Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Video: Back on the Homefront
Hey Everyone:
Our apologies for not posting anything to the blog recently. We've been back at home for about three days now, but overwhelmed with jet lag, sleep deprivation and just getting settled in. Claire is being a real trooper though ... and attached is a video compilation of some of her adventures at home these past few days.
Thanks for sticking with us!
- The Madsens
Our apologies for not posting anything to the blog recently. We've been back at home for about three days now, but overwhelmed with jet lag, sleep deprivation and just getting settled in. Claire is being a real trooper though ... and attached is a video compilation of some of her adventures at home these past few days.
Thanks for sticking with us!
- The Madsens
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Forward: Gotcha Day
Dear Claire:
What a day this has been for you. When Mommy and Daddy first met you about 12 hours ago, you were a very scared, tired and even angry little girl. You were in a strange city, surrounded by strange people, and you had been up since the wee hours of the morning making the long drive from Guilin to Nanning, where Mommy and Daddy would meet you.
Some dear friends of Mommy and Daddy reminded us that every single little baby that is born into this world is born kicking and screaming. And that reaction is something that every parent hopes for. It means that a child is alive ... has emotions ... and can feel. That was no different than you on Gotcha Day, October 6, 2008. It was so hard for you to see the orphanage director and your nanny leave the room and say goodbye. Mommy and Daddy were smiling at you, but it was probably confusing because we were speaking in a language that was unfamiliar to you. Claire Qiuxia, you were tired. You were scared. You were --- and still are grieving --- all that you've left behind in Guilin. All of your world that was familiar to you. Mommy and Daddy were so tender for you.
And precious child, you know how to grieve. You do it well. You can feel the emotions stirring up inside of you. We're quite confident that you will be a girl who wears her emotions on her sleeve. We've never seen a child sob so deeply. You were even angry. You got back to the hotel room with Mommy and Daddy. And you showed us what was inside your backpack. And then you threw those things while you sobbed, while you grieved. You probably felt very alone at that time.
Then you let Daddy hold you. He just held you and rocked you. Slowly. So slowly. And you took some deep breaths and let go of the sadness, the grief, the anger you had been carrying around for a couple of hours. You stayed there with Daddy for a long time. Just rocking. Slowly. So slowly. And then you took one more deep breath and fell asleep. Such a tired, little girl.
When you woke up later, you still weren't too sure about things. And that's OK. We'll take this real slow, little Claire. We asked you if you were hungry. You shook your head no. We asked you if you were thirsty. You shook your head no. We asked you if you needed the potty. You shook your head no. We think you just needed to look around and soak all of this in. These new people. This new place. This new language. We found a Chinese Children's program on TV. You liked that. A set of voices that sound familiar to you.
Slowly, you became more comfortable with this little place. You let us give you something to drink. You let us take you to the potty. Then you pointed to the window. You wanted Daddy to take you there. You looked out ... awestruck. Maybe you have not seen the world from a 14th floor before. Or maybe it was the beautiful blue, purple and green lights that caught your attention as they flickered across the Nanning skyline. You love that window. We would make several visits.
Then you began to parrott words. We said "Mommy." You said "Mommy" and pointed to her. We said "Daddy." You said "Daddy" and you pointed to me. That touched our hearts, Claire Qiuxia. It had been a tough day up to then. A really tough day. And perhaps God used you and your innocence to let us know that things would get better. Then it was time for Grandma to go. You said "Ni ni, bye, bye" and you waved. Precious.
Then, Claire your switch went on. You came alive. We played with balls. You laughed. You smiled. You colored with Mommy. You laughed and smiled some more. We blew bubbles ... oh, you thought that was simply spectacular. You played with Ling Ling, your new doll. Oh, how you love her. You even showed Mommy and Daddy how to put at pony tail holder in Ling Ling's hair. Then you found Daddy's computer. That was pretty cool too. And better yet, you were mesmerized by all of the pictures of YOU that you were suprised to see on Daddy's computer.
You let us change you into some brand new pajamas and we got you ready for bed. We watched you sleep all night long. All night. You're such a beautiful girl. And you sleep so deeply. (in fact, you're sleeping as I write this). You are also a bed hog and love to sleep on a diagonal. We think you've covered about 110% of the bed tonight. But tonight you've slept so deeply. That is a blessing. We can't even imagine what you're dreaming about, Claire. We sit here and look in wonder at this beautiful little girl who God has chosen just for us. And you too, are trusting us. We see a fiesty, spunky little girl running around the Madsen Ranch. You're so beautiful when you laugh. When you smile. You are our daughter. A treasured child of the most High God.
We don't know what's going to happen when you wake up this morning. Will we meet the girl we first met yesterday? Or will we meet the girl who was laughing, smiling and imitating us when we put you to bed last night? Only God knows which Claire will wake up with us today. But we trust Him completely. And we pray that one day, you'll be able to trust us completely.
Our journey has begun.
We love you,
Mommy and Daddy
P.S. Hey Everyone -- it has been a long, long day for the Madsen Ranch. And to be honest, a really tough one emotionally. For Claire and for us. Hopefully, this entry will give you a better sense of what our first day together was like. We have it all on video too --- the challenging moments and the tender ones --- and we'll share that with you as soon as we're able.
We did feel your prayers yesterday. When we first met Claire, it was the wee hours of Monday morning in Chicago. Most of you were deep asleep too. But when Claire's switch went on late last night our little girl came alive, we knew it was prayer. We felt lifted up. It was clear. it. We love all of you, and please keep the prayers coming!
- Jeff, Helena and Claire
What a day this has been for you. When Mommy and Daddy first met you about 12 hours ago, you were a very scared, tired and even angry little girl. You were in a strange city, surrounded by strange people, and you had been up since the wee hours of the morning making the long drive from Guilin to Nanning, where Mommy and Daddy would meet you.
Some dear friends of Mommy and Daddy reminded us that every single little baby that is born into this world is born kicking and screaming. And that reaction is something that every parent hopes for. It means that a child is alive ... has emotions ... and can feel. That was no different than you on Gotcha Day, October 6, 2008. It was so hard for you to see the orphanage director and your nanny leave the room and say goodbye. Mommy and Daddy were smiling at you, but it was probably confusing because we were speaking in a language that was unfamiliar to you. Claire Qiuxia, you were tired. You were scared. You were --- and still are grieving --- all that you've left behind in Guilin. All of your world that was familiar to you. Mommy and Daddy were so tender for you.
And precious child, you know how to grieve. You do it well. You can feel the emotions stirring up inside of you. We're quite confident that you will be a girl who wears her emotions on her sleeve. We've never seen a child sob so deeply. You were even angry. You got back to the hotel room with Mommy and Daddy. And you showed us what was inside your backpack. And then you threw those things while you sobbed, while you grieved. You probably felt very alone at that time.
Then you let Daddy hold you. He just held you and rocked you. Slowly. So slowly. And you took some deep breaths and let go of the sadness, the grief, the anger you had been carrying around for a couple of hours. You stayed there with Daddy for a long time. Just rocking. Slowly. So slowly. And then you took one more deep breath and fell asleep. Such a tired, little girl.
When you woke up later, you still weren't too sure about things. And that's OK. We'll take this real slow, little Claire. We asked you if you were hungry. You shook your head no. We asked you if you were thirsty. You shook your head no. We asked you if you needed the potty. You shook your head no. We think you just needed to look around and soak all of this in. These new people. This new place. This new language. We found a Chinese Children's program on TV. You liked that. A set of voices that sound familiar to you.
Slowly, you became more comfortable with this little place. You let us give you something to drink. You let us take you to the potty. Then you pointed to the window. You wanted Daddy to take you there. You looked out ... awestruck. Maybe you have not seen the world from a 14th floor before. Or maybe it was the beautiful blue, purple and green lights that caught your attention as they flickered across the Nanning skyline. You love that window. We would make several visits.
Then you began to parrott words. We said "Mommy." You said "Mommy" and pointed to her. We said "Daddy." You said "Daddy" and you pointed to me. That touched our hearts, Claire Qiuxia. It had been a tough day up to then. A really tough day. And perhaps God used you and your innocence to let us know that things would get better. Then it was time for Grandma to go. You said "Ni ni, bye, bye" and you waved. Precious.
Then, Claire your switch went on. You came alive. We played with balls. You laughed. You smiled. You colored with Mommy. You laughed and smiled some more. We blew bubbles ... oh, you thought that was simply spectacular. You played with Ling Ling, your new doll. Oh, how you love her. You even showed Mommy and Daddy how to put at pony tail holder in Ling Ling's hair. Then you found Daddy's computer. That was pretty cool too. And better yet, you were mesmerized by all of the pictures of YOU that you were suprised to see on Daddy's computer.
You let us change you into some brand new pajamas and we got you ready for bed. We watched you sleep all night long. All night. You're such a beautiful girl. And you sleep so deeply. (in fact, you're sleeping as I write this). You are also a bed hog and love to sleep on a diagonal. We think you've covered about 110% of the bed tonight. But tonight you've slept so deeply. That is a blessing. We can't even imagine what you're dreaming about, Claire. We sit here and look in wonder at this beautiful little girl who God has chosen just for us. And you too, are trusting us. We see a fiesty, spunky little girl running around the Madsen Ranch. You're so beautiful when you laugh. When you smile. You are our daughter. A treasured child of the most High God.
We don't know what's going to happen when you wake up this morning. Will we meet the girl we first met yesterday? Or will we meet the girl who was laughing, smiling and imitating us when we put you to bed last night? Only God knows which Claire will wake up with us today. But we trust Him completely. And we pray that one day, you'll be able to trust us completely.
Our journey has begun.
We love you,
Mommy and Daddy
P.S. Hey Everyone -- it has been a long, long day for the Madsen Ranch. And to be honest, a really tough one emotionally. For Claire and for us. Hopefully, this entry will give you a better sense of what our first day together was like. We have it all on video too --- the challenging moments and the tender ones --- and we'll share that with you as soon as we're able.
We did feel your prayers yesterday. When we first met Claire, it was the wee hours of Monday morning in Chicago. Most of you were deep asleep too. But when Claire's switch went on late last night our little girl came alive, we knew it was prayer. We felt lifted up. It was clear. it. We love all of you, and please keep the prayers coming!
- Jeff, Helena and Claire
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Today Is the Day
Dear Claire:
Mommy and Daddy just woke up to a rising sun on the river outside our hotel. It looks like October 6 will be a glorious autumn day here in China. And considering the origins of your name, how fitting that God would design it that way. We're sure He's smiling about that today. At this moment, you are likely in a van or a car somewhere on the 210-mile stretch between Guilin and Nanning. We will meet you in about seven hours.
Today, you woke up for the final time in the Guilin Social Welfare Institute that has been your home since you were three days old. We know they loved you there. They have cared for you well. And we're sure there is so much you will miss about your foster family, your friends, your other caretakers, your language, your food and everything that has become so familiar to you in your four precious years. We believe tears were shed as you left Guilin this morning. We will keep you connected to your foster family and Guilin. You have a story there. Your story belongs to you and will forever be part of you.
Today, we woke up realizing that our deepest hearts desire --- to become your parents --- will be realized by the time this same sun sets tonight over the river. Tears were shed here too, knowing that you are just hours away, that God is with us today ... and that He has orchestrated all of this to come together in a way that only God can.
We have waited for this day a long time. We've trusted God that it would come. And of all the millions and millions of children on this Planet Earth .... God looked down and chose one little girl more than 7,700 miles from our home to be our daughter. He chose you for us, and He chose us for you.
Just like many things will be new to you (a family, a language, a culture, and food) parenthood will be new to Mom and Dad as well. We have prepared extensively for this day. For the things that are within our control, we are as ready as we can be. But many things are not in our control, and that's where we will trust God. God has gotten us this far ... and we're sure there is much He has yet to show all of us as we begin our forever family together.
There are three things we will promise you. Here's what they are:
1. We promise to love you well.
2. We promise to introduce you to God, and trust God as we build our forever family together.
3. We promise to let you tell your story.
We love you, Claire Qiuxia. And we'll see you very soon.
Waiting Patiently,
Mom and Dad
Mommy and Daddy just woke up to a rising sun on the river outside our hotel. It looks like October 6 will be a glorious autumn day here in China. And considering the origins of your name, how fitting that God would design it that way. We're sure He's smiling about that today. At this moment, you are likely in a van or a car somewhere on the 210-mile stretch between Guilin and Nanning. We will meet you in about seven hours.
Today, you woke up for the final time in the Guilin Social Welfare Institute that has been your home since you were three days old. We know they loved you there. They have cared for you well. And we're sure there is so much you will miss about your foster family, your friends, your other caretakers, your language, your food and everything that has become so familiar to you in your four precious years. We believe tears were shed as you left Guilin this morning. We will keep you connected to your foster family and Guilin. You have a story there. Your story belongs to you and will forever be part of you.
Today, we woke up realizing that our deepest hearts desire --- to become your parents --- will be realized by the time this same sun sets tonight over the river. Tears were shed here too, knowing that you are just hours away, that God is with us today ... and that He has orchestrated all of this to come together in a way that only God can.
We have waited for this day a long time. We've trusted God that it would come. And of all the millions and millions of children on this Planet Earth .... God looked down and chose one little girl more than 7,700 miles from our home to be our daughter. He chose you for us, and He chose us for you.
Just like many things will be new to you (a family, a language, a culture, and food) parenthood will be new to Mom and Dad as well. We have prepared extensively for this day. For the things that are within our control, we are as ready as we can be. But many things are not in our control, and that's where we will trust God. God has gotten us this far ... and we're sure there is much He has yet to show all of us as we begin our forever family together.
There are three things we will promise you. Here's what they are:
1. We promise to love you well.
2. We promise to introduce you to God, and trust God as we build our forever family together.
3. We promise to let you tell your story.
We love you, Claire Qiuxia. And we'll see you very soon.
Waiting Patiently,
Mom and Dad
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Safe and Sound in China
Hey Claire:
Just want you to know that we're safe in Nanning, China and very excited about meeting you in just two days. Nanning is a big city of about 6 million, and is the capital of the Guangxi province where you are from. At this moment, only about 210 miles separate us. That sure feels a lot closer than the 7,700 miles the separated us a few days ago when we left Chicago to come get you.
Seeing Nanning and the Guangxi province helps us understand and appreciate why you love the outdoors so much. It is beautiful and very tropical here in southern China! Our guide told us that Nanning is called the "green city" because of its lush foliage. And the weather in the Guangxi province close is to 90 degrees and it is very humid ... and they say it is wintertime here! I think you'll find winter time in Chicago to be quite different than it is in south China. (But we'll wait until we're back home to tell you that story;)
Today our guide told us that we'd meet you for the first time on Monday afternoon. From what we understand, they're going to drive you from Guilin (your birthplace) early Monday morning to meet us here, in Nanning ... the capital of your province. It should be about a six-hour drive for you. We imagine that you'll be very tired after such a long day and a long drive. And we also imagine you'll be scared because everything will be so new to you ... especially us. If it helps, you should know that we are scared too! But more than anything ... we are so excited to see you face-to-face for the first time and to hold you in our arms. We can't imagine anything that would be more special!
Well ... Mommy is already fast asleep (she has something called jet lag). And Daddy's eyes are starting to get blurry as he finishes this entry (he has jet lag too, but is not willing to admit it). We'll be back tomorrow --- and hopefully with some video --- to let you know what we find exploring here in Nanning while we wait for you to arrive.
Sleep tight, little Claire.
Waiting patiently,
Mom and Dad
Just want you to know that we're safe in Nanning, China and very excited about meeting you in just two days. Nanning is a big city of about 6 million, and is the capital of the Guangxi province where you are from. At this moment, only about 210 miles separate us. That sure feels a lot closer than the 7,700 miles the separated us a few days ago when we left Chicago to come get you.
Seeing Nanning and the Guangxi province helps us understand and appreciate why you love the outdoors so much. It is beautiful and very tropical here in southern China! Our guide told us that Nanning is called the "green city" because of its lush foliage. And the weather in the Guangxi province close is to 90 degrees and it is very humid ... and they say it is wintertime here! I think you'll find winter time in Chicago to be quite different than it is in south China. (But we'll wait until we're back home to tell you that story;)
Today our guide told us that we'd meet you for the first time on Monday afternoon. From what we understand, they're going to drive you from Guilin (your birthplace) early Monday morning to meet us here, in Nanning ... the capital of your province. It should be about a six-hour drive for you. We imagine that you'll be very tired after such a long day and a long drive. And we also imagine you'll be scared because everything will be so new to you ... especially us. If it helps, you should know that we are scared too! But more than anything ... we are so excited to see you face-to-face for the first time and to hold you in our arms. We can't imagine anything that would be more special!
Well ... Mommy is already fast asleep (she has something called jet lag). And Daddy's eyes are starting to get blurry as he finishes this entry (he has jet lag too, but is not willing to admit it). We'll be back tomorrow --- and hopefully with some video --- to let you know what we find exploring here in Nanning while we wait for you to arrive.
Sleep tight, little Claire.
Waiting patiently,
Mom and Dad
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