Today is actually our six-month anniversary of our official adoption day, but yesterday, December 10th, marked six-months since "Gotcha Day!"
Oh, what a wonderful day it was! A day I will never forget!
Kelly was so fragile, so mysterious, so amazing, and so strong. Now that we know her so well, we can look back and realize she was definitely shut down those first several days, but we didn't know that at the time. I remember how she used to take things in her hand, ANYTHING, and hold them ever so close to her face, brushing them with her fingers. She would do that with everything when we were in China. It was a total coping mechanism, a way to shut the all too overwhelming "everything" out and go to a safe place. But we didn't know it at the time. We just thought it was this cute little thing she did when she was interested in something. Do you know, Kelly hasn't done that since the week after we came home?
Oh, Kelly is such a precious little gift from God! We thank Him for blessing our lives with her.
She's grown, changed, adjusted, and blossomed so much over the past six months. When I look back, even though so much has changed, it's almost as if it's all a blur. The time has really flown by! I can hardly believe it.
On Gotcha Day, about 20 minutes after we met Kelly face to face for the very first time. This was taken after Kelly finished crying and was able to look me in the eyes. I think this was the first time she really gave me a good look. You can tell she's checking me out.
On Gotcha Day, about 20 minutes after we met Kelly face to face for the very first time. This was taken after Kelly finished crying and was able to look me in the eyes. I think this was the first time she really gave me a good look. You can tell she's checking me out.
Looking into those searching little eyes melted our hearts instantly.
Learning to trust her daddy... the first man in her life.
What a sweet face...a little scared, a little sad, a little shy...
We cracked up at her hair while taking this picture!
Traditional Red Couch picture with our travel group's children.
Happy Mommy with her beautiful baby girl.
Our favorite hangout in Guangzhou: Starbucks! You can see, Kelly felt right at home!
With her towel from the orphanage in her mouth. We still have it, but she hardly needs it anymore- only at bedtime!
Only a few days after coming home to California. She still looks like she's not so sure about all this.
Still only crawling, but about to walk any minute!
A cautious smile.
Looking like she's practicing throwing a football pass. So cute in her swimsuit!
Now that's a smile that came all the way from the bottom of her feet! She loves her brother and sister and they absolutely adore her.
Such a happy girl.
Determination: a trait Kelly strongly possesses.
Chilling out with two of her favorite things- her Backyardigans DVD and one of her board books.
Playing in the yard with Mommy and Camryn. Wearing the "magic shoes" that Camryn used to convince her that shoes were alright- after months of serious doubt, I might add.
Oh, there are so many other pictures I'd love to share! It's so fun to look back at where you've been... you realize what you've forgotten, which is how far you've come!
Playing in the yard with Mommy and Camryn. Wearing the "magic shoes" that Camryn used to convince her that shoes were alright- after months of serious doubt, I might add.
Oh, there are so many other pictures I'd love to share! It's so fun to look back at where you've been... you realize what you've forgotten, which is how far you've come!
8 comments:
Hey Jenn~
It's Sarah. I asked Clint for pictures when I realized Caleb was as old as my Annabelle and I kept picturing him as a 5 year old.
I loved reading about Kelly, and seeing pictures of everyone. Caleb is so handsome and Camryn is just striking. It was wonderful catching up with Clint and hearing about your family.
Love, Sarah
Boo, you have come a long way, Baby! Wow! What an awesome transformation in such a short six months. Kelly is truly a gift from God and yes, you can see the adoration between the three kidoes in the wonderful pictures you have shared with us. I can not wait to meet my littlest grandchild. You guys are a beautiful family living by faith and grace. I couldn't be more proud of EACH and EVERYONE of you. I am so blessed.
Hi Jenn,
Happy 6 months!! We just celebrated our ONE YEAR yesterday!! Can you believe it's been that long for both of us?!!
We truly have been blessed with the perfect babies for our families! Thank you for posting all the pictures from China, it was great to look back at them again. It seems like just yesterday that I was following your blog WHILE you were in China.
Enjoy every moment with sweet little Kelly and give her big hugs from your friends in Ohio! :)
Cheri
Hi Jen!
Wow! Six months already?! Kelly has blossomed into such a sweet little girl because of the loving home and family that surrounds her. She is one lucky girl to have you all in her life. I know you are all blessed too, but to give Kelly a chance at such a wonderful, rewarding life is so precious in itself. Please give her a squeeze for me!
We love you all and think of you daily. Thanks for everything you do! I treasure your friendship!
Love ya,
Deb
I'm just going to echo everyone else and say I really can't believe that it's been six months already! Jen this was such a sweet post, it still blows me away to see how much she has changed!
Love,
Auntie
Jenn,
Hi again. I just wanted to let you know that I read your comment on my blog and thank you...that was very sweet of you to say...but I still thinks it's an UGLY cry!! LOL
That is so weird that we are exactly 6 months apart (to the day) for our "Gotcha Day" Anniversaries!! :)
Cheri
Sarah! Thanks for the note! It's so good to hear from you! Thank you for feeding Clint last night- he sure enjoyed seeing you all and catching up. I'm sorry I've been so terrible about keeping up. That's what happens when you move a lot, but maybe I can be better now that we're reconnecting!
I'd love to see Annabelle, Faxon, Max & Wyatt, as well as Taylor and December, so send me a picture if you get a chance. Time sure flies!
Merry Christmas dear Sarah.
Love,
Jennifer
That's amazing! I can't believe how different she looks now. So much more hair! I love the purple "magic shoes" those are adorable. She's going to be a spunky and fun little girl. You can tell she wants her independence by how she sits off to the side in that red couch picture. She has such a wonderful personality. Maybe her and Jordan can go to a movie or dinner someday when they are 16 and we could try to get them to fall in love and someday (far far away) make us cute little asian grandkids! Hahaha.
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