I am so happy you are home.
We are all so happy you are home.
You are getting stronger every day and can sit up so well now. In fact, you love to sit on the rug with your siblings, with your toys spread out in front of you. You are most definitely the center of attention and everyone scrambles to try to find the one toy that will make you giggle the most.
And the second they find that toy that you especially love, and put it into your little hands, you spin around with your back facing us. So no one can take your toy from you.
You don’t know it yet, but you don’t have to worry about not having toys of your own anymore.
You are eating so much better. You eat almost anything we give you, but you seem to especially enjoy sweet potatoes, pasta, oatmeal and bananas.
Often you eat a lot more than a little one your size ought. Your tummy gets so full, you look like you might pop. But we want to give you all you ask for right now.
You don’t know it yet, but you don’t have to worry about not having a full tummy anymore.
Your sleep schedule is all over the place. Some days you wake up at 7 and some days at 9. Some days you nap for 2 hours and some days for 5. But you always wake up wide-eyed and curious. Wondering.
You don’t know it yet, but you don’t have to worry about waking up alone anymore.
Your breathing continues to be labored. We are using inhalants and a round of oral steroids to try to alleviate some of the difficulty you are having, but so far we haven’t gotten to the bottom of your pulmonary issues yet. We do know that your little lungs have endured too much for too long without proper treatment. Misdiagnosed. Underdiagnosed. Overdiagnosed.
And, whatever it takes, we’ll do all we can to find relief for your little body.
You don’t know it yet, but you don’t have to worry about being sick without a mama to hold you anymore.
You are such a happy little bug, smiling, giggling and interacting with me and your daddy remarkably well for a child who has transitioned as much as you have. But sometimes we hold you too close. Or look into your eyes for too long. You’re not used to that kind of closeness.
Sometimes you look away. And sometimes you hit – because you’re overwhelmed. And we take a step back, and just love you the best we can from as close as you’ll let us get.
You don’t know it yet, but you don’t have to worry about the one you love leaving you anymore.
We know that we are only human, and can’t possibly solve every problem you’ll ever face, little one.
But for now, by the grace of God, we are blessed and honored to be able to solve a few.
Because we are yours now. And when we cannot solve a problem for you, we will stand with you as you wrestle with it. We will battle alongside you when we can. And when we can’t, we will cheer you on from the sidelines, with all of our might.
Oh, Clementine. You may not know it yet, but you don’t ever have to worry about being alone in this world again.
beautiful pictures! she’s adorable.
Beautiful post.
I have followed on your blog since before Poppy became part of your family but have not commented too often. Today, however, reading your post, has moved me in so many ways…thank you. I will continue to pray for Clementine to grow and enjoy love in your family.
I love her smiles! #precious
Oh dang. Again with the ugly cry. You are killing me with these posts, my friend. Sigh. So happy it’s leaking out my face.
Congratulations!!! I am another long time reader that seldom post, but always prays along with you. I think today’s post is one of the most beautiful posts. Yes, your precious daughter is not alone. I feel like you said what all of us forever Mama’s feel. God Bless you and your family and thank you for sharing your journey.
I do believe I love her. How blessed you ALL are to have been chosen for each other.
crying here. that was such a beautiful post to a beautiful little girl.
absolutely beautiful…..Clementine and your words~
This took me right back to bringing my daughter home 3 years ago. So blessed to have the opportunity to prove these truths to her every day.
Ummm, I think I’m in love! Clementine is just too adorable! Sweet, smart girl …. Hiding her toys and eating too much!!! Brings back memories of when we brought our girls home from China.
This little miracle is a blessing. Thanks be to God! Another perfect match only He could do!
Breathtaking. I’ve followed your family for quite a long while now … beautiful.
She is such a beautiful reminder of what love can do…. So happy for all of you!!! What a precious blessing God has chosen for you to love, protect, care for, hold, feed, bless…… Amazing Grace keeps playing in my head…. Love, Diana
She is THE cutest little love-bug! What a blessing she must be to your family! I’ll bet she is doted over all day long, as she should be!
Your photos are amazing! You seem to capture every single cute face…I love that! Keep ’em coming!
That is such a beautiful post for such a beautiful girl. I remember when I brought my almost 7-year-old home, who was wearing a size 3 or 4T, she would eat so much I would be alarmed, but it was to no ill effect. She reported, after attaining English skills, that they had put some fish in a ceramic pond at the orphanage, but they had all died – I am thinking the sun was too hot on the concrete. They had the fish for dinner that night. It took a little while before she was not afraid there would not be enough to eat.
Bless dear Clementine as she learns she now has a loving family that will never leave her.
Oh.my.word. So beautiful. Love you and that sweet girl of yours. <3
I too have been following your blog for years and todays post moved me to comment. The sentiment in this post is overwhelming and I couldnt help but cry while reading it. You and your family are a blessing to so many but especially to your children. I can see in all their smiling faces that they are loved. May God continue to bless you and your family!
Clementine is a beautiful little girl!!!! This post brought me to tears. God Bless you and your family.
{sniffle}
love
Love reading about your family. So fun and inspiring. I especially love the pictures of Clementine and Sophie in China. And love Clementine’s name–she can really pull it off! As mom of a child born with DS I would just like to suggest that feeding any child until it seems that they might pop is not a kindness, especially if they are living with DS. I am also an adoptive mom and know how you want them to know they can depend on you for food, but far better to provide bits of food often, than lots at once. I believe that is actually a better way to teach them to depend on you. Offering small amounts when they are hungry teaches that there will be food when they need it, so they don’t need to gorge all at once.
so sweet! *smiles*
Oh my goodness!! Could this post and those pictures of Clementine get any sweeter!!! Love EVERYTHING about this post. Clementine is a DOLLBABY!!
Beautifully written. Your post expresses everything I have felt about our baby girl in a way I never could have. Welcome home baby Clementine.