experience for us all! We walked into a large room filled with
families who had already received their babies. Some were crying, some
screaming and others were sleeping. It was so overwhelming that I
could barely keep my emotions to myself. When we met her, she was
uninterested in us and kept wandering around checking the scene out.
She kept returning to her nanny to get hugs. Her nannies kept sending
her back to us and she just cried. When they left the room, she
screamed the most heartbreaking scream that we all cried right along
with her. So awful! I hope that some day I can look back on Gotcha Day
and feel something other than sadness for what these poor children go
through when they are given to their new families.
Over the last 2 days, she has come right out of her shell! Her smiles
and laughs are so contagious! She loves swimming and her daddy. She is
a little unsure of the rest of us, but we are growing on her!! Wills
was so thrilled that her first word was Wills!
We are all overjoyed as we watch this beautiful little girl emerge
from the frightened child that was handed to us on Monday!
Love to all -
Carrie
Congratulations Carrie, Willie, Wills, Jack and Elizabeth! All of us are so delighted for you and can't wait for the chance to meet Elizabeth and learn all about her and what makes her belly laugh!
ReplyDeleteAll of you must be exhausted from the emotional roller coaster that you've been on - the best part is that you won't be in "wait mode" anymore and you can get back to your lives as a family of 5 - the perfect #!
Keep us posted. We love the updates and the photos!
Love,
Rach, Peter, JoJo, Riley and Sammy
Carrie, a friend of mine pointed out that it's probably good that Elizabeth is taking it slowly. It shows that she is being cautious and and that's not a bad thing developmentally. And she will come around soon because how could she resist you and Jack and Wills???! Keep the stories coming because it adds such richness to the experience of those of us who can only guess about what it's like over there. We love you and miss you and can't wait for August 1!!!! xoxox
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Those first days can be rough -- but it is wonderful to see that Elizabeth is already revealing her beautiful smile!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Beth
What a wonderful smile... although the beginning was rough, each day should get just a little easier. She is beautiful and Skylar just said... "that's my friend, can i go play with her?" Shane and Jake said "she's so cute, can she swim with us?" haha. We hope you continue to grow on each other. Looking forward to future updates. Hugs and kisses sent your way! Hello to all. Love - The Koeppe Crew
ReplyDeleteHey Carrie and family, Elizabeth is just beautiful! I can't wait to hear more about her as your adoption journey continues. Now I really can't wait to get to China and bring Katie home.
ReplyDeleteWhat size clothing is she wearing? I figure that she and Katie (Lei Yi Tong) will be very similar in size.
I just love her big smile with the bubbles. Looks like she enjoys playing which is a great developmental sign. She must be a very smart girl to start picking up on names so quickly and using them too!
Gotcha day is so overwhelming expecially when you are given your child in a large group of people. It is amazing how quickly these babies adjust to their new families and surroundings.
What does she like to eat? Are you all traveling out to Leizhou this week? Looking forward to following along on your journey and thanks for sharing!
Elisa Peters
Waiting for Katie also in Leizhou SWI
Hey Carrie! Not sure if you have time to read this. She is beautiful, just like all the Leizhou loves!
ReplyDeleteI know another family that just got their son (not form Leizhou) his name is Wen, i think they are staying at the WHite Swan. Their names are sally and Joel Meek, they have a great story if you meet them. Much love, Congrats. Melody (mom to Ashley from leizhou too)
Carrie, so many firsts. Your experience sounds rich in so many ways. Feel our love for your expanded family as you all continue to stretch and grow. It is fun to track your journey. We look forward to meeting Elizabeth in person. We love you all.
ReplyDeleteMargy and Rob
Hi Carrie, She's beautiful! I love the smile. Congratulations to your family! Judy (Mom to Tingting, also from Leizhou)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Team Howard!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth is beautiful, her smile amazing. You must be so tired, but we love the updates, keep them coming. We can't wait to meet her... Now Jack is a big brother too!
Tell the boys the girls are missing them at SYC!
Love- Team Davis
Hi Carrie, Willie, Jack, Wills and Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteYour meeting on Monday with Elizabeth while it sounded very emotional had to be very exciting as well and we are all right there with you out here on the west coast. Here's to hopeing for a smoother and smoother transition for Elizabeth and the Howard family as the days and weeks go by.
Love from,
Dave, Becky, Andrew & Kathryn
Just got my google account, so now I can comment! You know me Carrie, it took me forever to figure out!!!LOL! Elizabeth is going to fall in love with you and your family before you know it!! She is truly blessed to be a part of the Howard family! Best,Michelle, Rick, Annica & Ricky
ReplyDelete