm 126:3

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
«
»

07.03.14 · Clementine 62

Comments

  1. Liberty JOY ;) says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:21 PM

    Love love love your sweet Clementine! Happy Birthday!!

    Reply
  2. Teri says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:27 PM

    Oh my goodness! How exciting!!!!! Congratulations and Happy a Birthday!

    Reply
  3. welshgang says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:28 PM

    What a beautiful little lady and her name is just delightful! Congratulations to you!

    Reply
  4. emily says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:33 PM

    ooooh stefanie— so thrilled for you!!! my heart is the “no-way-God- not me- I’m so done” so would love to hear the story of how God changed your heart!!!! where are you in the process?

    and happy birthday 🙂

    Reply
  5. Kristín Valdemarsdottir says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:33 PM

    Oh my goodness…..my heart just skipped a beat !

    Congratulations…..she´s adorable 🙂 Happy birthday !

    Kristín

    Reply
  6. Chris says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:34 PM

    WOW! WOW! WOW!!!!!! How wonderful!! Clementine Joy is precious and oh, so darling!!!
    Happy Birthday, btw!!! WHAT AN AMAZING GIFT!!!! <3

    Reply
  7. Jennifer Torrence Webster says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:35 PM

    Oh my goodness…she is darling!!! Congratulations!

    Reply
  8. Corina says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:38 PM

    Congratulations to your family!! Can’t wait to “meet” Miss Clementine through your pictures and writing – I know that she will be blessed to be a part of your sweet family!

    Reply
  9. tmafli says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:40 PM

    So totally thrilled for you and your family!!! I started tearing up as I read this!! I’ll be so excited to watch her story unfold along that way! Wow just doesn’t cover it! 🙂 She is adorable – the best birthday present I could ever imagine!

    Reply
  10. alida5477 says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:56 PM

    Fabulous! She is gorgeous!!!! Congratulations!!!! So happy for you guys!

    Reply
  11. heather says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:00 PM

    Congratulations!!

    Reply
  12. Jean says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:04 PM

    So excited for all of you! She is precious! Praising GOD!!

    Reply
  13. Vicky Simpson says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:21 PM

    I can’t think of a better birthday present! Happy Birthday!

    Reply
  14. Life with Kaishon.com says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:21 PM

    What a great blessing! I am so happy for you.

    Reply
  15. Sue Fordham says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:28 PM

    Happy birthday….and what a birthday gift!

    Reply
  16. Ali says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:39 PM

    Just when I thought you couldn’t get more amazing…. Happy happy birthday! Can’t wait to follow her/your/God’s journey. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Kim Rop says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:45 PM

    She is beautiful! Thank you for following God’s promptings in your life regarding adoption. I hope you have a very blessed birthday!

    Reply
  18. Michelle says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:48 PM

    How positively wonderful! I love her name, and even though we have never met, my heart is filled with joy!! Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  19. Lisa says

    July 3, 2014 at 4:51 PM

    OH my heavens, she is so adorable!!! I can’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate your bday!!! I am so thrilled for you, your family, and this sweet baby girl! What a blessing!!! Can’t wait to hear more about this sweet pea and to follow your journey back to China!!! Happy Birthday My Friend! xoxo

    Reply
  20. Judi says

    July 3, 2014 at 5:13 PM

    Congratulations! She is beautiful! We have a biological daughter with Down Syndrome. She is now 27 and has been such a blessing to our family! And Happy Birthday as well!

    Reply
  21. Jennifer Merrick says

    July 3, 2014 at 5:24 PM

    So, so, so happy for your family!!!! Prayers for your sweet girl, and ya’ll’s journey getting her home.

    Reply
  22. holly arnold says

    July 3, 2014 at 5:50 PM

    So exciting what a doll!

    Reply
  23. Ally says

    July 3, 2014 at 5:53 PM

    Happy Birthday! What a wonderful gift 🙂
    Ally

    Reply
  24. Diana Rouse says

    July 3, 2014 at 6:02 PM

    I can not think of a better birthday gift!!!!! YIPPEE, YIPPEE!!!!!!! Clementine is PRECIOUSLY PERFECT!!!!!! Happy Birthday sweet friend. So, excited for you!!!!!!! ~ Love, Diana

    Reply
  25. Joy says

    July 3, 2014 at 6:24 PM

    I’m so thrilled for you all! The Lord has been working our hearts the same way the last several months. And our teenage daughter has been praying for awhile for God to open our eyes to down syndrome. We hope to follow in your footsteps not to long from now. And I love the name.

    Reply
  26. Stephanie M says

    July 3, 2014 at 6:32 PM

    Congratulations!!! And Happy Birthday!! Your newest daughter is beautiful!

    Reply
  27. Connie J says

    July 3, 2014 at 6:56 PM

    I can’t wait to see Clementine in your arms, sister!!!

    Reply
  28. Brittany says

    July 3, 2014 at 7:03 PM

    Happy Birthday! And guess what, it’s mine too!
    So excited for ya!

    Reply
  29. Danica says

    July 3, 2014 at 7:33 PM

    Oh she is perfect and I love the name! Congratulations!

    Reply
  30. Suzette says

    July 3, 2014 at 7:38 PM

    She is a doll!!! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  31. Suzette says

    July 3, 2014 at 7:49 PM

    Beautiful and a wonderful blessing who will bring much joy to your family! Congratulations!

    Reply
  32. Anda says

    July 3, 2014 at 9:36 PM

    Happy birthday!! *gets out knitting needles*

    Reply
  33. Londa says

    July 3, 2014 at 9:36 PM

    So excited for you all!! Such a beautiful little one… and we will share the same middle name:) Happy Birthday Stefanie… and congratulations!!

    Reply
  34. jdavis2 says

    July 3, 2014 at 10:09 PM

    Happy Birthday! & Congratulations on your newest beautiful addition! All praise to God!

    Reply
  35. Becca Stanley says

    July 3, 2014 at 10:53 PM

    Praise God for sweet Clementine Joy such a precious little girl

    Reply
  36. Heather says

    July 3, 2014 at 10:54 PM

    Woman! You make me sob with your LOVE!! I am SO STINKIN HAPPY for your family! You guys are just too amazing and I am so thankful you let us follow your journey. So, so HAPPY!!

    Reply
  37. Shelby says

    July 3, 2014 at 11:11 PM

    This is MADE my day!!!!!! I have a heart for kiddos with Down Syndrome and I’m so beyond thrilled you guys will be Miss Clementine Joy’s family!!!!! SO EXCITED! Can’t wait to hear more, praying for you guys!

    Reply
  38. Kelleyn says

    July 3, 2014 at 11:54 PM

    Sheis darling ! Congratulations !

    Reply
  39. Jessica says

    July 4, 2014 at 12:45 AM

    Such wonderful news! She is beautiful!!

    Reply
  40. CathyC says

    July 4, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    She is beautiful, I love her name, and I think your family is just perfect for her. Congratulations!!

    Reply
  41. Diane says

    July 4, 2014 at 6:58 AM

    Congratulations, Stephanie! How absolutely wonderful. She is beautiful!

    Reply
  42. elisabeth says

    July 4, 2014 at 7:41 AM

    She is so beautiful Stephanie! Congratulations to all of you and Happy Birthday! What a gift! Cant wait to hear more! xxoox

    Reply
  43. mandy says

    July 4, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    Congratulations!!!!! And happy birthday too.

    Reply
  44. Sharon says

    July 4, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS! She is loved already 🙂

    Reply
  45. Samantha says

    July 4, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    Congratulations! She is beautiful, and so loved already!
    Praying for her health 🙂

    Reply
  46. Amber Smith says

    July 4, 2014 at 10:27 AM

    Aw! Congratulations. I love your family and the Lord brings you to mind often.Happy Birthday!!

    Reply
  47. Gwen Sit says

    July 4, 2014 at 12:31 PM

    What a wonderful way to start my day! Congrats on your beautiful new daughter. I can’t wait until you bring her home. What a busy mama you are going to be. 🙂

    Reply
  48. Mary DeGennaro says

    July 4, 2014 at 4:33 PM

    Congratulations, Stefanie, abd Happy Birthday!!! I have always had a heart for Down Syndrome children. Did not realize she had it til you mentioned it. My thought when I saw the picture was how beautiful she was and I love the name!!!! How soon will you be going to get her?

    Reply
  49. Linny Saunders says

    July 4, 2014 at 6:19 PM

    Awww precious friend – I am overJOYed for you!! I *knew* you would!! I just knew it. Your house is emptying out and you are such a tender mommy and your hubby is precious and you guys adore each other and you have a boatload of treasures who love others…how could you not?? I am soooo very excited for you all!! PS Happy Birthday!! If you were nearby I would take you for lunch and we would chat endlessly. Love to you.

    Reply
  50. Jane Klingenberg says

    July 5, 2014 at 12:34 PM

    Woweeeee!! I am so happy for you and y’all!! I was JUST telling a walking buddy about you an hour or so ago, about meeting you in China and your amazing family. I came home and saw your blog post. Sorry I am two days late in wishing you a very happy (belated) birthday but Miss Clementine is the best birthday announcement you could ever share.

    Love her name. Just “clicks” with all the other cool names your kiddos have.

    Love to you and prayers for Clementine!

    Jane

    Reply
  51. Rebecca says

    July 6, 2014 at 7:49 PM

    Awwww!!! We adopted a little girl with DS from china a year and a half ago and we have enjoyed each and every minute of it! She is Abigail Joy and a “joy” she truly is! Congratulations!
    http://Www.loveisonthemove-hope.blogspot.com

    Reply
  52. Jen from cincy says

    July 7, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    How lovely! Amazing news!

    Reply
  53. Kelli Hunter-Campbell says

    July 7, 2014 at 6:31 PM

    you will blessed with the most loving, sweet, can do, never stop trying little girl. She will light up your lives and teach you so many things. God Bless you and your wonderful family. I can’t wait to follow this journey with you!!!

    Reply
  54. Miriam says

    July 8, 2014 at 10:02 AM

    Happy Birthday & Congratulations! Clementine Joy is a beautiful name. Look forward to hearing more about her.

    Reply
  55. Amelia says

    July 10, 2014 at 1:53 PM

    Congratulations to you and your family. Clementine Joy is absolutely beautiful and will be such a blessing for your family. I will keep you all in my prayers!

    Reply
  56. Amy says

    July 11, 2014 at 9:17 PM

    AWWE STEF! I screamed (literally) when I saw this. Hubby ran down to see what was the matter. I am so elated for y’all. Prepare to be blessed. I have to admit, I saw you were in the DS adoption group on FB and I became curious. So where in the process are you? Is that Pearl from Lifeline’s page?

    Reply
  57. Dusty says

    July 12, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    We are so excited for y’all! Cannot wait to follow another one of your adoption journeys! Continued prayers for everyone!

    Reply
  58. snekcip says

    July 14, 2014 at 1:09 PM

    Wonderful news! Clementine is beautiful!! Congrats to your family!

    Reply
  59. Cindy says

    July 14, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    She is just so precious, you are in for Joy BIG time!
    Congrats to your whole family!

    Reply
  60. thenurturedhomeKim says

    July 19, 2014 at 5:06 PM

    Happy Belated Birthday Stef!!! I am so happy for you. Sweet Clementine will be a lovely addition to your family. I am always in awe of how God calls your family to these children. You have so found what He put you here to do. Lots of love,
    Kim

    Reply
  61. Lindsey says

    July 25, 2014 at 11:44 PM

    WOW! Congratulations! Love this news so much. We have very similar taste in girls’ names. I love Clementine. I have a Gianna (Gigi), Camille, Evangeline (Evie), and Tallulah. When do you anticipate travel?

    Reply
  62. christelle02 says

    July 31, 2014 at 6:40 AM

    II just read this wonderful news ! Welcome in your noew loving family, Miss Clementine !!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

Subscribe

instagram

see more...follow us on IG

our china journeys

magnolia - 2016
clementine - 2014
tallula - 2012
penelope - 2011
vivienne - 2010
shepherd - 2008
jude - 2007
sophie - 2006
isabelle - 2005

ways to make a difference

Love Project

proceed with caution

a dirty secret in adoption
we don't celebrate gotcha day
there's no such thing as an easy adoption
if I can, you can.
co-sleeping, why we do it.
gawsh. the series.
crazy
affording adoption
God and me.
Vivi's diagnosis
the ugly, beautiful truth
special needs: my .02
my testimony
dear anonymous
my chinese son

Creative Commons License

Copyright © 2023 · Darling theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Darling Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.