Monday, August 8, 2011
EMME JADE DAY

While I type this post about our miraculous day, our new daughter is sitting on my lap. Her sweet pigtails that we have seen in so many photos are brushing up against my face. She is gentle, sweet, and so incredibly precious!

We were so thankful to have an early morning “Gotcha” this journey. We left our hotel at 9:30 to meet Emme Jade. When we arrived at the Civil Affairs office it was still closed. We found out later we were the only family the entire week adopting from Nanjing. We were happy to be there before Emme arrived. Since the office is on the main floor of the building we were able to see our precious daughter get out of the car. First impression, petite, and beautiful!

With prompting from our guide, Jeanne, I picked Emme up right away. She actually was okay with this short term. But, then it was clear she was going to get really upset. So, I sat her on the bench next to her big sister and we broke out the toys.
She was quick to accept a sucker while she took it all in.

She was perfectly content until we had to go in for the family photo. The crocodile tears began. Emme Jade will break your heart when she cries. I can tell already it’s going to be hard to say “no” to this little girl. It was amazing to watch her teacher swoop in and calm her down. They dried her tears for the photo, and I think she even smiled! She clearly respects those in charge, and takes direction well. It is evident in so many ways that she has been very loved!

TWen it came time to leave the tears began. Our guide told her she would get to see some pretty clothes and hair bows where we were taking her. Believe it or not, that seemed to help! Clearly God chose this child for our family!!

Back at the room she sat on my lap for a long time. She was so sad… The ice breakers were two pink balloons and Hello Kitty Stickers… Credit goes to Ainsley once again for getting her newest Mei Mei to engage and smile. The stickers were definitely a hit! She loved putting them on herself and the rest of us. And every time she did she looked up for approval from one of us! Of course we were more than happy to oblige!

A few other things we learned about our new daughter… Her other nickname at the orphanage means “Little Bean!” And, she is just that! Our little bean is tiny!!!!
Thankfully, I brought some 18-24 month clothes, because that is what she needs! She is neat and organized, and so polite! She is repeating English words already! We learned today that she went to school about four hours a day at the orphanage!
She is potty trained, she is a lefty, and she is smart!! And do not take her shoes off!!
This means it is time for bed.. Which she wanted no part of today! Her much needed nap was missed, other than about 10 minutes on the couch. We are hoping we can get her in the tub tonight, and to sleep early. She is on a very consistent schedule at the orphanage and we want to do our best to keep her on it.

My favorite story from our afternoon so far… She came to us in nylon socks like support hose… She was pulling at them.. So I went to her closet and pulled out two pairs of ruffly socks. Once I got her okay, I took off one nylon and put on her new sock.. The next thing we knew she whipped off her other nylon and ankle bracelet to have me put on the other sock!!! It was so hilarious. Another girly girl for our family! After the socks I got out the lotion. She loved having it rubbed on her.

We have now had Emme Jade for seven hours. Right now she is playing happily with her Baba who is quite smitten with his baby girl. The two lefties are coloring and getting to know each other.

Tomorrow we will go back to the Civil Affairs Office to make her officially ours. What a celebration that will be!

God has chosen a bright and beautiful blessing to be our fourth child, and we are so incredibly thankful! And, we are also thankful for all of the prayers lifted up for our family. We are humbled once again by God’s faithfulness!

It’s time to say goodnight from China!

Blessings from Nanjing!
Jeff, Diana, Ainsley and Emme Jade