Monday, May 19, 2008

Day 5: Someone arrived a bit early...


Day 5: Someone arrived a bit early...
Originally uploaded by j david

...and was not at all happy about it.

Which is of course a good thing, but I'm getting way ahead of myself.

We met Jenny today. When our guide met us at the airport she had a
surprise--we'd pick our daughters up on the way to the hotel. We all
suspected something was up, when we took an earlier flight than expected.
But none of us thought we'd be stopping by before we could even unpack
clothing, toys, diapers or our gifts for the orphanages.

Oh well.

Jenny was not at all happy to see us. She has clearly bonded with her
caregivers, and they with her. The orphanage staff was every bit as sorry
to let her go as she was to be taken by these strangers. So, we had the
loud, unhappy baby in the room today. She calmed down a good bit, as
Kristen held her and played with her, but is still a bit apprehensive. All
normal and very positive signs.

We are more pleased than we can say (how about that hair!!!). We now know
what speechless really means.

We'll post more when we can, but we thought that you'd all like to know!

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful!!!! I have a feeling the two of you are naturals at parenting by the way you are with Jack and Abby. I am teary looking at the picture. I can't wait to see her in person. Keep posting!!!!

Jeanne

NancyW said...

She is precious! While we had warning and time to prepare for our Sarah's gotcha day, she had a rough time initially. Like you said, that is a good thing because it indicates she was well cared for.

Never fear, Jenny will learn quickly what a good deal two parents are! Sarah made the transition within a day.

Thanks for letting us share your joy!

Nancy, Reese, Elizabeth, Sarah

Tamie said...

Yeah!!!!!!!!!! Isn't it funny how things do not always happen the way we plan! She is just gorgeous! I am sorry for the rough time of hand over, but in the end it will be a good thing for all of you. It is one of the obvious signs she loved and was loved.

Enjoy your time together in her birth country! Thank you for allowing us to come along and celebrate with you!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Kris and Dave, what a sweetheart! Keep a journal and take lots of pictures. You'll want to remember these experiences long into the future. Keep a sense of humor and remember that little ones cry and sometimes a lot. When we brought Jan home from the hospital he cried for almost 2 days, wouldn't breast feed and turned out he was someone that just needed to cry himself to sleep for about 45 minutes each night and this went on for about six months. Before we figured out that it was ok to let a baby cry we thought we were going to go nutz! A stiff drink ain't too bad either after a long day of parenting.

Erik

Anonymous said...

Kris and Dave

she is beautifuk and Gradma akitty is speechless, too. Dave, that is a great picture! Keep them coming. Lots of love to allpksptj

Unknown said...

Hi Dave& Kristin:
What a face -- I could eat her up! Thanks for all the updates on Jenny and your beautiful pics of China -- WOW on all fronts!

I'm sooooo happy for you guys, and can't wait to hear/see more details. This is certainly a trip of a lifetime...in more ways than one!

Gloria

Jboo said...

Oh my -- congratulations!! She's adorable and what beautiful hair! Enjoy getting to know your daughter.
Janet

Anonymous said...

Yippee!!! She is here! Unbelievable, isn't it? You couldn't have possibly had the loudest baby, she isn't crying in the picture! We have no non-crying photos or video of Tori for 3 days! Kristen, you look very natural and relaxed. Hope the first night went well. Just remember every day is better and better! We love you guys and Jenny too!

Jolon, Jaydee, & Tori

mumma to many said...

she is beautiful! Congratulations Mommy and Daddy!
That is a great photo! Hope the first night went well!
Hugs Ruth in NZ

Anonymous said...

OHHHHHH!!! Wow, what a fantastic and overwhelming surprise, no??

Hopefully things are going okay and that a little food and a little sleep with start to help with her sadness. Like you said, all good signs that she is upset. It's good that she was attached...even though it does make the first weeks a bit more sad for everyone involved.

Best wishes in the days to come, we'll be watching with excitement!

Anonymous said...

My oh my oh my. That is sweetest little thing I have ever seen. Kristen, you look radiant.

Anders

Courtney said...

How exciting to receive your daughter early! This is such a beautiful picture of you two. Both of your expressions say so much. I know in the next few days, she'll start opening up to you more and more.It's a wonderful experience to see these girls bloom the moment that they are in our arms. Enjoy the moments!

Jim and Elaine Flynn said...

What an awesome gift a day early. I can only imagine the overwhelming feelings you must have. As you surround her with your love, she will melt into your arms.

She looks to be a pretty determined little girl! Mommy and Daddy, she was made for you!!!

Please keep up your posts; I check daily.

Elaine

Anonymous said...

Amazing and wonderful, that's what you all three are. I can begin to imagine how you felt when you realized this was it -- you're getting Jenny right now. Kristen looks utterly composed and Jenny is giving David a steady look (she likes that mustache)-- all incredibly great vibes and real! I think that crying is a baby's way to make sure you'll come to her...and come to her...and come to her, until she finally believes it, around 3 years old or so (maybe sooner -- napping holding her might be the only way, at least with my boys). Jenny's hair is completely contemporary.
Congratulations in every way!

Mary H. and Russ

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your early surprise!! Jenny is gorgeous. We were comforted by the fact that our darling Meiya had been cared for so well at Suixi.
Enjoy your precious daughter
Mandy
Australia

Anonymous said...

Very Very GOOD signs - that I remember well! Congratulations! She is beautiful. We are so happy for you and know by the time you take your next flight - Jenny will be totally taken with the two of you!
Love you!
Maria, Jim, Jake & Elena

Tracy said...

Wow - you do have her!! That was fast! I am sure she will be warming up to you very soon.

Anonymous said...

She's adorable! And all that crying and sadness at leaving her caretakers, while it's rough on her in the short term, is actually great! She's able to bond~! YAAAAYYYY!!!!! Pretty soon she'll be wailing for you for a little while every time you leave her with a babysitter.

I'll be smiling all day now that I've seen these pics! What a wonderful thing! Congratulations and love to the three of you!

Kate Maver