What an incredible experience! We arrived at the Civil Affairs building at around 3:00pm with Echo to meet Guo Zhen. We were taken into a room with many nannies and directors. There were about 5 babies in all. No other families were in the room and all of the nannies were trying to see who we were and which baby was ours. Guo Zhen was seated on the lap of her nanny between 2 other babies and their nannies. We didn't recognize her because she had changed so much from her 6 month photo. Also, we were amazed to find that her cleft lip had been repaired in December. She even has a little bit of hair now. She didn't make a peep and came right to me. She was wearing a little winter coat and boots with a long sleeved tshirt and heavy pants. She smiled a little and played with the buttons on the legs of her pants. Her nanny was so animated and sweet with her, calling us mama and baba. She never once cried and readily took the teething ring of keys we gave her. She just kept looking up at us with those beautiful brown eyes. She has been so easy going and tolerant with us all evening only crying a few times, and usually when I tried to put her down or give her to someone else. By bedtime, she was very comfortable with us...smiling big and allowing Steve and Mikaela to hold her and feed her congee.
The photos are: 1. Gotcha! 2. Guo Zhen with her nanny. 3. The end of a long day. 4. First hold by big brother, Jacob. 5. Being held by Mikaela while Joseph tries the bottle.
Thank you for all of the emails, we read them all but are unable to send replies due to the internet service we are getting here.
16 comments:
Oh my tears are flowing...... Congratulations! She's custom made and perfect for the Monday family!!! God knew all along she would be yours. And seeing your other children with her, WOW! So neat! All the earth is proclaiming Christ is King, Dana Stuber
I can hardly see to type because I am crying so much with delight in seeing photos of Maimie and her family. What a beauty she is!!! Has her feet touched the ground yet? I imagine you are all floating on clouds too!!!! I need to call Grandpa at work so he can see all of you too!!! God is so awesome!!!! Can't wait to see her and at least touch her!!!! Did you remember to give her a big hug and kiss from us?
In Christian Love,
Mom & Dad (Grandma & Grandpa)
Oh wow! She is so adorable! I am so thrilled for your entire family and cannot wait until you are home and settled and would love to bring Lana over to meet your sweet Maime. I am glad that all is smooth and she is settling in so nicely with you all. Praise the Lord.
She is a beautiful girl! I am so glad she has taken to you already. Must have been a Monday from the start! It is great to know the nanny liked her also. She seems to have been saved just for you.
Maimie is beautiful! I am thrilled that you have this website so we can see the photos and follow your journey. Maimie is so blessed to be a part of your family! I know you are blessed to have her in your arms. She has been in your hearts for a long time. It is obvious that Mikaela, Jacob and Joseph love her already. May God bless you as you continue your journey in China and on your trip home. We're praying for you! Aunt Sheila
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The longest pregnancy known to mankind, and well worth the prize at the end of the looooooooong wait!!! We pray for you and think of you (especially Hannah!)
Dear Mondays! What an incredible journey! The tears just keep coming. I am so thrilled that she has taken to your family so well. God is awesome! He does answer prayers! What a wonderful gift of love God has given your family. Enjoy your trip in China, the birth home of Maime. We can't wait until you can bring her home. Love to you all! Jody dill
So glad to hear Gotcha Day went so well! And she's already had surgery! Wow! Following your trip helps make it seem like it really does happen. We don't have exact travel dates yet, but it will only be a few more weeks until we'll be in Nanning :) How exciting!
Love your blog!
Karyn Mansen (with LifeLink, too!)
Mondays - I was finally able to get on this site. It wouldn't let me on before for some reason. Anyway - I was so excited to see the photos and read that all is going well. I've been thinking and praying for you often. It brings back so many memories for me! Enjoy your time in the beautiful country of China!
Grace is sitting right by me and commenting on the photos, too! :)
Maimie's mouth looks great - they did a very good job on the surgery!
Hugs and kisses to all the kids.
So glad Maimie nestled right into your family. That is not always the case! :)
Renee Kaiser
Boy, the world of electronics is so COOL now. Maimie is part of your family now as the computer makes it real for us here! She is so adorable! It is amazing to see you half way around the world seeing her for the first time! I am praying the rest of your journey goes smoothly and that you all get settled in at home and can enjoy the newest Monday! God Bless! Aunt Toni
Oh, she is so beautiful. It sounds like it has been a great journey so far. We are praying for things to continue in this way. We can hardly wait to see her in person.
Deb Fehr
She is precious! What a surprise that her lip was repaired when you got there. When we head to Naning in a few weeks, I wonder if we will find the same surprise. Our son Jack has bilateral cleft lip and palate. We know his lip was repaired, but I would be shocked if his palate was done. I don't know if Maimie has palate issues, but we are going through Shriners. When you get home definitely join the yahoo group for cleft families with kids from China. Its a huge source of information.
Blessing to your family,
Caroline
www.hawkssister.blogspot.com
Woo hoo! I am so happy for you all! A heartfelt and tear-filled congratulations to the Monday family. Gina D.
Monica, you look so happy to have Maimie in your arms in the video clip. I think I detected a big lump in your throat but you didn't cry!!! I am sure now you can say it was worth the long wait. We are still waiting to see a photo of Steve because we think he jumped off the plane and is still at Cat!!! We are so enjoying all the photos and video clips. Thank you for sharing with everyone.
In Christian Love,
Mom & Dad
What a beautiful baby! I guess it's true--the best things in life are worth waiting for...Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
I THOUGHT THAT I SENT A POST LAST NIGHT, BUT I GUESS NOT. YOUR MOM SENT ME THIS LINK YESTERDAY. MONICA, I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU WERE SO, SO INCREDIBLY PRETTY, BUT I CANNOT BEGIN TO EXPLAIN THE BEAUTY THAT RADIATED FROM YOU WHEN I SAW YOU HOLDING THAT LITTLE ANGEL. MY THOUGHTS UP TO THIS POINT HAVE BEEN OF THE GIFT THAT YOU ALL ARE GIVING HER...A FAMILY..A HOME. BUT FROM THIS MOMENT ON, I WILL SEE THE MIRACLE OF THIS LITTLE GIRL HOLDING GODS HAND ON A VERY LONG JOURNEY TO TREMONT, ILLINOIS TO FIND AND "SAVE" ALL OF YOU. WHAT A BLESSING SHE IS.....LOVE, TERRY AND ANGIE
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