Here it is. All is going well. She is a doll! She has a lot of energy!! :) She is very resiliant. You can tell that she has had to be strong and survive. She was very excited to see us. She showed us the pictures in her book and showed us each one by one. She is very happy to have a BIG family. She did get a bit overwhelmed and hit me once. Our GOTCHA was a little crazy...13 families...13 children...one room. At one point she pointed to her bottomand said somthing I did not understand, but I quickly figured out she needed to go to the bathroom. Squatty potty...quite funny!! No toilet paper, just a couple shakes. As we left the bathroom I picked her up and she kissed my cheek. Heaven!
When we left to get on the bus she did very well. She grabed my hand right away. She was very good about minding us.
We took her to McDonald's. As we went to leave it was cold and I wanted her to put on her hat, but she did not want to. I did not want to force her. We were walking up the stairs and I looked at her and said, "McDonald's"....she looked at me and smiled the greatest smile I've ever seen in my life! She knew what she wanted right away! She pointed to fries first, then hamberger, then ice cream!!! When we left McDonald's she wanted her gloves and hat...and SCARF! I think she was cold on the way there. :)
She has attached to Brad a bit more and is sad that he is not in the room right now. She is packing up all her things and I expect she will make a break for the door that BaBa (daddy) went out.
I must get in on the balloon fight that is taking place...
Thank you for your prayers. We have seen and felt God all over this girl!!
Wow!! How amazing to finally see her. I'm so excited for y'all. Thanks for posting so quickly. We prayed as a family for you at 9pm our time last night which was the Gotcha time. She's adorable. Can't wait to meet her!! Praying you have a peaceful first night's sleep. xoxox...give a hug a kiss to Haddie from us too. Love, Mel
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord!! She looks so perfect with you! So Beautiful! Love the big smiles! So glad your Gotcha Day was such a good one! We are rejoicing with you! We're praying your first night goes well too. Thank you for the pictures!! I checked so many times before I went to bed hoping to get a glimpse. It was so fun to wake up and see Haddie's beautiful smile with you!! Oh I can't wait to meet her in person! We love you! Irene
ReplyDeletePraise Jesus! She is yours! She truly looks like an Arnold. Amazing to know she was hand chosen to be your daughter. I have never seen a more BEAUTIFUL smile on Gotcha Day ever. She is just a doll and we are so happy you have her in your arms. Thank you for giving us these glimpses of your new family. Enjoy the bonding of your little princess!!
ReplyDeleteWE love you! The Kindred's
Brad and Amy,
ReplyDeleteWords simply cannot express how happy we are for you. This is a fulfillment of a promise that God made to Haddie that she did not even know!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."--Deuteronomy 31:6
God has never left Haddie and He has shown himself LARGE to her. It is our prayer that as she clings to Brad that it will be a model for her so that she will cling to God!
We are praying this scripture over your trip:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust...He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.--Psalm 91:1, 2, 4
She is beautiful!!!!! Thank you for posting so quickly. I was headed out the door to work and thought I would check real quick to see if you had updated and you had! made my day :) She has a gorgeous smile and looks so happy to finally be in the arms of her forever family.
ReplyDeleteTears of JOY!! A dream realized! YOURS! Haddies! And God's plan ...... PERFECTION! I love her smile! LOVE that she wanted McDonalds!!! Her smile transcends words! She is at home... with HER FAMILY!! What a precious sight !
ReplyDelete"Now may the God of all HOPE fill you with all joy & peace in believing, so that you will abound in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Shaylee says "Haddie we love you and we want to play with you so much."
Selah says," How is your great new family Haddie Hope?" " I LOVE you Haddie Hope...loves & kisses."
Can't wait to see MORE photos!!!!!
I pray you rest well....and have oodles of energy to make many FOREVERmemories!
Praise our AMAZING GOD!!!! He is so incredible. Crying tears of joy as I see the absolute delight on your sweet daughter's face.
ReplyDeletePraying for sweet rest and a great adjustment period.
Love,
Molly
I can't stop the tears! Haddie is beautiful, that smile just says it all. Congratulations. God is SO good!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Becki
Oh Amy, I loved seeing the pictures of you all together!! I love hearing about this whole thing. Paige is gonna be so excited! I love you!!
ReplyDeleteAMy & Brad & Crew- Praising God that He has DONE IT!! Just as we knew He would! What a GIFT to the Arnolds and to Haddie! And the pictures - those are MY gift!! :)) LOVED LOVED LOVED Haddies smile! Precious, radiant, adorable! And AMY - You are GLOWING in with your smile! The joy is written ALL over your face! Our God is the God of HOPE, and JOY, and FAITH, and most of all LOVE! LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY!!! - Sherry and the Semlow clan
ReplyDeleteThank You Lord. All of our love and prayers to you guys. Tears of joy rolling down my cheeks. Izzy said "oh boy, Momma is happy crying again Daddy. Get her some tissue. " :) She is beautiful. I love her smile. Melts my heart.
ReplyDeleteOh happy day and oh joyful praises in Heaven! Thanking God for being our precious Redeemer and for Haddie's gift of new life! Praying for you all and specifically praying for wonderful, sweet bonding to take place quickly on both sides! love, Marianne
ReplyDeleteThe boys and I just watched your gotcha day slides---we all agree she is beautiful and her smile is contagious. Clay said "she looks like an Arnold"! May God continue to show Himself strong on this trip and in your life. We pray every day for you. The Journey Family prayed for you yesterday at Church. We love you all!
ReplyDeleteThe Damkoehlers
Wonderful to see you all together:-) FINALLY!!! Haddie looks so happy to finally be with you....and of course you all look thrilled. Praising God for His blessing and praying your trip continues to be smooth.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs,
Tami
How exciting that you have her!!! We are GA friends of the Millers and your other friend Bridgette sent me your site -- we have a 6 year old China girl that we have had almost a year. She is doing great in ALL aspects - ONLY speaking English now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing for you and Haddie -- wishing you the very best! Lucy
Her sweet face made my heart and eyes cry tears of joy. Too much on me. A touch of heaven you received today. A touch of God.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Christy
Dear Brad and Amy, What a thrill to see the happy face of that little one. She seems to know what a great family she is joining! We will continue to pray for your family as you all adjust. Brad, we got a kick out of your "pooping" story! Could not have happened to a better guy!! Love, Ray and Marcia
ReplyDeleteBeautiful gotcha day photos!!! Keep the pics coming!!! :) Praying for you guys!
ReplyDeleteLove, the Lipic's