This is Karis’ comment as Olivia taught her mommy how to help her get dressed.
It’s been an incredible day! It began with a van ride through rush hour in Beijing, continued with a 2 hour train ride through the country side to Shijiazhuang, then we moved on with several hours in government officials’ offices and finally about 4:30 this afternoon Karis and Olivia Tian Yi Day became mother and daughter.
Amazingly enough, the transition went quite smoothly. For the most part Olivia was calm, even when the Nanny handed her to Karis. It wasn’t until a little later that she began to cry. This lasted only a few minutes and then she got quiet again. She was this way all the way back to the hotel and through her dinner. It was a joy to watch Karis feed Olivia for the first time. (Yes, she loves carrots and apple sauce.)
Then she changed her clothes and an amazing thing happened…Olivia began to laugh. We think it is because her mommy is so inept at changing her clothes, but we can’t be sure and Olivia didn’t mind helping her one bit. No matter what the reason she opened up and became a smiley, happy little girl within just a few short hours.
Even when Karis introduced Olivia to her grandma and grandpa via the webcam she was still giggling and talking and mimicking her uncle John. It was a pretty incredible sight.
She is a healthy, beautiful, little girl who has nearly outgrown those 24 month clothes she’s received. The nanny from the Orphanage says she sure loves to eat and we think by the looks of her and how she ate this evening she is correct.
It is an amazing thing to watch God fulfill a dream he laid in Karis’ heart. A verse he has given to her is, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thess 5:24) God surely has done it and to describe it is beyond words.
As I close for today, uncle John is sleeping in the chair, mommy Karis is sleeping in the bed and baby Olivia is sleeping in her crib. It is an incredibly peaceful moment. I would say the Lord has been faithful as we’ve prayed for years about this moment. It truly couldn’t have gone much better. I would remind you though to continue to pray. This is only the beginning, Karis and Olivia both have much to learn about each other; how to trust, how to love and how to bond. I know the Lord is in their midst and it truly is an amazing thing to watch.
Blessings,
Auntie Teen
It’s been an incredible day! It began with a van ride through rush hour in Beijing, continued with a 2 hour train ride through the country side to Shijiazhuang, then we moved on with several hours in government officials’ offices and finally about 4:30 this afternoon Karis and Olivia Tian Yi Day became mother and daughter.
Amazingly enough, the transition went quite smoothly. For the most part Olivia was calm, even when the Nanny handed her to Karis. It wasn’t until a little later that she began to cry. This lasted only a few minutes and then she got quiet again. She was this way all the way back to the hotel and through her dinner. It was a joy to watch Karis feed Olivia for the first time. (Yes, she loves carrots and apple sauce.)
Then she changed her clothes and an amazing thing happened…Olivia began to laugh. We think it is because her mommy is so inept at changing her clothes, but we can’t be sure and Olivia didn’t mind helping her one bit. No matter what the reason she opened up and became a smiley, happy little girl within just a few short hours.
Even when Karis introduced Olivia to her grandma and grandpa via the webcam she was still giggling and talking and mimicking her uncle John. It was a pretty incredible sight.
She is a healthy, beautiful, little girl who has nearly outgrown those 24 month clothes she’s received. The nanny from the Orphanage says she sure loves to eat and we think by the looks of her and how she ate this evening she is correct.
It is an amazing thing to watch God fulfill a dream he laid in Karis’ heart. A verse he has given to her is, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thess 5:24) God surely has done it and to describe it is beyond words.
As I close for today, uncle John is sleeping in the chair, mommy Karis is sleeping in the bed and baby Olivia is sleeping in her crib. It is an incredibly peaceful moment. I would say the Lord has been faithful as we’ve prayed for years about this moment. It truly couldn’t have gone much better. I would remind you though to continue to pray. This is only the beginning, Karis and Olivia both have much to learn about each other; how to trust, how to love and how to bond. I know the Lord is in their midst and it truly is an amazing thing to watch.
Blessings,
Auntie Teen
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19 comments:
I've been trying all morning to see an update and I got to work and here it is! Yeah! I'm so thankful to hear things could not have gone better. God bless you, Karis and Olivia!
Joy
Oh my goodness, she's beautiful!!!Looks at those sparkly eyes and her sweet little smile...oh my, it's a smile that lights up a room!! What a special girl she is...Karis, you look so happy! This is what we all prayed for, and it finally happened. Karis, you know I'm crying tears of joy! Thank you Aunt Teen for posting this wonderful story. More pictures, please!! and somebody give Olivia a big smoochie from me! xoxoxox -April
Like Joy, I was looking all day yesterday for an update on the church service, and anticipation of Monday.
This was my first chance to get on today, and VOILA!! There she is. She looks sooo happy and I have never seen Karis with that look! Thank you Lord for the gift of adoption!!
Can't wait to meet her in person, and will be looking forward to more updates. I will keep you all in my prayers!!
God is good!!
Congratulations to all of you! Olivia, you will be so loved in your new home! How amazing! God bless and be with you all.
Rachel
I was hoping I would wake up to the news we've been waiting for. I'm so happy and am crying tears of joy too. It sounds like such a wonderful meeting. She is absolutely adorable! Katie (4yr old) says, "that's a cute smile, she's cute! I'm going to show her how to play house and she'll bring her dolly, and we can play play play together"....as she trails off into a song. I can't wait to meet you Olivia!!
-Mary Kay and Katie
'She's so cute!'
That is a comment from a room full of 3rd graders who have been perusing the blog, talking about China, etc.
We congratulate you!
We hope you have a safe trip home. We also want to know if you can come here with your baby. :)
love,
Cindy and her 3rd graders
WOW! I'm blown away. It's so great to see you together at last! May God continue to bless your journey and lives together.
And the blog is terrific! Karis was right - how awesome to have a "techie" little brother. :) Great updates from all of you - thanks so much.
Can't wait to meet Miss Olivia!
Maria
Oh Karis! What a joy to see you and Olivia together at last. I am still crying my tears of joy, and can't wait to see more pictures and hear more stories of your first few hours and days together. HE is surely an awesome God!
Karis, you must be about to explode with pure joy and emotion. How wonderful to have her finally in your arms. Thank you so much for having your blog available for all of us to share your happiness.
Much love!
dmc
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:27)
Karis, this day has been such a long time coming. I knew it would eventually happen because you were meant to be a mommy. Olivia looks like such a happy little one in the pic where she is smiling at you. I imagine you will always remember that first smile. I am so happy that your trip is going well. Keep up the good work!. P.S The blog is wonderful!
Love ya,
Diane
We are SO delighted to see the looks of JOY on Karis' and Olivia's face, together at last. What a magic moment, always to be treasured. We are so very happy that this moment has arrived and know you are cherishing it all. You continue in our prayers as you learn, with help(thanks to Christine and John!), to manage a 2 yr old in many interesting situations! :0 Count it all JOY! and I know you will. Hugs to all. Love, McHugh cousins
Karis, your daughter is beautiful! The picture where you are both smiling is fabulous...you were waiting for each other for a long time...and now your are both complete! We are soo happy for you, and Carlos sends sooo many kisses to Baby Olivia! Continue to have safe travels and many smiles on your journey, and keep the photos comming!!
Much love, Jeannine, Dave and Carlos
You have the new mommy "glow". You can see the love in the eyes between the two of you. It's beautiful sight to see. Congratulations! It'll be wonderful to meet her in person when you return. (Greet Christine for me.)
Sheri Richards
She is beautiful and love the smile. I got to work this morning and checked the site and what a wonderful way to start the day. Can't wait to hear of your adventures in the coming days. Give her a hug from me and enjoy each moment together.
Love you,
Luanne
Karis
You are a natural! She is so beautiful, I can't stop crying as I look at you two together, you are a wonderful mommy. What a blessing, Congratulations! Keenen wanted to see pictures of baby 'livia and Auntie Teen, we can't wait to meet her in person.
God Bless you!
Love Carrie, Keenen and Kaelyn-
We miss you Auntie Teen!
Oh my goodness!!! I have waited for years to finally see you with your little girl and the day has finally come. I'm overwhelmed with joy and just coming on here everyday to find that you're one day closer to bringing little Olivia home makes my entire day better. I can't wait to finally meet her. I Love You Both!!
Ashley
Karis,
I am overwhelmed with joy for you (as evidenced by the tears streaming down my face)! Words cannot even describe the joy at seeing the photos of you and your beautiful daughter FINALLY together. You have waited so long and struggled so much. This is just the beginning of a wonderful life for you both. She was meant for you and you for her, and now, you have each other - what a beautiful family! Congratulations on your new baby girl! I love you!
Noelle
Karis and Olivia,
The happiness and joy in your faces is priceless. I am so very happy for you and can't wait to meet your daughter. It sounds like you have some amazing travel mates too. God Bless Family.
Joan.
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