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Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker
Monday, April 02, 2007
Sera's Smile
I can't even begin to put into words how amazing this day has been for both Jim and me. It seemed to take forever for 3:30 to get here. At 3:06, I grabbed my backpack, Jim grabbed the rolling small suitcase and we headed out the door. We knew we were walking to the Civil Affairs office, so we stashed our gift bags in the suitcase to make it easier. We ended up only needing four gifts today. We'll need two more for our guides, but I bought enough for 12 gifts. I wasn't lugging that stuff back around the world. We added it to the nanny's gift bags.

Even though we were early, we weren't the first family in the lobby. The nervous chatter started as we waited to go. Each family paired up with another to pass our cameras and take pictures. We posed for one last group shot and headed out the door.

The Civil Affairs office is literally across the street. Not one of those crazy four-lane nightmares where you risk your life, but a narrow, brick-paved street used primarily by taxis coming to our hotel. As we rode up the elevator to the 14th floor, Tracy, our coordinator, mentioned to me how surprised she was that other families were there because she thought we had the only appointment that day. She also mentioned that this was her first visit as these were new offices. They are beautiful.


We entered a large waiting area with chairs that were directly in front of the official's work station. In a small room to the right, we could see the nannies and the babies. Some were being held, and some were in walkers.

We rushed to get the camera for the first family as we were supposed to take their pictures. Jim did the video, while I took digital photos. It seemed like seconds before the second family was called and then the third. Jim and I hurried to trade cameras as we were next.


The next few minutes happened so quickly. We walked up, and they handed Sera to us. She looked so serious and dour. She just watched taking everything in, then the baby next to us started crying. Sera thought that was a good idea, too. We moved out of the way to give the other families more room. Jim and I traded back and forth as we walked around the room. Sera calmed down and just started watching everything again. Jim noticed that her crying had made her nose run. He got some tissue from the diaper bag and wiped her nose. BIG mistake. That started the next crying jag.

All the babies were dressed in extremely heavy snow suits and the cutest red shoes. Underneath they had on a white shirt with red polka dots and matching split pants. The room was so warm the babies were radiating heat.

We continued to wait for things to wrap up. We learned that Sera is a snuggler. She likes to lay her face against yours when she's upset or burrow her face in your shoulder. We got a chance to ask the nannies some questions. One I asked is what they did to soothe her when she was upset. They pointed to her snuggling against my face and nodded in approval. Apparently that is what soothed her.


After another nose wiping and another crying jag, we had our official family photo taken. We then waited our turn to visit the police official's window. He had to compare Sera to her photo to make sure we had the right baby. Then we waited for our turn to place our thumbprints on the adoption papers.

Finally, we paid our fees to our coordinator who would run them to the bank, separated our gifts into the appropriate piles and headed back across the street to our hotel.


In the hotel, we removed the outer garment. After a few minutes of observing us and the room, we propped her on the bed with some pillows and showed her some toys. She was indifferent at first, but soon warmed up to them. Within 45 minutes of returning to the room and with Daddy's full attention....


...we saw Sera's smile for the first time.



38 Comments:

Blogger Carol Ann said...

Magi,

You all make a beautiful family. Sera's smile is precious and infectious. What a cutie. You all look great.

Congratulations!

Carol Ann & family

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Magi and Jim:

I have been checking since I woke up this a.m. to see you with Sera and I am soooo happy for you guys. To see her smile must surely be the greatest feeling EVER!! Enjoy your 1st day as a family of three! She is just lovely!

Blogger Polar Bear said...

Magi and Jim,

Sera is just BEAUTIFUL. I am so happy for all of you. What a blessing she is.

Congratulations!!!

Stacy

Oh Magi! She is so beautiful! I know you are beside yourself with joy! Love, Monica
www.carteradoptionjourney.blogspot.com

Blogger Unknown said...

Oh My Gosh Magi...that is the most adorable picture of a precious, precious girl!!

I am SO thrilled for you! What wonderful events to have...becoming a family is priceless. Thanks so much for sharing!

Alyson

Blogger Colleen said...

MAGI!!!!! I am so happy for you and Jim! What a beautiful family you make!! I LOVE Sera's smile. Oh she has a face that I would smooch all day long.

Enjoy your time as a new family congratulations to you.

Sending hugs!!!

Blogger EJ said...

Oh my Magi, that smile is so priceles. I teared up when I saw that picture. What a beautiful family you make!! Enjoy your time!

Ellen

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations Mom & Dad!!! She's just precious. What a beautiful smile.

Blogger Kristi said...

What a beautiful family. I'm so happy for you!! Congratulations!

Kristi

Blogger Marcia said...

How adorable...she is the cutest thing...I am SO happy for you!!! I can't wait to meet my new little neice!!!!!

Blogger septemberfirst said...

Congrats, Magi & Jim! She is beautiful! You are so fortunate to get a smile right away :)

-Kelsey

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations! She is a cutie.

Anonymous Anonymous said...

She is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures!

Blogger Dawn said...

Congratulations Magi and Jim!! Sera is an absolute treasure!! What a beautiful family the 3 of you make!!!!!!

I am so THRILLED for you!!!! :)


~Dawn

She looks like you!!!! OMG!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!

hugs
Erin & Meizhi

Blogger Kate said...

She is just beautiful and perfect. What a thrill... now, here's to coming home safely and settling into "normal" life.

Blogger RamblingMother said...

Congrats! She is beautiful. Soak in her culture and spend lots of time with her. Skin time helps as does lots of cuddly time to bond. Enjoy your baby. You guys couldn't look happier

Beverly & Glenys, my Wuzhou wonder

Blogger Robin said...

What an awesome little grin. I'm sure she is scrumptiously irresistable! Congrats!

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Her smile lights up the room. SHE IS SO CUTE!!!! I am sad I missed your call by five seconds!

WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

Blogger Catherine said...

Congratulations!!! Look at that beautiful smile!

Catherine - new to your blog today. Found you via your post on RQ.

Congrats!!

Blogger Mya said...

She is beautiful,just beautiful! Oh what a smile she has! Like Erin,the first thing I thought was she looks like you Magi!

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations, you beautiful family! Now the good stuff really starts.

Blogger Switched For Life said...

Oh my, she is just gorgeous!! You are so blessed. Best wishes as you begin your new life together as a family!

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh Magi, Sera is so adorable. I am so happy for you all. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Donna
(a fluffy friend)

Blogger Kelly Curtis said...

She's so cute! And you all look so happy together.

Just perfect.

Blogger Johnny said...

Congrats on receiving your gal!

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats from the Muckels!! Jasons sister Our daughter Angie can't wait to meet your beautiful, precious baby girl! You two are awesome for taking on this adventure. She is a very lucky little girl. Even when your exausted enjoy your daughter!

Blogger C's Mom said...

She is beatiful! What a sweet smile :0)

Blogger Redheaded Chick said...

Oh Magi,
She's just stunning!!! So happy for you...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! We can't believe Gotcha Day is finally here. Mom and Dad, your baby girl is absolutely gorgeous and that smile just melted my heart. We have enjoyed sharing your journey to Sera and are so happy to finally see her in your arms. Congratulations!!

Blogger mom said...

Magi, OMG! What an amazing smile! I am so happy for you and Jim. What a lovely family of three...Family of Three... Don't you just love hearing those words. Hopefully, I will be able to meet you all this summer. I have enjoyed following your journey. Thank you for sharing. Blessings,

Blogger Beeb said...

She's adorable!
Congratulations and thanks.

Blogger Much Ado said...

Congratulations! How precious and don't you just love that smile!

Blogger Overwhelmed! said...

Oh my goodness, reading your words and seeing these pictures has brought tears to my eyes! I'm so very happy for your family! Little Sera is a beauty!

I can't believe this day has finally arrived for you!

Thank you for sharing this moment with all of us.

May God continue to bless you and your family! :)

Blogger Barb said...

THIS is the photo I've been longing to see, the three of you.

Magi and Jim, and Sera, congratulations. What a beautiful family you are. :-)

Congratulations!! She is so beautiful! And she has a beautiful smile too! =)

-Sera (and she has a beautiful name too!)

Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

If she isn't the most adorable little thing! You must be in pure Heaven! What a doll! I love that smile!

You are in my prayers and so many congratulations!

Hugs!

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Sera is gorgeous and so are you! Your happiness and love just radiate out of those pictures. Thanks for sharing!

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