So what does a mama do, when she should be packing for China? She ventures into the fall-colored woods with her kiddos and takes pictures of their sweet faces. Because she’s gonna miss ’em.
Crazy to me that I’ll be leaving in a little over 24 hours.
And I’ll be away for 2 whole weeks. 
Away from all these shiny little faces.
All these busy little hands.
All these noisy little feet.
I am *almost* missing them already, and I haven’t even left yet.
Almost.
Thankfully, they’re not feeling the same sappy sentimentality over momma leaving.
Because if they were going to miss me as much as I’m going to miss them, that would make leaving just that much harder.
They can hardly wait for us to go. Because the sooner we go, the sooner Aunt Angie will be here to spoil them relentlessly.
And the sooner we will be home with Clementine.
Or Clem-tine as Tallula calls her.
“I think Clem-tine gon’ be cute with her new jammies. And she’s gon’ be nice to us and we’re gon’ be hugging her and kissing her, I think.” – Tallula
“I love Clementine so she could learn ’bout God and I love her because she might be funny and I love her because I want her to grow bigger. I want to show her my room and I want to show her the dogs. She might be scared of the dogs, though.” – Poppy 
“I’m happy about Clementine because I’m going to teach her how to do her ABCs and I’m going to show her how to walk. I think she’s going to be sweet.” – Vivienne
“I’m glad that I’m going to get a new sister and I can teach her a lot. Like math and reading and writing. And I can play outside with her.” – Shepherd
“I’m excited for Clementine to come home so I can help her with stuff, like if she’s on the couch and she’s trying to get up I could help her. And when she’s crying I could get you and maybe give her a toy. She’s going to be very cute.” – Jude
“I can’t wait to meet Clementine because she can’t walk, talk or crawl yet, so I want to teach her. I want to teach her how to read, and ride a bike and I want her to be beautiful and happy when she grows up, not prideful or furious. I want her to be awesome and good.” – Isabelle 
“I think she will be cute and whenever she’s trying to walk or sit up, I’ll help her. I know that she’ll be different so she’ll need more help. I really want to see her smile and hear her laugh.” – Sophie
Me too, Sophie.
Miss Sophie is especially excited about this trip.
Because she’ll be making the trip with us.
Yep. We had initially thought it would be a typical China trip – me and one of the “big kids” to come along as a travel help/companion.
And Sophie was next in line.
But then we found out that Clementine was in fragile health, and might even require hospitalization. We had to reconsider.
Chris and I knew we both needed to go – but we weren’t sure what to do about Sophie.
So we did what we could. We prayed and we waited.
Thankfully, God knew exactly what He was doing. And He made a way. Through some very special friends who donated just the right amount of money for Sophie to come along.
Amazing.
In less than 24 hours, the three of us will be setting off for China. And I have a feeling it’s going to be quite a trip.
Wow, Sophie must be excited. Is Clementine the youngest to come home since Isabelle?
Yay, Sophie gets to go too! That’s amazing, what an experience it will be for all of you. I’ll pray for your family both here and overseas as you go to finally meet your youngest (so far?). Bless you all! PS. Hope Seamus is doing well.
So excited for you guys! Go get her!
We are praying you there and back! God’s speed to you all!
So very beautiful. Love the quotes. Praying you to Clem-tine.
My first thought: YEEEEAAAAHHHHHH! So excited for your family.
So, so excited for you! Tears in my eyes that Sophie is able to go with you!! xoxo and huge hugs!! Ashley
Okay, so now I have to put my heart back together because it just totally melted reading the quotes from the big kids. WOW! Was amazing and pure little hearts you have in your home Stefanie. Clementine will be one very lucky little girl having all those hands helping to raise her up….just as you will be lucky to absorb her little cuteness and blissful childlike innocence.
leaving is ALWAYS the hardest– those 48 hours before leaving i am just a blubbery mess… worst part of the trip. worse than jet lag… but can’t wait to see you holding clementine!
sooo exciting!! i love how excited they are about their new sister.
Malea
Our family will be praying for your family. Praying for …..The travelers, the ones staying at home, and your newest addition…. sweet Clementine! Can’t wait to follow your journey and pray for you all in every way!
Kristi Henderson
I can’t wait to watch this unfold! Praying for you while you are gone!
Praying for your whole family and especially baby Clementine.
These quotes need to be a book one day.
Gah your pictures are always so gorgeous!
I’m cracking up every time about how Tallula is saying her name and I’m sure it’s even sweeter hearing it than just reading it!
And Isabelle and the not being ‘prideful’ or ‘furious’ for some reason struck me funny. I love what sticks out to kids and why ::they:: choose particular traits as what they think they’ll choose to emphasize or teach their siblings!
So excited to hear about the trip – especially from Sophie’s perspective!
Praying!
Oh so very excited for you all!!! Prayers covering you all through this new exciting time in your family’s lives. Praying His hedge of protection to go before you and behind you, and for His favor to cover you. God Bless you, Stefanie!!
What precious, priceless little quotes! So excited for Sophie! I bet she’ll be an awesome traveler 🙂 Praying lots today for smooth travels, connections made, luggage where it needs to be, and calm hearts!
Clem-tine! Love that. Kendal and I just looked at all the pictures of the kiddos. She wanted to know everyone’s names. Praying for you. Sending hugs.
Praying for you and yours on this journey! I realize you’re overseas at the moment, but I read something today that I could NOT not share with you…another precious Esther and Vivienne waiting to come home from China – their family reminded me so very much of yours, as they have many special needs gems from China, and I couldn’t believe they had your babies’ exact names! Linny posted a blog entry (at A Place Called Simplicity) yesterday (the 12th) about them…but here’s another link – http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/bringing-home-esther-and-vivienne-/232628
Blessings!