Monday, May 7, 2012

Gotcha Day

This is the day the Lord has made,  we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24


While filling out paperwork,  suddenly Paul said "here is your baby" and a lady handed her to me! It was an indescribable feeling! Not much of a warning but was probably better or I would have been a basket case. 

Finally in my arms!

Looking at her daddy.


Sisters :)

Daddy and his baby.


Big brother Brody getting his turn to hold Braelyn.

Brock is Awesome at getting her toys to play with. 

Applying for  Braelyns passport.

Paul getting Braelyns footprint .

And baby makes 7 !

Nothing more precious than a sleeping baby. 

Our guide took us to Walmart to get formula and some baby food. Braelyn reached out for Blake to hold her.  I'm thinking she could be a "chick magnet" for him back home.


So our guide and driver picked us up at 8:30 this morning and took us to the civil affairs building. Looked more like a apartment building to me. He took us up to the 2nd floor where we immediately had us start paperwork. Earlier when I asked him what time Braelyn was coming he wasn't sure . So I figured we would get all paperwork done then she would arrive. Not the case. I was concentrating on the documents and all of the sudden turned around and a lady handed her to me! I didn't realize she was there. The kids had figured it out because this is one of the outfits we had sent in her care packages. So of course I take her and hug her, while crying. Paul quickly says "more paperwork" so I hand her to Blaire. Lets just say " she LOVES Blaire! She is willing to go to any of us but much prefers Blaire! She didn't cry at all just takes it all in. We have been praying for a smooth transition from foster family to our family and that is exactly what we have been given! God is so good!  Of course as you know Jim has been waiting to get his hands on Braelyn. He soon worked his magic and had her in his arms!!  We quickly finished paperwork and took a adoption picture they needed of Jim, myself and Braelyn. "We are done" said Paul. A lot easier than we thought it would be.
Next stop was to apply for Braelyns passport. So they took us to another building and we took her passport picture and filled out more paperwork and we were done. It all went very quick. Paul had told us last night it could take hours to do if they were very busy. We were relieved when we were done so quickly! Another answer to our prayers :)
I asked Paul to call Orphanage to find out what kind of formula Braelyn is used to. So he then took us to Walmart to get some formula and baby food. Paul is Awesome . Funny personality keeping us laughing and not to mention a great translator. We would be lost without him!
Back at the hotel we are able to feed Braelyn , she is a good eater as you can tell in the pictures. She's not so sure about taking a bottle from us but that will come. She is doing incredibly well seeing as that everything she has ever known has been taken away from her.  She is feeling more and more comfortable with us as the day goes by. We are thanking all of you who have prayed for us but most of all we are Thanking the Good Lord for being with us through out this journey of adoption. There have been so many "blessings" or "God hunts" we have seen and I am quit sure this is just the start! 
Enjoy the pictures and don't worry we will keep them coming!! We had  more to load but would not allow us to. This is just the beginning !  :) 

19 comments:

Lori Haverdink said...

I now have to re apply the make up!:0) Oh sweet little Braelyn, if you only knew how many people have prayed for you already in your short little life. :0) She is adorable and we are so happy for all of you! Can't wait to see more pictures for sure!

Jane Klingenberg said...

Dear ones:

Oh. My. Goodness. Couldn't wait to get to the computer this a.m. and see!! Randy, Elliott and I all saw your first photos together. Indescribable to see. Even more so for you to experience.

Praising God this morning and continuing to pray for all.

Love,

Jane and co.

Bev Groenheide said...

God is good another beautiful grandchild.Our prayers have been answered.With tear filled eyes I write she is beautiful and seems very content.We are so happy for your family we can hardly contain ourselves, we just want to squeeze and kiss her. Love and hugs Grandpa/Grandma

Lisa said...

Oh my, Oh my, Oh my......Get her home quick Aunt Lola cant wait to get her hands on her and kiss those cheeks. Braelyns you are alittle Tootie!!!!. We cant get enough of the pictures, you all look so happy. Praying for a wonderful trasition in the next couple days to your awesome family of 7.
We love you Braelyn
Uncle Kelly, Aunt Lola, Collin, Cortlyn and Kinzlee

lbriskorn said...

Should of waited to put make up on all tears here this morning, just showed the kids the newest addition to or street. God is Good!!!!! She is beautiful and finally Blair has a sister!!! The Briskorns

Lisa said...

She has the Taggie blanket!!!!!
Lola

Mandy McMahon said...

Jumped out of bed right after Ed left for work (this just doesn't normally happen!)to find all the new pictures!! Lynae, the tears haven't stopped falling yet! Braelyn is the one God hand picked for your family and boy, he just doesn't make any mistakes does he!! He is able to bless in incredible ways! Cherish the next few days of getting to know her. Braelyn you are a lucky little gal. Mandy

eslotman@hamiltonschools.us said...

Hello DeWitts!! Reading this post this morning and seeing the joy on everyone's faces in the pictures just brings tears to my eyes! Praise God for Braelyn! We'll continue to keep you in our prayers that everything goes smoothly! Tell Brody he has been greatly missed! :)

Erin

Mandy McMahon said...

SEVEN IS THE PERFECT NUMBER!!!!

Grandma and Grandpa De Witt said...

Dear Jim, Lynae, and Grands,
So happy to hear and see that you are seeing the sites of China and that your energy level is good! We have been praying daily for all of you and by now you will have Braelyn in your arms--prayers answered--tender times and emotions. In my devotions this morning I read, Ps 94:1, "It is good to give thanks and sing praises to the Lord." and we are doing just that, back here in Michigan! We miss you--hurry home and "Bring on Braelyn :)!" Love you, Mom and Dad De Witt

Aunt Jackie said...

WOW!!! Braelyn is absolutely beautiful!!! Couldn't wait to get to my computer this morning! Have fun getting to know your latest bundle of joy!!! Looks like you are creating lots of family memories!
Can't wait to meet her!!! We are still praying...Keep sending pictures!

Jill said...

Hi DeWitt Family!
Braelyn looks like total sweetness!!! Can't wait to meet her!!! Brock...we are having fun following your blog, but miss you lots!!! Looks like you are being a big brother! Can't wait to hear about your trip when you return. Love and prayers!

Jill Jipping

Belinda said...

It was so fun to open your blog and finally see pictures of all of you holding and cuddling beautiful little Braelyn. So happy things are going well and praying that will continue as you all adjust and bond to each other.

Jayme said...

I LOVE this so much! She is absolutely beautiful and perfect and you all look so happy! What a sweet day it is! The pictures of you holding Braelyn for the first time bring back so many emotions from the day we held Andrew for the first time. AMAZING...and there is just nothing like it! Praising God for the miracle of life and the blessing of Adoption!

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!!

Jayme Bouwens

Steffie B. said...

Oh my....I am sitting her with tears streaming down my face.....finally!!!!!!! I'm so happy for all of you.....what a precious miracle for your family.....hugs to you all! xoxo

Grandma and Grandpa De Witt said...

Oh my, Braelyn is beautiful! She so fits in your family--everyone looks so happy and Braelyn looks content--just like she knew you all along! Hurry home, so we can love on her :)! (Don't worry Jim; we'll calm down!) Praise God...prayers answered. We love and miss you all--"Bring on Braelyn :)!"
Love,
Mom & Dad De Witt

Kerri Spaman said...

Hey Guys,
What an incredible journey you have been on and now today to see your little girl for the first time. Amazing!!! 5 kids looks good on you guys! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful pictures and the story of your trip. It gives me goose bumps, I can only imagine how you must be feeling. Prayers for these next days and safe travels home to Hamilton.
Blessings!
Kerri S.

Jamie Tidd said...

Hi everyone!!! The word that kept coming to us yesterday was "peace" so that was what was prayed for, and by the looks of everything it was received!!! The look on your face Lynae is priceless....:) We cannot wait to meet pretty little Braelyn, Grayson will have a hard choice to make someday all these new little "girlfriends" in his life!!! Thanks for all the pics and updates daily, it will be even better in person!!! Counting down the days :) Missing all of you and may you continue to be blessed! Love the Tidd's / Boeve's

Kari Ledebuhr said...

Congrats to all of you! Braelyn is just precious...such a cutie! Praying for a smooth transition and safe travels home.
The Ledebuhrs

Post a Comment