The Cutest Little Baby In The World
is sleeping in our room right this very minute 
I’ve left Wendy and Betsy taking a nap after a very long and trying day to sneak down here (website) and bring everyone up to date. Sorry for not posting yesterday, but it was a bit hectic to say the least.
We were sort of quietly frantic yesterday morning and things got away from us. We had great plans to attend the local Catholic church on the island here, but they got shot all to pieces when we sat down for breakfast amidst a sea of little Chinese babies. Two hours later, Wendy knew every family in the room and I had to pull her away just to give them a chance to eat. She was literally jumping from table to table pinching cheeks and rubbing bellies (the babies — not the parents). The hotel really seems to be the spot for all of the American families adopting since it’s within walking distance of the consulate. There’s also a clinic within walking distance, but more on that later. We were so nervous that a quick walk around the island for last minute supplies (powdered milk, prunes, batteries, our brains) did little to calm us down.
The rest of the group was due in from Bejing that morning and we were all to meet at 12:30 for instructions … or so we thought. As it turns out they were late, which left Wendy and I with about 2 hours to kill. That was pretty tough since the surging adrenaline and raging hormones were taking over. We finally boarded the bus at 3:00 for the ride to the Guangzhou Adoption Ministry Building (or something official like that). We were hardly settled into the conference room before they began bringing in the babies. The tour guide stood at the door and called out each ones name in turn and the parent(s) would go take them from the orphanage workers. This was probably the roughest time for all families (and children), since we were taking them from the only family that they had ever known. Pretty much all of the babies were terrified and crying. Within 10 minutes, it was a madhouse of tears and trembling parents. That only lasted for about an hour or so; although one little girl didn’t stop until she fell asleep that night. Eventually most of them just cried themselves into a semi coma and crashed.
Betsy only cried for about 10 minutes or so before we got her calmed down (thanks largely to a leftover toy from one of Eli’s sonic adventures from 2 or 3 years ago … I’m buying stock in Sonic by the way). After that she was calm as long as no child close to her was crying, and even then we could generally sing to her softly and get her to relax again. On the bus ride back to the hotel, she fell sound asleep in Wendy’s lap (a pattern since repeated numerous times to our relief). One thing that we were able to do before leaving was to ask her caregivers from the orphanage some questions about her, which I’ll let Wendy post about as she has a better memory for that sort of thing anyway. Needless to say, she has been well loved. That is one of the very specific things that we had asked for from God these last 3 months whenever we prayed for her … chalk that one up in the “Sometimes God says yes” column for those keeping score at home.
Once we got back to the room, it was time for some serious bonding before putting her down for the night. She still was a bit stunned, but she no longer cried very much. Wendy even had her smiling within about an hour or so. She has a really cute, throaty sort of laugh that’s almost silent. Just a little, drawn out “huff” kind of noise. When she’s really excited, she opens her mouth as wide as she can and crinkles her eyes and nose.
That’s all for now as they’re almost certainly up from their nap at this point. And, my coffee’s wearing off.
March 28th, 2005 at 8:22 am
We are so happy for both of you. Please give her a hug from us.
Love ya– Matt, Donna and the boys
March 28th, 2005 at 8:28 am
The whole experience sounds wonderful and surreal. What a blessing!
We love hearing about it all. We are thinking of you.
Scott, Stephenne and family
March 28th, 2005 at 9:15 am
The pictures are great. How exciting for you all. I’ve shown the pictures to Lily Jewel. She sits in my lap at the computer and screams “baby, baby!” We can’t wait to meet Betsy Ye in person. God bless and enjoy the rest of the trip. The real journey begins after you get home and I can assure you that it’s wonderful!
Deborah
March 28th, 2005 at 9:44 am
God’s little blessing has finally arrived, noone can tell me this has not been like you given birth to this little mircle. SO very,very happy for you guys. I know of noone who deserves this more that you!! Happy for big brother Eli!! LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!
March 28th, 2005 at 9:44 am
She is absolutely beautiful. God is so good!!
March 28th, 2005 at 10:00 am
Wendy,
From one mother and friend to another, she is even more beautiful, than previous pictures, I just cried, God is so good! LOVE YOU GUYS and words can’t express mu feelings for all of you now!!!
March 28th, 2005 at 10:01 am
So emotional can’t even spell! HA
March 28th, 2005 at 10:51 am
Bobby! I just figured out I could look at photos and have been crying for 30 minutes! Thank you so much for sharing this experience, I am SO HAPPY for you 3.Love you, Holly
March 28th, 2005 at 12:17 pm
We are so happy for you!!!! I can feel your excitment. We love you and cannot wait to see your new bundle of joy!! Be safe.
Louisa, Mike and kids
March 28th, 2005 at 1:13 pm
The pictures are terrific! Our favorite is the one where Betsy has the pink blankie on her head…just look at those cheeks and that little rosebud mouth. How beautiful she is! Thanks for keeping us all informed and letting us share your joy.
Love,
Stephenne
March 28th, 2005 at 2:57 pm
Oh WOW!!!!! Grandaddy and I have looked at the pictures and laughed and cried. It such a wonderful thing to be able to experience this with you. Betsy Ye is beautiful and happy and we are all so blessed by having her as our newest family member.Thank you for bringing her into our lives.
Love you, Aunt Bettyann
March 28th, 2005 at 5:49 pm
The pictures are so precious and Wendy looks radiant with happiness! Anna and Sarah can’t wait to meet Betsy. God be with all of you as you travel home later this week!
March 28th, 2005 at 8:09 pm
Amazing. We are so beyond words and grateful for this precious, precious gift from God. Dale is crying so hard he can’t type. (Well, he couldn’t type if he weren’t crying:) We love y’all and cannot wait to meet our newest cousin!!! Always - Dale, Roxie, B & JMN
March 28th, 2005 at 8:54 pm
GOD is so good! He gave you Eli and now has given you Betsy. She was in your heart before she born, and now she is in your arms. She is so beautiful! Of course, I am crying. Please hug her and kiss her for us. I can not wait to see her and hold her.
We love you,
Danielle and (Thomas - he is in class)
March 29th, 2005 at 11:39 am
What can you say, there are no words, when the Good Lord, blesses you with the two beautiful children. All we can do is pray and lead them in a way that is the him..Missing you guys!! LOVE YA!!!
March 29th, 2005 at 3:45 pm
Betsy is beautiful. She is so blessed because God chose her specifically to become part of your family. It is so neat when you can see so clearly God’s plans working in our everyday lives. Have a safe trip home. We look forward to meeting your little angel in person. XOXOX
March 29th, 2005 at 6:20 pm
Betsy is absolutely gorgeous! I know Eli is going to love her- I can’t wait to meet her myself. Enjoy your stay in China and be safe! Miss you- cousin Sarah
March 29th, 2005 at 8:43 pm
What a joy! We are soooooo happy for you both and you all have been in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss you this weekend on the field…And will look forward to your return. God Bless you both.
March 30th, 2005 at 8:16 pm
OK! I need a update, please, please!!!!This is Wednesday Nite!!
The suspense is killing me! Can’t wait to see you all and meet Besty Ye!!! Love ya!!!