She’s here! We are truly blessed, and so thankful to our God for Lainey. Here is how this morning unfolded…
We left the hotel about 9:15, arriving at the CCAA offices about 9:35. We unloaded and stepped into the very cold (they don’t heat the buildings much at all) lobby and stood, waiting for the elevator. Suddenly, our guide announces “here is the baby from Bengbu”. What? We turn to look at the door and there they are…a couple of women and girls and a nanny holding a very bundled up Lainey. Randy starts scrambling for his camera and thankfully, another dad in our group takes pictures for us.Â
Lainey with one of her nannies, Song. She’s telling Lainey “mama” “baba” and I’m holding her hand.
We all load onto the elevator…how weird it felt to be in the same elevator as our daughter that we just met and not be holding her! We go to the office where all the other families (there were 5 total) were meeting their daughters. We put our things down and then walk up to Song and Lainey. After a few minutes of Song telling her it’s okay and nudging her towards me, the hand-off is made.
Baba gets a turn, too. Notice the very tight lipped expression? She kept it the whole time in the office.
Forever Family
Prior to this picture, the nanny had come up and given Lainey a small piece of hard candy (yep, hard candy for a 19 month old?) and she kept it sitting in her mouth the whole time, not sucking it, just drooling candy juice :)
After a few minutes and a diaper change, we were all back in the van and on the way back to the hotel.
I gave her this ball on the van, and she held it very tightly. She still has the candy in her mouth. A few minutes later, she decides to take the candy out with her fingers so I grab it gently with a tissue. She didn’t like this idea of mine, and she started to softly cry, so we gave her a Gerber puff. She again, just held it in her mouth and whimpered a little for the rest of the ride home, once or twice putting her head on my shoulder. Loved that. She’s wearing Abbey’s old winter hat.
Back in the hotel room, still clutching that ball. Notice her mouth isn’t clenched so tightly here.
We took off her jacket (her red outfit has the 2008 Beijing Olympic figures on it) and gave her a phone with lights and sounds. It instantly became her favorite, and she began to become so much more relaxed and comfortable. I go to our guide’s room to do a bit of paperwork and leave daddy in charge. Well, after I take a few pics of them together.
Randy offers her a cookie…
I think she likes it! She savored it, taking very, very tiny bites around the edges and finally giving in to putting the last crumb in.Â
Very first reading of Pat the Bunny! The guide has told us to keep our room fairly warm, because she’s so used to being bundled up. Randy, therefore, is sweating. We’ll have to find a happy medium there!
She’s becoming even more comfortable, and starts taking some walks around the room. Notice the split pants? These are very common in China for all babies/toddlers…usually there are no undies or diaper underneath so the child can just squat and go when needed.
First meal with mama. Our guide helped us order her lunch…rice and egg. The rice was plain, but the egg looked like a solid scrambled piece, sort of like custard, heavily soaked in soy sauce. Randy tried it and wasn’t impressed. She, however, loved it. She’s taking water from a special bottle that we have to basically squirt into her mouth (since she can’t suck with her cleft). Notice the ice-breaking phone is right there.
Tummy full…time for a nap. She went down easily, no fussing. Just laid where we put her and eventually closed her eyes.Â
It’s 2:20 here and she’s been asleep for an hour. The pediatrician comes to see her at 3:30 to give her a quick check up. We hear some congestion, so we’ll see what the doctor says. The rest of our day is free, to continue getting to know Miss Lainey. We’re calling her what the orphanage called her, QingQing, for now and will slowly add Lainey as the days go by. We had envisioned all the different ways this day could go, and I don’t think ANY of them went this well. Lainey is taking food from us, playing with her toys, making eye contact, and went to sleep very easily.
God is very good.
February 18th, 2008 at 3:22 am
Congratulations Donna and Randy!!! Lainey is just beautiful! She has changed so much from her updated photos. It makes me see how much Cassie is likely to change. :) I know to expect that lovely orphanage haircut! I am so glad for you that things are going well. It must have been odd to be riding up the elevator with her! Wow that she is eating and sleeping well so far. Oh, and her lip looks great! I just can’t get over how beautiful she is. Congrats again!
It is 11:20pm here in California…I am so glad I was able to see the pictures tonight! Enjoy these precious moments….
Becky
February 18th, 2008 at 5:27 am
OH MY GOSH, SHE IS SO ADORABLE. I couldn’t sleep so at four am I finally got up and RAN to the computer. You look so CONTENT. I knew things would go smoothly- hooray hooray hooray! The kids and Jon will see the pics as soon as they get up. Oh, we are just so so happy for you. She’s YOURS!!!!! Praise the Lord, for He is good and his timing is impeccable. Hope the doc gives her the OK about her chest. I cannot believe she just went to sleep in a new room with a new bed. WOW. Love you LOTS. Anne
February 18th, 2008 at 7:35 am
SHE IS SOOOOO ADORABLE AND BEAUTIFUL…our sweet new Grand daughter!!! We LOVE these pictures and just cannot get over how WELL she’s done!!! You both look so happy and RELAXED!! Thanks for the phone call at 10:15 last night…I couldn’t get over not hearing any crying!! She’s so cute holding that ball…you can tell that and the phone will be favorite toys forever!! The split pants are funny..glad you explained that!! Gotta go get ready for work. We’re so HAPPY for you and our entire family…what a wonderful blessing. Can’t wait to see her when you guys get home to Florida…we’ll be there with the kids to see her for the 1st time…we are in love with her already!! Much love to you 3, Mom & Dad
February 18th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Oh Donna, She is just beautiful…. really! Her eyes have a unspoken trust in them that just melts you. She looks like she didn’t have any troubles the first day. How blessed you are. How good our Lord is to give you this extra gift.
Patricia
PS – love the hair cut!! ;)
February 18th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Wow! That is all I can think of to say!! Lainey is beautiful and your day was perfect… God is so good!! My prayers continue for you all!
February 18th, 2008 at 9:01 am
How wonderful to see her with you! We are thrilled for you, and just love these gorgeous pictures. May God bless these first hours together.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Donna,
She is absolutely exquisite. The pursed lips are so cute! She looks like she’s adjusting well to mom and dad…and mom and dad look over the moon! Congrats!
Laurie
LID 3/19/07
Waiting for Hannah
February 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Donna and Randy,
She is so beautiful! Enjoy these precious first moments with her!
Margaret
waiting for Graeme
February 18th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Praise the Lord! Oh wow Donna! I am crying tears of joy right now for you and your family. Lainey is beautiful and you are so blessed. As soon as I got up this morning I checked the computer to see Lainey’s beautiful face! What wonderful first moments you had with her. I am praying that you all will continue to have an easy transition. Keep up the good work on the updates!!
Jessica
February 18th, 2008 at 9:37 am
She is just beautiful! Congratulations to you and Randy! I was so excited to see your post this morning and Lainey’s adorable face. Praying that your transition continues to go smooth.
Blessings,
Kim
February 18th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Love seeing that sweet girl in your arms where she belongs. I am so happy the transition is going so well. I will continue to pray for you guys! Happy tears are flowing for you guys!
February 18th, 2008 at 10:27 am
What a beautiful daughter you have! Congratulations! Your pictures are fantastic too.
Our daughter holds food in her mouth too, even after she has been with us for over a year…
Blesings,
~Rebecca in FL
February 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am
CONGRATS! she is so pretty! I love the pic of her and Randy when he first handle her-that was priceless! God bless you and we will be praying for an easy next few days!
February 18th, 2008 at 10:36 am
“He took a little child and held the child in His arms and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in My name welcomes Me.” Maark 9:36
How beautiful is my newest “angel” called Lainey !!!
I think I could look into those eyes forever. I even like the little “pouty” lips. NOW.. the haircut is a different story. But Donna will have it growing and styled before long. Randy I love you sitting with her with the book and the picture of Donna feeding her. Well, I just love all of the pictures. You will have to save those split-tail pants. They are hilarious, but practical, I guess. Lainey looks so trusting in your arms. She knows God chose her the “complete” family. One built on Christian love. Thank you for Lainey. Hug her and tell her that Gram loves her.
February 18th, 2008 at 10:37 am
How beautiful! I’m soo excited for you.
Love her haircut. Enjoy your Lainey Day!
~Deanna
waiting for Owen from Tianjin
February 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Donna, Lainey is absolutely beautiful..the pics are incredible..and I am just so excited for all of you! It has been such a Blessing to follow your journey and I pray that all continues to go so well. God Bless!!
February 18th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Congratulations Donna, Randy and family. Lainey is just beautiful and it is so wonderful to see her with her forever family. I am continuing to keep you all in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with all of us.
Shari
LBRTB
February 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
These pictures are making cry, and I can’t imagine the overwhelming emotion you both must feel. And with all of this, God has blessed you with a happy, healthy baby that sleeps well– boy, you two are truly blessed ;o) BTW– the HOT weather in Florida should keep Lainey warm all year long– so no worries on that here in good ole USA.
We love you, and we’re excited about meeting Miss Lainey. Thanks for keeping this website up to date, so that all of us can take this beautiful journey with you both. Take care, safe travels, and God Bless!
February 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Lainey is beautiful! I am so glad everything is going well and will continue to pray that her transition is an easy one! Enjoy your first moments together getting to know your sweet girl!
February 18th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I wanted to say hi! Our day went extremely well too. At least until 7:30 when we went through a meltdown. We’re still up at 10:00 and he shows no signs of stopping.
See you soon!
February 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Donna & Randy,
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Lainey really has changed fromt he pictures! She is so beautiful and looks like she did so well! I will continue to pray daily for you and that you’ll all adjust to her and she to you. What a wonderful day for you. I think the picture of her being read to is so precious. Congratulations again and God’s ABUNDANT blessing on you today!
February 18th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Donna and Randy,
PRAISE THE LORD! She is finally in your arms!! What an amazing journey to your daughter. :) She is so adoreable even with the pouty lips. The hair, well, I think it has already had a comment. LOL!! She will be just so pretty once her mommy gets hold of her hair now. Enjoy and be blessed.
Wendy
February 18th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Donna and Randy,
Congratulations! I was so excited to see pictures of you and Lainey when I woke up this morning. She is precious. I’m so happy for you. Love the pouty lips…too cute! You are so blessed.
erin
February 18th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Donna and Randy!! Congratulations! She is beautiful and I am so glad things are going so well! Prayer really does make a differenct! I am sitting here remembering 11 months ago today and we saw our Anna first in the exact same way in the exaxt same place. She came in that same door right behind us!
Blessings and we pray that things will continue to go smoothly!
February 18th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Donna,
Lainey is beautiful and I am so glad to see her in her parents’ arms. Enjoy the next several days, the fun is just beginning!
We’ll be praying for you’ll and your kids back home.
Ashley Hood
February 18th, 2008 at 11:57 am
God IS so good! Lainey is beautiful! I love the looks on both of your faces when you are holding Lainey! I also love the tight lip almost pout! She is darling! So good to see her eating and playing with you! Praying for you all n the days to come!
Love, Sarah Houston
fellow Firefly
February 18th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Congratulations Donna and Randy! She is absolutely beautiful!! What an answer to prayer that everything is going so well. I will continue to pray that all continues to go great!! I can’t wait to see more pictures….what a cutie she is!!!
February 18th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
DONNA! I am trying to hold back tears because we have guests at our house right now. But LAINEY IS BEAUTIFUL!!! GORGEOUS, ADORABLE!!!!!! I am so HAPPY For you! May God bless you! HOORAY!!!!!
Love,
Janet
February 18th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Congratulations!!! She is beautiful and it looks like the transition went very well. So happy for you guys and will keep praying that the rest of your time together is special and full of bonding love!
February 18th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
MORE PICTURES FAST- I’ve worn out my eyeballs looking at these all day. Love you again.
February 18th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
So many emotions and feelings come flooding through us. The picture of Randy holding Lainey (with his eyes closed) is the picture that brings tears to our eyes–over and over again.
We are so excited for you! May God continue to bless you all.
February 18th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
What a beautiful family. Many many congratulations!
Jenny G.
CCAIWC buddies
February 18th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Donna and Randy,
We are so thrilled that everything is going smoothly. Lainey is beautiful and looks very comfortable with you both. We can’t wait to meet her!
Praising God with you!!!!
Mike and Angie
February 18th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I am SO happy for you guys and am so enjoying following your journey! God has blessed you so much with this beautiful little girl — and I know you are a tremendous blessing to her as well! Thrilled to see her in your arms at last!
Karmen Bernacchi
Ladybug Believers Group
http://www.babybernacchi.com
February 18th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I just got home after spending the afternoon with my “other” 10 grands. I gave special hugs to Abbey, Marley, Payton and Ethan just for you. They were so excited about the pictures and their new sister. We talked about Lainey, ate lunch, talked about Lainey, played games, talked about Lainey and then Dee Dee said that they All had to go outside and play. They miss you both and have promised me that they will give Lainey a special hug from me. I just introduced PaPaul to his newest grandchild and he thinks she is adorable !! I want MORE pictures too !! I pray that your day with her has been great. Love you all.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I’m sure you guys know by now…how SPECIAL you both are (and Lainey) to family and friends!!!! I cried as I read all of these MANY comments…and I agree with each and every one of them!!! Today, February 18, 2008 we have been blessed by a sweet, adorable little girl. We haven’t met her yet, but she certainly has stolen our hearts!! Love, Mom
February 18th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Lainey is BEAUTIFUL!!! She looks so content and peaceful with you both. I love following along on your journey of a lifetime!!! The pictures are priceless, did I say how beautiful she is?? Congratulations to the new forever family!!!
Joanna Van Gieson
CCAI
February 18th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Congratulations on your sweet Lainey, she’s BEAUTIFUL!!! I’m enjoying your pictures and blog so very much!! What a wonderful journey to your forever family!!!
February 18th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
WOOHOO!!! What a wonderful sight…seeing Lainey in your guys arms, reading to her, and feeding her!
Lainey seems to fit in perfectly on just the first day-what a blessing! Enjoy the rest of your trip and have a safe trip home!
Take Care,
Holly L.
February 18th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Donna –
Congratulations a million times over!! She is just beautiful and looks content with her Mama and Baba! Now tell us the truth…doesn’t the wait seem like a long and distant memory now that you have your angel in your arms?!
It is so awesome to see what God has done for your family. Enjoy the bonding!!
Teresa =)
CCAI WCP, Mom to Meggie and Carson
February 19th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Dear Clark Seven,
Isn’t it just the best? Have read your awesome post and all the joyful replies several times. Wonderful. Absolutley wonderful. Lainey is simply gorgeous and heaven sent. What a perfect addition to your family. She was born for the arms that embrace her now. A million congratulations and best wishes.
Hugs and kisses,
Claire Royer, CCAIWCP, travel group 1215 for Ona Xiao Jie Royer