She is officially ours!

Today we finalized the adoption of Katy MeiLynn Smith.  It has been a long day of waiting for appointments in hot buildings with lots of little Chinese kiddos running around.  It is an amazing sight to see that is for sure.  This trip there are many younger kids being adopted.  Last trip there were alot of older ones.  Katy slept great last night.  She giggled and played in the bath tub like she had imagined that day for her whole life.  I just sat in amazement of the whole thing.  It really is to much to imagine. This little girl has spent her whole life alone with no one to love her.  What does that do to a child.  Can we see some evidence of how that has affected her?  You bet.  She doesn't tolerate hugs, has fussed at Scott for trying to tickle her and shewed my hand away when I tried to rub her back.  Oh but there is so much in this little girl that needs unconditional love, boundaries.....a place to belong.  Yes, we think this could be a rough journey and yes, we are ready for it.

One amazing thing about her is that she is very nurturing.  She mothers all of the little kids around.  She makes sure that they have some of her snack each time she eats.  One little boy from her orphanage that is being adopted can't stay away from her.  He asked her to help him go to the bathroom and then brought a wipe over for her to wipe his face.  She is soo gentle and loving towards them.  She is very independent however she is very comfortable with us around and if one of us is out of her sight she is asking where we are.

We miss our children at home and our sailor.  They are all very brave and special kids to handle these big transitions that have come almost yearly for the last 3 yrs.  Please pray for us as we continue to bond with our daughter.  Pray for patience and wisdom as we parent this little blessing.  Pray for our children back home and my mom as she cares for them.  We are blessed like crazy and we know that it all comes from our sweet Jesus.

One funny story about Scott.  He is such a goof.  We ate at McDonalds at the same table with a young man.(that is what you do in China with millions of people all around). Scott decided to talk with him so he asked if he knew English.  The guy said, no.  Scott then decided to practice his limited Chinese with him. He said hello, good bye and the guy responded back in Chinese with a smile.  Scott was out of things to say except one more which was I love you.  Can you believe that he told the guy he loved him.  The fella laughed and said, thank you. It was so funny.  We all had a connection at that momment no matter what language we speak. I love my crazy hubby.

Enjoy the photos.  Katy's half smile goes along with her excitement about this day of waiting.

Wendi