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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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to china for Clementine: at last

Today was the day.

After several false starts and heart wrenching delays, Clementine day has arrived.

The day started out slowly as we readied ourselves (much like we did yesterday, as that was supposed to be the big day) and silently braced for the possibility of another late morning phone call with news we did not want to hear.

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But, thanks be to God, no call came.

And at 11:00 our guide arrived to pick us up to take us to meet our girl.

At last.

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Sweet Clementine had a much more anxiety-laden morning.

She was released from the hospital in Langfang, then endured a two hour drive to the airport in Beijing, a 2.5 hour flight to Changsha and another hour in the car to meet us.

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Because of her hospitalization on Monday, we needed to accomplish two days of paperwork in one. Which meant doubling up on everything.

Instead of meeting at Civil Affairs, we met at the police station to get Clementine’s passport photo before they closed for lunch. And then we would go to Civil Affairs.

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Sophie and I, determined not to miss her, kept watch at the front window. But suddenly, being carried right past us, there she was.

She was promptly placed on a cardboard box to have her picture taken.

And then, without warning (or even a camera standing by) she was in my arms.

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Oh my. Finally feeling the blessed weight of your long-awaited child in your arms is a sweet, sweet moment.

We made the short drive to Civil Affairs and completed all the adoption paperwork in one day. No need for a 24 hour harmonious period.

This little love is ours no matter what.

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After the official paperwork was complete, we needed to wait for her passport photo to be processed so we could apply for her passport. So we grabbed a quick lunch.

Where Clementine proceeded to eat her body weight in steamed egg and rice. And we celebrated her obvious improving health.

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Then back to our room for a bit of a bottle, some medicine and a clothing change.

And an opportunity to just behold her.

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She is absolutely precious.

Very rattly in her chest and clearly still very much recovering from her illness. IV port still in her foot.

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But she is playful, curious and oh-so-silly.

And goodness gracious, those eyes.

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All her paperwork said she was especially easy-going and sweet. That she rarely cried and was almost always content.

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And so far, so good.

I mean, if Chris and I don’t make her cry, she’s solid.

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So very excited to get to know this precious little soul.

And see all that The Lord has planned for her. And for our whole family as we grow by this one very special blessing.

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Please continue to pray for Clementine’s healing. We are so thankful that she was able to be released from the hospital – but we are not home yet. And until we do get home, we won’t be able to give her all the care our fragile girl needs.

Incredibly blessed by y’all’s prayers on her behalf, I cannot tell you how very much they have been felt.

Thank you.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
– Psalm 139:14

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11.18.14 · To China for Clementine 60

Comments

  1. Ani says

    November 18, 2014 at 5:35 AM

    She’s just beautiful. Congratulations on finally having Clementine in your arms. Prayers for healing and an uneventful trip home!

    Reply
  2. Heather says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:13 AM

    I woke up praying for you and your girl, and these pictures are certainly an answer. I am celebrating with you!

    Reply
  3. Michelle says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:23 AM

    What an amazing blessing!!! Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  4. Paula says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:24 AM

    What a little love she is! Congratulations! Those eyes….you are so in trouble! She will have everyone wrapped around both little fingers in no time. Hugs and prayers for healing and a smooth transition into her forever family. She is precious!

    Reply
  5. Ashley says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:24 AM

    First thing I did when I woke up was check your blog. Yay!!! Oh she is perfect in every way!!! Praying for your journey home! So so excited for you friend!!!

    Reply
  6. Gwen Sit says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:39 AM

    What wonderful news to wake up to! Best wishes to your family and beautiful Clementine.

    Reply
  7. Shelley Campbell says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:52 AM

    Congratulations! She is beautiful! I do hope her health contines to improve!

    Shelley, Ontario, Canada

    Reply
  8. Connie J says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:52 AM

    Oh, Stefanie, Clementine is beautiful!!!! I praise God that she is in your arms, and we will continue to pray for her health. Last night we prayed for her, and then each of my littles asked how she was doing before they went to bed.

    Reply
  9. Toryjeff says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:57 AM

    I couldn’t sleep cause I’ve been thinking about your day and how things were going. We are so excited for you guys! Clementine is beautiful! We will continue to pray for her health and your safe journey home!

    Reply
  10. Christine says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:09 AM

    Thank Heaven for that beautiful little girl finally with her amazing mom and dad!

    Reply
  11. Marilucy Kennedy says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:14 AM

    Congratulations!!! She really is a beauty. Love watching your family grow!

    Reply
  12. Jim R says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:17 AM

    Congratulations and best wishes for a safe trip home.

    Reply
  13. elisabeth says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:18 AM

    Oh tears of joy! She is stunning! SO praising God that she is feeling better! Continued prayers for all of you! xoxo

    Reply
  14. paige wright says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:20 AM

    She is so very perfect of course!!! Praying for all of you!!!

    Reply
  15. Wendy says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    Congratulations! She’s beautiful! Prayers for her health and healing as she makes this big transition.

    Reply
  16. Kelleyn says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    She is so precious! Congratulations! Will continue to pray for her health.

    Reply
  17. kimrop says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:41 AM

    What a glorious day ~ congratulations and many prayers for improving health and safe travels.

    Reply
  18. diana says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:41 AM

    Eeeeek!!! Her eyes are amazing!!! Congratulations on your new precious addition!!! I know what shirt I am wearing today!!!! YIPPEE!!! Another beautiful gift from God is ONE LESS!!!!!! Love, Diana

    Reply
  19. Danielle says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    Prayed for ya’ll all day yesterday for you and your girl, and might have stalked your blog waiting for the update. So happy for you and this sweet addition. Will continue to pray for her healing and easy transition. Thanks for sharing so much about adoption the good, bad and absolutely adorable to those mommies waiting for the time when it’s our turn too. Blessed by your transparency.

    Reply
  20. Leslie says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    PRAISING GOD!!! Thank You Lord Jesus for this gift of a precious baby Clementine to Stefanie, Chris and big sister Sophie and the rest of her family waiting at home.

    SHE IS PRECIOUS AND SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

    Heart Hugs,
    Leslie

    PS. From a heart Momma perspective she looks GREAT!!!

    Reply
  21. lifewithkaishon says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    Tears are streaming down my cheeks. What a beautiful baby girl. I am so thankful God has given you this precious gift. She is absolutely perfect in every way.

    Reply
  22. Stephanie Powell Barilla says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    I stumbled upon your blog yesterday. The first thing I did this morning was to see that prayers had been answered. I am just starting the adoption process and you are an inspiration. Congratulations!

    Reply
  23. Marla Sgarbossa says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:18 AM

    Your story brings tears to me eyes! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. Your faith continues to inspire me.

    Reply
  24. emily says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:56 AM

    that last picture– oh my word– how gorgeous is she??? soooooooo happy for you all!!!!

    Reply
  25. Cathy Sue Smith says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    Be still my heart! Clementine looks so good, especially after bring so sick! Praise out Almighty Lord for His work in her to bring her to you. Enjoy Changsha as best you can and if you go to the hotel’s playroom, feel our love and prayers there. My Changsha cuties and I worked to make it a sweet place for families to enjoy on their adoption trips when we would visit each year. We can picture you there! You are bring prayed for without ceasing!

    Reply
  26. thegangsmomma says

    November 18, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    can’t. stop. crying. SHE’S BEAUTIFUL. JUST SCRUMPTIOUS. Will be in prayer for her and her rattly little chest today and tomorrow and till you say it’s clear. It’s such a joy to see her sweet sweet face.

    Reply
  27. lorimcmurphy says

    November 18, 2014 at 9:04 AM

    Oh my goodness!!! She just looks like she belongs in your family perfectly already! What an amazing answer to prayer. God is good all the time! Continued prayer for her health coming your way!

    Reply
  28. tg says

    November 18, 2014 at 9:34 AM

    love you, sweet clementine!!!!

    Reply
  29. Maureen Wagner says

    November 18, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    Prayers answered! Praising! What a beautiful Clementine!!! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  30. Amy W says

    November 18, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    You made my day sweet Clementine! Feeling so blessed to see your sweet baby girl with her Mamma, Babba and Jie Jie. We will continue to pray for her.

    Reply
  31. ellie says

    November 18, 2014 at 10:02 AM

    “precious little soul” oh yes she is. tears of joy. praying that your sweet baby girl continues to get better. xo ellie

    Reply
  32. Cindy says

    November 18, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    So thankful you have Clementine! Congratulations

    Reply
  33. Karin says

    November 18, 2014 at 10:37 AM

    so so happy for you! Oh she is beautiful!! I can’t wait to read more of her story!

    Reply
  34. Nicole says

    November 18, 2014 at 10:41 AM

    God is good
    A blessing
    Love the pictures
    thank you for sharing
    Continued prayers

    Reply
  35. Kathleen Denny says

    November 18, 2014 at 10:44 AM

    Hope, expectation, J O Y!!!! Prayers answered, sweet, beautiful baby girl DELIVERED!!!!
    Such JOY!! Hugs to all the fam and your sweet angel Girl!

    Reply
  36. Jenifer Parris says

    November 18, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    EEK!!!!!! She is stunning!!!!! So thankful she is in your arms!!!! I can still remember that feeling! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  37. Nancy says

    November 18, 2014 at 12:09 PM

    She is Absolutely Adorable!! Hope the rest of the trip goes smoothly!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the picture-filled 🙂 post for those of us with no more adoptions coming – we can still experience it through you! Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  38. Malea says

    November 18, 2014 at 12:14 PM

    yay!! she is adorable.

    Reply
  39. Tera says

    November 18, 2014 at 12:24 PM

    Oh my heart! Her eyes are breathtaking! I love her daddy in the background with her lying on the bed. So precious!

    Reply
  40. AnnMarie says

    November 18, 2014 at 12:50 PM

    She is so beautiful! You can see her gorgeous spirit shining out from her eyes.

    Reply
  41. Mary DeGennaro says

    November 18, 2014 at 1:08 PM

    Stefanie, she is absolutely gorgeous!!! Will be praying for her health. Can’t wait to see her surrounded by all her siblings!

    Reply
  42. mgatwood says

    November 18, 2014 at 1:15 PM

    So happy for Your family. She is beautiful. Soak it all up.

    Reply
  43. Annie says

    November 18, 2014 at 1:23 PM

    OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a precious, beautiful face!!! Oh my Stefanie! Tears of joy for you and continued prayers! Love Annie

    Reply
  44. Natalie says

    November 18, 2014 at 1:49 PM

    She is beautiful and looks so sweet! Congratulations!

    Reply
  45. Michelle365 says

    November 18, 2014 at 1:51 PM

    So beautiful- I have tears streaming down my face. Thank you for giving me hope while we wait for our baby boy. Prayers for sweet Clementine’s health and adjustment.

    Reply
  46. emily says

    November 18, 2014 at 2:06 PM

    shoot. i just have to post again– her lips are precious!!!!! and i just can’t get enough of those eyes in those last pics– love the one with your husband hand on her back… 🙂

    Reply
  47. Allie says

    November 18, 2014 at 2:49 PM

    She is SO beautiful! So happy for your family & will pray for great days in China and easy travel home for precious Clementine! <3

    Reply
  48. Julie says

    November 18, 2014 at 3:01 PM

    OMG! Congrats! She’s precious!!

    Reply
  49. Stephanie M says

    November 18, 2014 at 3:32 PM

    Praise God. We enjoy praying for you! Clementine is beautiful!!

    Reply
  50. Kim from 3 peanuts says

    November 18, 2014 at 4:34 PM

    I am so happy for you all Stef!! Clementine is beautiful and she looks at peace. Praying for health and healing.

    XOXO

    Kim

    Reply
  51. Judi says

    November 18, 2014 at 6:43 PM

    She is so beautiful!

    Our daughter, Megan, also has DS and she often had problems with croup, etc. for the first years. We had several trips to the ER/hospital. After about age 3, she outgrew it and has been so healthy ever since. She is now 27. Kids with DS are usually very content. Megan has always been content. She just accepts whatever comes her way and is so trusting.

    Reply
  52. tori says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:11 PM

    Absolutely precious. Congratulations to you all! Sending good thoughts for a safe journey home.

    Reply
  53. Wendy Lund Hoff says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:31 PM

    Oh my. What a beautiful baby! She is just precious. Those eyes are gorgeous and that beautiful little face. God is so good. God bless you all and pray for Clementine to continue to improve with her health.

    Reply
  54. mommynor says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:31 PM

    Praising God in Olive Branch, Mississippi! LOVE that GORGEOUS girl. God bless you all!

    Reply
  55. Kim says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:57 PM

    Oh my goodness. Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl. She is breathtaking.

    Reply
  56. Andrea Olson says

    November 19, 2014 at 1:43 AM

    I’m so relieved that she is yours at last! What a beautiful child!

    Reply
  57. christelle02 says

    November 19, 2014 at 3:21 AM

    she is no nice, s cute !!! tears are in my eyes ! Let’s pray for her ! No doubt,she’ll be loved !

    Reply
  58. Linny says

    November 19, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    Tears of joy over here in Phoenix! Elated she is now with you! Praying for your journey and Miss Clementine’s health. She is beyond beautiful.

    Reply
  59. Melissa DM says

    November 19, 2014 at 1:19 PM

    By the last 2 pictures I burst into tears and a smile- What a sweet little flower! I remember our day of meeting our little teasure. ( 13 yrs ago!) Surrounding you with prayer for safe travels and health.

    Reply
  60. Libby says

    November 20, 2014 at 11:01 AM

    So wonderful!

    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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our china journeys

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

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