Years ago, it became the tradition to buy your new child a set of silks, and take a picture of them on the “red couch” at the White Swan Hotel (the hotel where almost all the new adoptive families stayed) on your last day in China.
Poppy was the last of our kiddos to follow in that tradition.
The White Swan closed its doors in 2011. No more red couch.
When we travelled to bring home Tallula in 2012, I still wanted a picture of my girl in her silks.
I just needed to find a new backdrop.
So we bought her some silks, and let her run loose on Shamian Island.
And it turned out to be great fun trying to capture a bit of the spirit of Miss Tallula.
Those pictures of her are still some of my favorites.
So today we set out with the same end in mind.
To capture our beloved Clementine, so tiny and precious, just as she is.
Sophie wanted to join in as well. And I’m so glad she did.
(Let’s just say, her red couch picture was less than stellar… momma needed some photography classes).
And I may be biased, but I think the two of them make quite the pair.
What a trip this has been. Truly an adventure.
And being able to bring this precious little one home with us honestly feels too good to be true. I know the journey has only just begun, with twists and turns most certainly ahead.
But today I am feeling so very blessed.
Tomorrow morning we fly out of Guangzhou for home. It’s going to be a long 36 hours.
Prayers for vomit-free, illness-free, rash-free travel deeply appreciated.
Beautiful pictures, Clementine looks so happy and Sophie is gorgeous, I remember her adoption and her black eye, what a different girl she is today. Safe travel home, have enjoyed following your family for many years. Diana McCaffree
Such beautiful pictures of your two beautiful girls 🙂
Your photography is so wonderful! It makes me miss our time in China so much!
I’m sure you already thought of this, since you are such an amazing and experienced adoptive mama, but I wanted to share something with yo just in case… I just read your post about Clementine being sick, and how excited she got when she saw the washcloth, and I immediately remembered reading about several kiddos over the years who have used a small washcloth to soothe like a blankie after their time in China, and I wondered if maybe Clementine had experience with a washcloth as a lovie as well?? I know that for me every new discovery of a possible piece of the puzzle of the life they might have had before my sweet girls came to us was such a treasure. Hoping that maybe this info. might be helpful to you.
Best wishes for safe travels home soon!
Sara 🙂
I’ve so enjoyed watching your journey to Clementine. What a blessing your family has received and will be to her. Many prayers for safe travels with no hiccups on the way back! God bless you
Such lovely pictures. The one of the girls on the stairs had me positively weeping. Seeing the way they are leaning into one another…Sophie’s arm around her sister, protecting her and holding her close…oh my GOODNESS. Bawling my head off. What a wonderful journey. Prayers are constant and flowing. May your travels be safe and swift and vomit free! Big hugs and lots of love!!!!
So very lovely. Especially meaningful to me because I am also remembering our time on the island with you and I, Tallulah and Kendal, all getting acquainted on a very hot, muggy day. I am grateful God crossed our paths (via our sweet friend, Diana). It has been an utter joy to pray for you and with you on your journey to sweet Clementine.
Prayers for an uneventful trip home… one that is exceeding better than you had hoped or dreamed. At this moment I am remembering poor Dalton’s trip home. Oh, dear. 🙁
Hugs to you!
I love your photo’s! Praying for a safe trip home without vomiting! God Bless your wonderful family!
Oh my. Sophie has always been a beauty but she sparkles with her sister. Forever a special bond, I imagine. Praying for a safe, quick, boring trip home.
“a dream come true” indeed. beautiful girls!
Oh my word… SO ADORABLE!!!!!! I want to go back to take pictures! 🙂
I will be praying for a very boring/un-eventful trip HOME!!!!!!!!!! What a reunion it will be!!!!! May God go before you friend! Hugs, Diana
stunning photos! sophie looks radiant…truly beautiful! and clementine is just too cute for words! so happy to have followed in this journey with you all!
and did you take these with the ipad, too??????? if not, did you load them to ipad and edit on ipad, too?
Love!
Let the adventure begin! Such lovely photos, and such sweet girls. Safe travels, and can’t wait to see what you do next
I will be praying for you all day tomorrow as you travel.
Great pics! Thanks so much for sharing your journey once again.
Praying for safe, uneventful travels home.
So gorgeous, both this set and the one with chris yesterday. His work and love shines through all, especially Sophie x
Aww, they are sooooo cute!! Prayers for a safe and calm trip home! <3
Could they be any sweeter?!?! You can definitely see how far Sophie has come since the last time she was in China. Hope you have (or had, rather, I’m sure you’re back by now) safe and smooth travels! Can’t wait to see pictures of Clementine with her siblings all doting on her!