Monday, June 4, 2007

Gotcha Day!

This morning at 9:00 A.M. we went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to pick up Li Xiang Ni, or "Emily Bemily" as Allie has nicknamed her. As we were walking up the stairs, we were introduced to the Orphanage Director, who was sitting there with some ladies who were holding babies in the hallway. She told us that "this is not your baby" and then led us around a corner and there she was! We could hardly believe it! It was all so casual. It took us by surprise, not at all like it was with Allie.

Our newest little cutie, Emily Hope Xiangni Chafetz, is a little firecracker! She is so stinkin' cute and a little wild thing!!! She didn't cry at all (unless she was mad about not getting something) and is sooooo affectionate. She is a little chubette and smiles and laughs almost all the time. She is very active and SO STRONG!!! She has more hair than before and is lighter than Allie's. We all can't get over how much she looks like Allie's good friend, Elizabeth.

Allie is such a good big sister, and is our little responsible girl, keeping her sister out of trouble. She has changed her diaper and fed her a bottle and is very attentive. Emily watches her intently. She talks about what a cutie'patootie her little sister is. It is precious to watch how she interacts with Emily.

Well, we are off to do paperwork soon. Pics to follow through email.

Love,
The Four Chafetzes

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you... (and us)...I can not wait to see pictures. I am so happy that everyone is getting along.

Tell Allie that I miss her sooooo much and that I am waiting for her to come back so that we can read snow white and sleeping beauty.

I love you all and can't wait to see you again!

Unknown said...

I heard mom talking to you on the phone last night and I ran down there to hear all about our new girl... I am so beyond excited and cannot wait to finally see and meet her. I can't wait for you guys to get home..


Love you!!!!

Unknown said...

She is soooo beautiful... You are such a beautiful family...


Can't wait to see you!!!!

tjhicks426 said...

Mark, Jill, Allie and Emily.....

She is beautiful and Allie looks so proud of her. Now that this day is here you can relax and enjoy your family.
Take Care,
Tha Hicks Family

Anonymous said...

Hip, hip, hooray!!! What a glorious day! The chills are running down my spine and the tears are welling in my eyes. I'm so, so happy for all of you! Emily is gorgeous! You are a beautiful and beaming family of four. I feel such relief for you that the long wait is finally over, and you have that precious angel in your arms. Seeing you all together once again reminds me that there is some sort of divine intervention involved in this whole adoption thing...some how, some way, you have been matched with the perfect daughter for you (make that two!)! It truly is a miracle.

So, now that you have Emily, I'm hoping she can work some magic and convince Bob to start for a sister for Amelia. That's just what Allie did the first time we met her, and look what that led to...beautiful Amelia Mei! We'll have to set that meeting up when you get home!!!

Much love to you!!!

Laura Orlowski and Family

Anonymous said...

Dear Allie,

You're in China! That's so cool! I don't remember a lot about China, becuase I was so young, so you'll have to tell me all about it. Now, you have your little sister! She's cute. I can't wait to play with her. I can't wait to play with you too. I miss you! Have fun. Call me when you get home, and we can go to the park again.

Love,
Your Friend,
Amelia

Anonymous said...

CoNgRaTs!!!!

I have tears of joy in my eyes!!! What a beautiful family of four :-)

Allie you make a great big sister!!! Emily, you are the sweetest little thing, I just want to scoop you up and kiss you all over! Mark you look like the proudest dad I've seen in a long time! Jill you're an inspiration to women to never give up hope!

Love, hugs and kissed to all!

Olivia

Battle with Hepatitis C said...

The champagne corks are popping!
Pictures are too cute. All of you must be on cloud nine. Allie looks like she's enjoying being the big sister.
We are so happy for all of you with your long traveled road.
Congrats !!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

She is just too cute... I can't wait to get my hands on her and snuggle... it sounds like she is a cuddler... i hope. Anyways, I am so happy for you guys and am waiting very impatiently to meet Emily and see the rest of you guys.

Patti said...

We are up in Mansfield at the hotel, but managed to get to the computer for updates and WOW! She's absolutely beautiful and precious! I especially love the pic of Jill & Allie looking at her. Mark, you're a natural with your 2 girls. Hold them that tight when they're in their teens, also! :) So thrilled for you guys! Enjoy and we'll keep checking for updates.
Patti & gang

Anonymous said...

Mark, Jill, Allie, and Emily!
Congratulations on the addition of Emily to your family. She is beautiful, and we agree, does remind us of Elizabeth, especially, the 2nd picture we viewed. It sounded like quite an adventure the three of you had in order to get to China-----but, it was all worth it. Mark, we enjoyed your synopsis of the experince. We are so happy for you. Love, Ron, Kim, Elliot, and Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Dear Allie,

I am happy that I see your little sister and she is very cute and I agree with my parents and my brother that she looks like me. Emily is very, very cute. Are the diapers smelly and stinky? Did you really change them? Have a good trip back from China and I can't wait to see you and Emily! Love Elizabeth

Kristen Berrington said...

I knew the pictures were up today while I was at work (read the blog before I left this morning), so I made my kids show me how to get around the filters so I could look at them, and then I still couldn't open them!!! I made Chad e-mail them to me at work and I think you should all know that you have about ten ninth-graders who are VERY excited for you. When I got the e-mail they came storming up to my desk - I think they were just as excited as I was! It's unanimous - she's beautiful, but we all knew she would be. I can't wait to meet her, and I'm very excited to hear that it might not be a few meetings of "look but don't touch" before we can give her huge hugs. Love and miss you all!

janice said...

So very excited for the "family of four"!!your daughters are beautiful and loved the photos. Thanks for always sharing! janice

Unknown said...

What a beautiful family. I love you guys, and am so disappointed I'll have to wait and meet little Emily.

Glad to see you all so happy. Best wishes for safe and easy travels home.