"In Adoption the fearful become beloved,
the scorned become adored,
the nameless become cherished,
the lonely become the laughing, and death becomes life abundant."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Gotcha, Ashley!!
Just pics for now, we are all worn out and exhausted....and Ashley is really crying hard. Jay has her in the hall to give me a break. We had an amazing day but we are physically and emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted. Here SHE IS!!!!!!
She is sooooo adorable. Sorry I couldn't talk to you this morning on Skype. My computer is acting funny. I'll try again tonight our time, morning for you guys. Prayiong for peace for you all.
She has a DOUBLE chin!!! LOVE IT!!! Congratulations! She is beautiful! Crying is good! Well you know what I mean! Oh and what an adorable Gotcha outfit! How special that you will have that for her to save! Enjoy and savor every moment!
Avery, it looks like she is already loving her biggest jie jie!
Congratulations!! She is adorable. I know this time is hard, but it will get better. She has had so much change. We'll continue to pray for all of you.
WoooHooo! I'm so excited for you. This is the culmination of alot of prayer, preparation, and patience. However, I know this is where the real work begins, trying to help Ashlei adjust. Even though the content of our prayers change, the intensity does not diminish. love you guys....
She couldn't be any cuter...and just wait until big smiles light up her sweet face...and they will Emily. You know from reading blogs that she has to grieve, but that she will come around. Hugs and prayers~
Praise the Lord!! You are holding Ashley!! Thank you, Jesus. We are so excited for you guys to actually have her in your arms. I must say that I echo Chad in the comments section...that the content of our prayers have changed but the intensity has and will not diminish. In the words of Rich Mullins, "so hold me, Jesus, cause I'm shaking like a leaf. You have been my king of glory, won't you be my prince of peace" I pray that you can feel His presence through all of this transition and getting to know Ashley.
LOVE the pictures!!! I've been rejoicing all morning at how Awesome our God is to bless your family with Miss Ashley!!!! (I love that silk coat :) May the Lord bless all of you with rest and sweet time together. I just can't wait to meet her and hear about your trip!!!
Avery looks so sweet feeding her cheerios. How is Avery holding up?
Oh my gosh! She is so beautiful!!! I know you can't believe she is finally with you! What a special moment for all of you! Praying she will adjust quickly and that you'll get a good night's rest and wake feeling refreshed as you begin a new day with Ashley!!!
Congratulations! We are so happy for you! Praying that you get rest and I am sure Ashley will very shortly know how loved she is! Looks like you are having a great trip and seeing so many wonderful things! I would starve! Maybe you can find a Snicker bar somewhere! Take care and God Bless!
Oh I love that little girl already!!! I cannot even imagine how you guys feel. :) She is beautiful and precious and amazing! I will continue to pray for you all, for encouragement and peace and well-adjustment during this transition! I'm just so glad you finally have her!!
When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Psalm 61:2
I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.- Isaiah 46:11
(And everything is great at the house by the way :)
Oh my! I weep for you. What an unforgetable moment. You will never forget her smell or the feel of her against your skin. It is the moment that you have been waiting for. It really takes me back! Emily,I love the photo of you cradling her on the bench. May you sense God's presence over the next several days as his grace and compassion cradle the four of you in his arms. He loves you all so much. The tears of fear and grieving will subside and she'll transfer that wonderful attachment to you guys. God is so good! Avery, she really does look like you!! Hugs, Diane
So overwhelmed for you guys right now! This is the day that God ordained for your family when the foundations of the world were created. He is so amazing!
Praying that the days get easier as Ashley learns to trust you as her parents.
(Tell Avery that my girls said hello and that they want to come play again!)
Em- I am crying as I look at your beautiful new daughter. The day you have waited on finally came. Just remember to breath. I know you know that with three girls and Jay! She is so cute and hopefully we can get together the next time when you are in Little Rock. We will keep praying for you guys while you are there and when you come home. Give her a kiss from us! Love- Melissa Wittman
WOW she is beautiful, the journey to Ashley is over!! The end off one journey is the beginning of another. I am so proud that yoy guys are my family. Jay, thank you so much for taking care of my sister, you once again have proved to be one of the best men I have ever known. As I saw you guys this morning mentally and physically drained your concern was with entertaining us, 60,000 yen that seems excessive!! good luck on getting China to go green. Jay thank you for loving my sister, you are the man. The next chapter may be difficult and the words that come to mind are "stay strong" however, when I looked to the bible this is what I came across. 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." Love you guys, say hi to Avery for me. I am so proud of her she is definitly the best big sister Ashley could ever have.
Oh my goodness! She is SOOOO beautiful! I saw the pictures and just started crying!!! I can't imagine how special it was for you when you saw her for the first time and got to put your arms around her!!! I know Avery will be the BEST big sister ever! Tell her I said hi and I miss her!!! I am praying Ashley will adjust to her new family quickly! Ya'll are the greatest parents ever! I can't wait to get to hold Ashley! I love you all and are keeping you in my prayers and thoughts!!! Keep lots of pictures coming! Ms. Cyndy
So excited and so overwhelmed by the beautiful pictures. Please know that Ryan and I are praying for each member of your family specifically, and we continue to believe God for your peace and adjustment just as we believed Him to get you guys to China! We love you and miss you here. Please tell Avery how proud we are...she looks like she's doing a fabulous job as a big sister to Ashley!
I am tearing up and sooo happy for you! All of you look radiant (yes, even you, Jay!) even though you are tired. The glow of the Lord is all over you. Ashley is beautiful.
I am so proud of you Avery! You are an awesome big sister!
I love the pics. What a blessing! Thanks be to our loving Father who is amazing and has delivered on His promise!
You have her!!!!! She is absolutely beautiful. My favorite picture is the one of you sitting on the bench with her. What a sweet mommy/daughter moment. I am praying for rest for you, jay, Avery and Ashley. Can't wait to hear every detail. Welcome sweet little Ashley! The Johns family loves you already!
Yea! She is so sweet! We are praying for all of you! Hang in there! I love that she was eating baby stars! My girls loved those too! Remember things always seem harder when you are tired- we will pray for strength despite your lack of rest and being so off schedule!
Avery- I can tell you are the perfect big sister- I guess you have had a lot of practice! It sure came in handy for this trip. I know you are an extra special comfort to Ashley- it alwasy feels good to have someone closer in size!
Take care!
Olivia says, "Ashley is so cute. I like your pictures especially in her cute outfit!"
Congratulations friends on your beautiful daughter! We share your physical and emotional exhaustion, but what an awesome reason to feel this way. Can't wait to see you guys on Saturday as we should all be fairly settled in. How is big sis doing? Our big sis gives a big shout out to her friend Avery!
Thanks for letting us connect through the blog even though you bested us in the comment area every day :)
She is sooo cute!! We can't wait to love on her. can't wait to see more pictures and Ivey said she like the bathtub picture the best:> Take care and try to get some rest. Pam
Ashley is adorable. I'm so happy for you guys. Ashley is very lucky to have Avery for a big sister. What a great time for them to bond! Love the outfit--that is a wonderful keepsake. Hope you guys can get some rest the next couple of days :)!
Hi, I came over from Denise's blog! Ashley is beautiful! I know you are so happy and blessed today! We live in GA too and are adopting a son from Thailand! I'm so glad to get to "watch" you!
She is absolutely beautiful! I would love to get a hold of those cheeks. She looks good and healthy. Love the picture of you holding her while you are sitting on the bench. You will cherish that forever. I will pray that the adjustment period is very short so that you all can get some rest. Wish we were there with you. We can't wait. Two weeks from Thursday!!! Can't wait to hear the details of your trip. Praying for you all, Cindy Linamen
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it! Rejoicing with your family today in the beautiful gift Ashley is! So glad you have your sweet baby in your arms! God is good!
Hi! My name is Cindy Marlar and I live in Greenville, SC. My sister is Libby Cleveland. She went to church with you all when she was living in Albany. She sent me your web link today. I was thrilled to see and share in your wonderful experience. We have many things in common even though we do not know each other. My family is expecting a referral in the next batch that is released. Hopefully before Chinese New Year. If not, in February. We are also using the same agency as you guys. Lastly, we have all girls in our family, except for Scott. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. You all give me hope that our 3 year wait for our little girl is slowly and patiently coming to an end. We wish you love and blessings from South Carolina.
You have her!!!!! She is absolutely beautiful. My favorite picture is the one of you sitting on the bench with her. What a sweet mommy/daughter moment. I am praying for rest for you, jay, Avery and Ashley. Can't wait to hear every detail. Welcome sweet little Ashley! The Johns family loves you already!
57 comments:
Ashley is BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations! :)
She is sooooo adorable. Sorry I couldn't talk to you this morning on Skype. My computer is acting funny. I'll try again tonight our time, morning for you guys. Prayiong for peace for you all.
She's GORGEOUS. Praying you will all get the rest you need and that Ashley's heart will be comforted as she continues to adjust.
I can tell in the pictures that Avery is a great big sister!
Angela
AWAA mom
She has a DOUBLE chin!!! LOVE IT!!! Congratulations! She is beautiful! Crying is good! Well you know what I mean! Oh and what an adorable Gotcha outfit! How special that you will have that for her to save! Enjoy and savor every moment!
Avery, it looks like she is already loving her biggest jie jie!
Congratulations!!! She is absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful day. We continue to pray for all of you.
I've been checking all morning waiting for this post! I have tears in my eyes.... you finally have her!!!! Enjoy every moment.
Oh my goodness!! She is soooooo beautiful!!! Love those cheeks! Praying for you and rejoicing with you!!!
Hugs,
Jenn
Congratulations!! She is adorable. I know this time is hard, but it will get better. She has had so much change. We'll continue to pray for all of you.
Blessings,
Shannon
AWAA Family
Congratulations! She is just beautiful! I'm praying for rest for you all and for Ashley's adjustment! Love those cheeks!
Pam
www.andthentherewereseen.blogspot.com
WoooHooo! I'm so excited for you. This is the culmination of alot of prayer, preparation, and patience. However, I know this is where the real work begins, trying to help Ashlei adjust. Even though the content of our prayers change, the intensity does not diminish. love you guys....
She couldn't be any cuter...and just wait until big smiles light up her sweet face...and they will Emily. You know from reading blogs that she has to grieve, but that she will come around. Hugs and prayers~
She's beautiful! Each day will get better! Ashley just needs a little time to realize that an amazing thing has happened! We'll keep praying!
Praise the Lord!! You are holding Ashley!! Thank you, Jesus. We are so excited for you guys to actually have her in your arms. I must say that I echo Chad in the comments section...that the content of our prayers have changed but the intensity has and will not diminish.
In the words of Rich Mullins, "so hold me, Jesus, cause I'm shaking like a leaf. You have been my king of glory, won't you be my prince of peace" I pray that you can feel His presence through all of this transition and getting to know Ashley.
Ashley is absolutely precious. And it looks like sweet Avery is doing an awesome job as her big sister. Hugs!!!
She's gorgeous! My heart is so full for you.
Praying that she adjust quickly and falls in love with all of you a little more each hour.
I can't wait to get my camera on that beautiful little face (and we are DEFINITELY doing a photoshoot when you get home and settled!) :)
Enjoy every moment!
Congratulations! I'm praying for your next several days as Ashley figures out who you are!
LOVE the pictures!!! I've been rejoicing all morning at how Awesome our God is to bless your family with Miss Ashley!!!!
(I love that silk coat :)
May the Lord bless all of you with rest and sweet time together. I just can't wait to meet her and hear about your trip!!!
Avery looks so sweet feeding her cheerios. How is Avery holding up?
Oh my gosh! She is so beautiful!!! I know you can't believe she is finally with you! What a special moment for all of you! Praying she will adjust quickly and that you'll get a good night's rest and wake feeling refreshed as you begin a new day with Ashley!!!
Congratulations! We are so happy for you! Praying that you get rest and I am sure Ashley will very shortly know how loved she is! Looks like you are having a great trip and seeing so many wonderful things! I would starve! Maybe you can find a Snicker bar somewhere! Take care and God Bless!
Oh I love that little girl already!!! I cannot even imagine how you guys feel. :)
She is beautiful and precious and amazing! I will continue to pray for you all, for encouragement and peace and well-adjustment during this transition! I'm just so glad you finally have her!!
When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Psalm 61:2
I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.- Isaiah 46:11
(And everything is great at the house by the way :)
Precious, precious! Praying for you guys and your transition. Congratulations!
Oh my! I weep for you. What an unforgetable moment. You will never forget her smell or the feel of her against your skin. It is the moment that you have been waiting for. It really takes me back! Emily,I love the photo of you cradling her on the bench. May you sense God's presence over the next several days as his grace and compassion cradle the four of you in his arms. He loves you all so much. The tears of fear and grieving will subside and she'll transfer that wonderful attachment to you guys. God is so good!
Avery, she really does look like you!!
Hugs,
Diane
So overwhelmed for you guys right now! This is the day that God ordained for your family when the foundations of the world were created. He is so amazing!
Praying that the days get easier as Ashley learns to trust you as her parents.
(Tell Avery that my girls said hello and that they want to come play again!)
Em- I am crying as I look at your beautiful new daughter. The day you have waited on finally came. Just remember to breath. I know you know that with three girls and Jay! She is so cute and hopefully we can get together the next time when you are in Little Rock. We will keep praying for you guys while you are there and when you come home. Give her a kiss from us!
Love- Melissa Wittman
She is so adorable. Congratulations!!! Precious pictures.
WOW she is beautiful, the journey to Ashley is over!! The end off one journey is the beginning of another. I am so proud that yoy guys are my family. Jay, thank you so much for taking care of my sister, you once again have proved to be one of the best men I have ever known. As I saw you guys this morning mentally and physically drained your concern was with entertaining us, 60,000 yen that seems excessive!! good luck on getting China to go green. Jay thank you for loving my sister, you are the man. The next chapter may be difficult and the words that come to mind are "stay strong" however, when I looked to the bible this is what I came across. 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." Love you guys, say hi to Avery for me. I am so proud of her she is definitly the best big sister Ashley could ever have.
oh my, what a cutie!! Congrats Jay and Emily!! we're praying for you all!!
-Amy Woodruff
Oh she is precious! Congratulations!!!
Oh my goodness! She is SOOOO beautiful! I saw the pictures and just started crying!!! I can't imagine how special it was for you when you saw her for the first time and got to put your arms around her!!! I know Avery will be the BEST big sister ever! Tell her I said hi and I miss her!!! I am praying Ashley will adjust to her new family quickly! Ya'll are the greatest parents ever! I can't wait to get to hold Ashley! I love you all and are keeping you in my prayers and thoughts!!! Keep lots of pictures coming!
Ms. Cyndy
So excited and so overwhelmed by the beautiful pictures. Please know that Ryan and I are praying for each member of your family specifically, and we continue to believe God for your peace and adjustment just as we believed Him to get you guys to China! We love you and miss you here. Please tell Avery how proud we are...she looks like she's doing a fabulous job as a big sister to Ashley!
Praise God! We will pray for rest and a quick adjustment. I am so happy for you guys.
Julie
I am tearing up and sooo happy for you! All of you look radiant (yes, even you, Jay!) even though you are tired. The glow of the Lord is all over you. Ashley is beautiful.
I am so proud of you Avery! You are an awesome big sister!
I love the pics. What a blessing! Thanks be to our loving Father who is amazing and has delivered on His promise!
You have her!!!!! She is absolutely beautiful. My favorite picture is the one of you sitting on the bench with her. What a sweet mommy/daughter moment. I am praying for rest for you, jay, Avery and Ashley. Can't wait to hear every detail. Welcome sweet little Ashley! The Johns family loves you already!
i am crying tears of joy as i look at her sweet face!!! i am so very excited for you guys and so proud of you!! i can't wait to see her!!
love you ALL!!
ashley
So So excited for you! Yeah! You finally have her in your arms. Praying for rest and transistion for this week. Love you! Haley
She looks so beautiful and healthy!
God is good!
Yea! She is so sweet! We are praying for all of you! Hang in there! I love that she was eating baby stars! My girls loved those too! Remember things always seem harder when you are tired- we will pray for strength despite your lack of rest and being so off schedule!
Avery- I can tell you are the perfect big sister- I guess you have had a lot of practice! It sure came in handy for this trip. I know you are an extra special comfort to Ashley- it alwasy feels good to have someone closer in size!
Take care!
Olivia says, "Ashley is so cute. I like your pictures especially in her cute outfit!"
Congratulations! She is beautiful. We are praying for you!
Oh Emily....these pics just make my heart feel so full! I can't even imagine how yours feels right now.
Praying Ashley adjusts quickly...I know it has to be so draining on all of you, including her. Hope you guys get some rest, soon.
Hope you are ok with me grabbing a pic of you and your girl for my post on joy today!!!
She is ADORABLE!!! I am an adoptive mommy aswell and I know how the first couple of days go, so I will be praying for you! Congratulations!
Congratulations from Alaska!!!
Praying for restful sleep for you all and patience with one another as you learn about taking care of Ashley's needs.
Wow! So beautiful! What a blessing!
Congratulations friends on your beautiful daughter! We share your physical and emotional exhaustion, but what an awesome reason to feel this way. Can't wait to see you guys on Saturday as we should all be fairly settled in. How is big sis doing? Our big sis gives a big shout out to her friend Avery!
Thanks for letting us connect through the blog even though you bested us in the comment area every day :)
Congratulations!!
YEAH!!! She's adorable! I can't wait to get to see her in person. We will continue to lift you all up in our prayers!
Love ya!
Laci and Danny
Congratulations, Emily and family, on your precious little one! Can't wait to see updates!
Dusty (formerly from Dawson)
She is sooo cute!! We can't wait to love on her. can't wait to see more pictures and Ivey said she like the bathtub picture the best:> Take care and try to get some rest. Pam
I am in tears just looking at all the pic. I am so happy for you both. She is beautiful! Can't wait to see more pictures. Stacy Woodward :)
Ashley is adorable. I'm so happy for you guys. Ashley is very lucky to have Avery for a big sister. What a great time for them to bond! Love the outfit--that is a wonderful keepsake. Hope you guys can get some rest the next couple of days :)!
Hi, I came over from Denise's blog! Ashley is beautiful! I know you are so happy and blessed today! We live in GA too and are adopting a son from Thailand! I'm so glad to get to "watch" you!
Love and prayers~
Kam
She is absolutely beautiful! I would love to get a hold of those cheeks. She looks good and healthy. Love the picture of you holding her while you are sitting on the bench. You will cherish that forever. I will pray that the adjustment period is very short so that you all can get some rest. Wish we were there with you. We can't wait. Two weeks from Thursday!!! Can't wait to hear the details of your trip.
Praying for you all,
Cindy Linamen
Congratulations! We are so happy for you. She's precious.
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Rejoicing with your family today in the beautiful gift Ashley is! So glad you have your sweet baby in your arms! God is good!
Hi! My name is Cindy Marlar and I live in Greenville, SC. My sister is Libby Cleveland. She went to church with you all when she was living in Albany. She sent me your web link today. I was thrilled to see and share in your wonderful experience. We have many things in common even though we do not know each other. My family is expecting a referral in the next batch that is released. Hopefully before Chinese New Year. If not, in February. We are also using the same agency as you guys. Lastly, we have all girls in our family, except for Scott. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. You all give me hope that our 3 year wait for our little girl is slowly and patiently coming to an end. We wish you love and blessings from South Carolina.
Cindy
AWAA Mom too!
You have her!!!!! She is absolutely beautiful. My favorite picture is the one of you sitting on the bench with her. What a sweet mommy/daughter moment. I am praying for rest for you, jay, Avery and Ashley. Can't wait to hear every detail. Welcome sweet little Ashley! The Johns family loves you already!
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