Emily is learning very quickly how to strike a pose for the camera!!
She loves her stroller; when she's ready to go she gets her shoes on and hops into the stroller!!
She is even trying her hand with the camera...say cheese!!!
We've had several rainy days - the hotel room begins to feel a bit small. Harrison was excited when he met some "cool friends" today.
Emily on her way to the swearing in at the US Consulate.
She loves her Baba!
Emily will be a U.S. citizen upon clearing customs in LA! We went to the U.S. Consulate today for the swearing in ceremony. It was awesome to be in a room with 50 other adoptive families all awaiting the "final step" in a very long process. It was not a big production...but you could feel the emotions. I wept as the official had us take our oaths and gave us instructions on our children's citizenship. I can't begin to describe what emotions went through my mind. She has been ours for almost 2 weeks and now both China and the United States say she is ours!!! This is an amazing feeling. She also has a U.S. visa in her Chinese passport. This will allow her to enter the United States and once she is through customs, she will be an American. Her Chinese passport will no longer be valid. We are beginning to pack, and take some final pictures. We went to our favorite Italian place for dinner tonight with some new friends. It is difficult to say goodbye to China. I am so greatful for the good and perfect gift they have allowed us to adopt into our family.
We are thankful for all of our family and friends who have supported us on this journey. Stay tuned for a final post from China tomorrow....
8 comments:
Wow, It all goes by so fast, doesn't it? Such a transformation has occurred since the first pictures and video were posted to your blog from Gotcha Day. We are praying for the family's transition as you all become united as one.
Becky Rigby
Wow, so much excitement & emotions! It will be Great to be able to meet Emily! I'm sure the lil' ones back home are getting very anxious/excited for the day they'll be able to meet her in person!!
AWESOME!!! And how fitting that she wore her patriotic red white and blue outfit. LOVE that.
It's time to come home...
Love you.
More tears!! We have been at the beach for the week and I am just getting caught up on all that has happened. You guys have had an amazing journey. Little Emily is so cute!! She seems so content. The Estes clan can't wait to meet her. Let us know if we can do anything in Monroeville for you!!Have a safe trip back.
Still praying for you all,
Kathy, John, Mary Kathryn, Jack, Sam, and Rosanna
Hello! We just returned from Europe and read all of your wonderful updates. It is so exciting to see God at work through the love you are showing Emily and how happy she looks in the most recent photos. Please give her a hug for us and let her know we can't wait to meet her. Love, Maria, Tom, Sarah and Thomas
Beautiful family!
Congratulations on getting it "all done" - now the REAL work begins, parenting your new little girl forever and ever....\
Blessings to you!
Barb
Tears all around here, too!
Red, White and Blue...USA here you come!
Yes, China has been used by God to bless you and the rest of us. We are amazed at His goodness.
I must now say that throughout these days I have imagined Emily's Mimi's gleeful comments at each step..."isn't she adorable, look at her little face...she looks so good in red!...what an adorable little dress!...what a darling smile she has! She loves her Daddy! Look at Gef, how happy he is! And Christine...and Harrison is so good with her! Caroline, Tyler, Mason and Conner will love her! And she will be crazy about them!
And Christine's mom would be saying the same thing!
You have done well to move forward with courage throughout this last year and a half! Well Done!
Now, come on home!
Love, Dolly and Jack
Dear Fahys,
How wonderful you all look. I love the pictures of Emily with Harrison - so much bonding already. We all look forward to meeting Emily. Safe trip and Godspeed!
Susie James
Post a Comment