Getting ready to take our girl in for a major surgery is getting me a little weepy. And nostalgic.
And just plain sappy.
Love looking back at these pictures because it reminds me of how far she has come in the 8 months she has been home. It’s just crazy.
These were taken just a few days after we met Clementine for the first time. Our first outing as a family.
We were a little nervous. But we had our pediatrician’s blessing and it was oh-so-good for us to get out of that little hotel room and into the (relatively) fresh air.
And surrounded by the beauty of Martyrs Park.
I am so in love with China, the richness of history and the beauty of the people, as a wanna-be photographer, I could have stayed all day trying to get a few pictures that capture it’s magnificence.
But on this day I was a tired, anxious mama who was just grateful to get a few pictures that weren’t blurry.
Just look at her. So tiny. Tape marks on her face from the cannula. Nestled on her daddy’s shoulder.
Struggling so hard with every breath, but still smiling.
Our wonderful guide took such good care of us and patiently taught us all about those honored by the park.
Took us on a lovely walking tour.
And helped us order a twist cone at McDonalds. You know, all the important stuff.
Besides the breathtaking views and the nervous excitement of being out with our new daughter for the first time, there was this little boy.
He was at the park with his grandparents and decided that he wanted Sophie to be his big sister.
Sophie, not surprisingly, had no interest in being big sister to another brother. I think the two she has at home more than suffice in her mind.
We still giggle about this little boy, and seeing his face again makes me smile.
Looking back the Lord showed us even more grace and mercy than I’d realized at the time. He truly was going before us, beside us and behind us to bring this little girl home.
And boy, did she need to get home.
For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. – Isaiah 52:12