Jen is having a hard time accessing blogger, which is why this update is belated. She forwarded it and the pics to me and I've just now had a minute to post it! Enjoy the sweet pictures!
Hi everyone!
Thanks for all the sweet comments. This amazing experience is made all the richer because we’re able to share it with you all.
Well, as you saw, we got Kelly! She’s is an absolute doll. She’s curious, playful, and spunky. She’s easily upset, but also easily comforted. She’s very loveable, and are we ever having a ball loving on her. I think I’ve kissed her a million times already. And yes, those feet and toes have gotten lots of kisses, Kim, and I’m happy to report, she loves it!
I got some big smiles as I laid her down for her nap a little while ago and kissed her feet over and over again. She’s just precious.
Okay, so let’s see… Gotcha Day:
She was very scared and unhappy upon our initial meeting, naturally. One thing we’ve learned about her is that when she’s sad or upset, her jaw quivers when she cries. It’s a pitiful sight- makes me want to cry right along with her!
She has a white cheesecloth towel that she LOVES. She cried inconsolably for about ten minutes when they first put her in my arms, but then her nanny gave her that white towel and she quieted right down and snuggled into my chest clutching her towel and holding it to her face. She will stick a bit of it in her mouth and suck on it for comfort as well. So we’ve kept the little white towel close by at all times, and whenever she gets upset, it really helps to comfort her. I’m sooo thankful her nanny brought that!
So anyway, I rocked her as she calmed down, and we were able to ask her nanny questions about her as our guide translated for us. Everything went really smoothly. We got back to the hotel, chilled out for a bit and just played with her, then we went for a walk. She enjoys being outdoors, just like her brother and sister did when they were her age.
Clint has been wonderful, as usual. She isn’t sure about him yet- her nanny told us she’s never been around men, so she’s probably still trying to decide if he’s a good guy or not. That’s okay- Clint can take it and he still showers her with affection and lets her know she’s safe and loved in his arms. He’s very playful with her, and she loves it, but she’s trying very hard not to. Clint’s wearing her resistance down though!
She’s very healthy, especially considering her recent hospitalization, and photos I had seen from her orphanage. I was prepared for the worst, but she came to us smelling baby fresh clean, her hair was free of lice, and her body was free of scabies. She didn’t even have diaper rash or bug bites, so all of my fears were quickly dispelled.
She is not chubby, but she’s not teeny tiny either. I’d say she’s “just right.” She’s fitting perfectly into the 12-18 month clothes I brought- her sleeper she wore last night is almost snug. She’s pretty solid and seems quite strong, but she can’t walk yet and doesn’t seem too interested in trying. We’ll see if that changes as she gets more comfortable with us.
She slept great last night- we put her down around 8:30pm, and I patted and rubbed her back... it wasn’t even 5 minutes and she was fast asleep. She slept soundly until 6 am this morning. I’m so thankful. We all got some much needed sleep.
She has a fun little personality, and we’re enjoying getting to know her. Here are some things we’ve learned about her so far:
~She does this little thing with her hand, where she brushes things with her fingers to feel them, almost like you’d move your fingers to wave bye-bye, or to scratch something. She does that on her bottle when she eats, and she does it quite often throughout the day as she investigates other things. It’s very cute.
~She grinds her teeth. She has eight in front and she’s able to grind them. Not at night- thankfully, just once in a while during the day. It sounds dreadful!
~She loves to pick up little teeny tiny things with her thumb and index finger and investigate them, but we’ve noticed things rarely go into her mouth.
~She makes these cute little grunting sounds when she’s in a playful mood, definitely in a communicative way towards us. It’s a funny little inquisitive-sounding grunt, like there’s a question mark at the end. She loves it when we grunt back at her, and we’ll do this back and forth with one another.
~She also loves to clap and she loves it when we go back and forth mimicking one another clapping too.
~Camryn got her to copy her on Skype this morning, making noises with brushing her fingers on her mouth. I can’t wait for her to meet Caleb and Camryn in person. She’s going to have so much fun with them.
~She loves a bath! She splashes and has a great time. She does not like getting her hair rinsed though.
~She kicks when she gets mad.
~She gets mad easily, but it doesn’t last long.
~She loves affection- kisses and tickles, and she likes it when I rub her back, arms, legs and feet. She is very accepting of my affection most all of the time, but she resists being held facing in if we’re out walking around where there are things to see. She wants to be on my side, where she can twist to face out and look around. When I insist she face me, like when I have her in my kozy carrier, she puts up a fight, but it lasts, no joke, one minute, if that. I can tell by the tension in her body though, that she’s still not too happy with facing me, even though she complies easily. I don’t know if her resistance is an attachment thing or just a curious thing, but we’re mindful of it, so we’ll see as we get to know her better.
Today we took her for the official adoption registration. That means everything became final today- she’s officially ours! We also took her to get her medical exam this afternoon, which is required. She checked out healthy as can be- and she weighs in at 21 pounds!
Well, I think that’s about it for me for now. Clint and Kelly are asleep and I’m super tired, so I’m going to go join them now.
We didn’t get to take too many pictures today, so I’m sorry there aren’t more. I’ll try to do better tomorrow. I know those pictures are worth a thousand words!
Thanks for all the sweet comments. This amazing experience is made all the richer because we’re able to share it with you all.
Well, as you saw, we got Kelly! She’s is an absolute doll. She’s curious, playful, and spunky. She’s easily upset, but also easily comforted. She’s very loveable, and are we ever having a ball loving on her. I think I’ve kissed her a million times already. And yes, those feet and toes have gotten lots of kisses, Kim, and I’m happy to report, she loves it!
I got some big smiles as I laid her down for her nap a little while ago and kissed her feet over and over again. She’s just precious.
Okay, so let’s see… Gotcha Day:
She was very scared and unhappy upon our initial meeting, naturally. One thing we’ve learned about her is that when she’s sad or upset, her jaw quivers when she cries. It’s a pitiful sight- makes me want to cry right along with her!
She has a white cheesecloth towel that she LOVES. She cried inconsolably for about ten minutes when they first put her in my arms, but then her nanny gave her that white towel and she quieted right down and snuggled into my chest clutching her towel and holding it to her face. She will stick a bit of it in her mouth and suck on it for comfort as well. So we’ve kept the little white towel close by at all times, and whenever she gets upset, it really helps to comfort her. I’m sooo thankful her nanny brought that!
So anyway, I rocked her as she calmed down, and we were able to ask her nanny questions about her as our guide translated for us. Everything went really smoothly. We got back to the hotel, chilled out for a bit and just played with her, then we went for a walk. She enjoys being outdoors, just like her brother and sister did when they were her age.
Clint has been wonderful, as usual. She isn’t sure about him yet- her nanny told us she’s never been around men, so she’s probably still trying to decide if he’s a good guy or not. That’s okay- Clint can take it and he still showers her with affection and lets her know she’s safe and loved in his arms. He’s very playful with her, and she loves it, but she’s trying very hard not to. Clint’s wearing her resistance down though!
She’s very healthy, especially considering her recent hospitalization, and photos I had seen from her orphanage. I was prepared for the worst, but she came to us smelling baby fresh clean, her hair was free of lice, and her body was free of scabies. She didn’t even have diaper rash or bug bites, so all of my fears were quickly dispelled.
She is not chubby, but she’s not teeny tiny either. I’d say she’s “just right.” She’s fitting perfectly into the 12-18 month clothes I brought- her sleeper she wore last night is almost snug. She’s pretty solid and seems quite strong, but she can’t walk yet and doesn’t seem too interested in trying. We’ll see if that changes as she gets more comfortable with us.
She slept great last night- we put her down around 8:30pm, and I patted and rubbed her back... it wasn’t even 5 minutes and she was fast asleep. She slept soundly until 6 am this morning. I’m so thankful. We all got some much needed sleep.
She has a fun little personality, and we’re enjoying getting to know her. Here are some things we’ve learned about her so far:
~She does this little thing with her hand, where she brushes things with her fingers to feel them, almost like you’d move your fingers to wave bye-bye, or to scratch something. She does that on her bottle when she eats, and she does it quite often throughout the day as she investigates other things. It’s very cute.
~She grinds her teeth. She has eight in front and she’s able to grind them. Not at night- thankfully, just once in a while during the day. It sounds dreadful!
~She loves to pick up little teeny tiny things with her thumb and index finger and investigate them, but we’ve noticed things rarely go into her mouth.
~She makes these cute little grunting sounds when she’s in a playful mood, definitely in a communicative way towards us. It’s a funny little inquisitive-sounding grunt, like there’s a question mark at the end. She loves it when we grunt back at her, and we’ll do this back and forth with one another.
~She also loves to clap and she loves it when we go back and forth mimicking one another clapping too.
~Camryn got her to copy her on Skype this morning, making noises with brushing her fingers on her mouth. I can’t wait for her to meet Caleb and Camryn in person. She’s going to have so much fun with them.
~She loves a bath! She splashes and has a great time. She does not like getting her hair rinsed though.
~She kicks when she gets mad.
~She gets mad easily, but it doesn’t last long.
~She loves affection- kisses and tickles, and she likes it when I rub her back, arms, legs and feet. She is very accepting of my affection most all of the time, but she resists being held facing in if we’re out walking around where there are things to see. She wants to be on my side, where she can twist to face out and look around. When I insist she face me, like when I have her in my kozy carrier, she puts up a fight, but it lasts, no joke, one minute, if that. I can tell by the tension in her body though, that she’s still not too happy with facing me, even though she complies easily. I don’t know if her resistance is an attachment thing or just a curious thing, but we’re mindful of it, so we’ll see as we get to know her better.
Today we took her for the official adoption registration. That means everything became final today- she’s officially ours! We also took her to get her medical exam this afternoon, which is required. She checked out healthy as can be- and she weighs in at 21 pounds!
Well, I think that’s about it for me for now. Clint and Kelly are asleep and I’m super tired, so I’m going to go join them now.
We didn’t get to take too many pictures today, so I’m sorry there aren’t more. I’ll try to do better tomorrow. I know those pictures are worth a thousand words!
5 comments:
Congrats!
Hi Jen!
The updates are just wonderful! WOW! You are just so attentive and learning so much about her. She looks so unbelievable happy and I love her smile! My heart is just so happy for you both and I couldn't think of a better fit for Miss Kelly Elise. Enjoy every waking moment and send more pics when you can. Thank you for being so wonderful in keeping us in the loop. I have been telling all my friends here about you guys--I am just giddy in excitement for you! WE send our love and prayers for continued leaps with your beautiful daughter, Kelly Elise Kneip!
Love to all,
Debbie and Family
Kelly is absolutely adorable! Ah,God is faithful, He has answered so many prayers and has given you the desires of your hearts. She is truly precious. Your commentary is wonderful and thank you for sharing all those special little things about her. I imagine when you get Kelly home she will quickly be walking. She will want to keep up with Camryn and Caleb IF they ever put her down! :) Kelly looks so playful and my heart overflows with joy seeing this. Take that camera out and send more pictures. Smooch smooch to Boo. May you all have refreshing sleep and sweet dreams. I love you.
Oh my goodness I cannot even speak righ now. I just cried of joy when I saw her smiles. I think I have checked your blog about 10 times today looking for new pictures, I am so glad that you have involved all of us in this mircale. I just cannot stop smiling myself. I am so glad her toes taste good, I know you have waited along time to get a hold of them. Maybe when she gets home I can get a hold of them.
Enjoy your time and before you know you will be home. CONGRATUALTIONS on your final day, Kelly Elise Kneip sounds pretty good. (good job clint)
Love you all and see you soon.
Kim
Whew! I don't know...those words of yours are worth every bit as much as the photos and the photos are super! Thanking you for taking time out of your exhaustion to share with us. You are really engaging in that little one and that has to mean soooo much to her. She may never have had anyone so engaged in her little short life. Nothing escapes you and she will get lots of benefits from that kind of attention. She is so regal and dignified. It's good to see her smiling and laughing - she's been so serious. I cannot imagine what it feels like for her to sleep in all that comfort. The photos I saw before had all the little ones sleeping on what looked like plywood planks. It won't take her long to adjust to all the affection, love, and comforts. I'm so happy for all of you and anxious for the Fabulous Five to be united. She is a precious member of a precious family. We love you and hope to see you soon.
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