Sunday, January 11, 2009

Last few hours before You You time...

So now I've cried in the Executive lounge and also Starbucks. I can't express what it feels like to read all of your comments. It feels like you are all right here with me and I too am thankful for the technology that allows us to communicate in this way.

Ambien is my best friend. I had taken Tylenol PM the first 2 nights we were in HK and it had not helped me sleep at all. So last night Didi gave me one of her Ambien and oh my goodness did I sleep well. I feel like myself again! Thank you Lord for a good nights sleep. In fact, last night was the first night that every one of us actually slept.

It's 10:45 in the morning here, and we meet Rebecca at 1:30 to go to the Civil Affairs office. Only a few more hours and we will be a family of 5! I'm so nervous! I will post as soon as I can!

Love to you all!!
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33 comments:

  1. EmilyJanuary 11, 2009 at 6:53 PM

    I was just about to make up a post so that we all would be able to talk before the big meeting! All day long I have been counting the hours until your family becomes complete! I am so thankful that all of you slept last night especially you. I just put Wy to bed and we prayed that You You would not be scared and that she would know that you are her new mommy and that you love her. Thank you for the post to give us all a chance to do a pre-celebration. We will all most likely be sleeping soundly in our homes over here in the USA when you all unite together. Make sure my parents are prepared with the cameras so we don't miss out! Love to all - Mimi (to now 9 children)

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 at 6:59 PM

    I would be interested in hearing how Aaron is coping with all this too, besides the being sick part. ( I hope he is better! Check water bottles to make sure the snap part isn't broken. Dave learned that the hard way in Egypt when his hosts simply refilled water bottles at the tap!)

    We are SOOOO excited for you! And to think, you got to experience the whole sleeplessness thing too: this IS like having a baby! (Now for someone to kick you while you try to sleep, the package is complete). :-)

    I will pray for Clara You You to have a peaceful, trusting heart as she experiences all this change. I hope she gives her new mommy and daddy a big grin before you leave China. And I will pray for her foster mom too, who must be feeling a little "seperation anxiety."

    Thanks for the posts! --chris f

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  3. eliseJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:05 PM

    Yay! I've been checking this blog since 6:30am your time! I don't know why though. It's not like you have any new info yet. :) I'm so excited! If you're going to meet her at 2:30pm your time, then that would be 12:30am here. So, you have to get to a computer asap and post a picture so that I can go to sleep! Praying that all will go well and that You You will have peace and be comforted in her new transition! (Clara's about to get the best family!)

    Elise

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  4. MelisaJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    Erica - I am so glad that you got a good nights sleep. Thank you Didi!!

    I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight. (I know... can you believe that I might have a hard time sleeping) I will be checking the blog and my email in the early am to see if you have posted anything yet.

    Please encourge the grandparents to take lots of pictures AND to send us an email asap!! (It doesn't have to be long - just a note to let us know that you "got" your daughter!)

    I love you all!! Happy Gotcha Day!!

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:15 PM

    Wow! It's almost time, and when you read this you will probably already have your precious little girl.
    We are praying for all of you that Clara You You will feel an immediate connection to her new family and that you all will have peace.
    Love and hugs from the Rozendals

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:22 PM

    WOW!!!! IT IS ALMOST TIME!!! I CANT WAIT TO MEET HER AND JUST HEAR ABOUT HER ON THE BLOG!! I REALLY HOPE THE TRANSITION GOES WELL!! ALSO I SO AGREE WITH ELISE SHE WILL HAVE THE BAST FAMILY!!!!! EXPECIALLY COUSINS :)!!!!!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:39 PM

    Hey Erica
    Just wanted to let you know I was praying for you. Your little girl looks like an angel. :-) God bless you!
    Lillie (Sadler) Johnson

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  8. friendsandfamilyJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:52 PM

    I am so glad there is a post before I hit the hay!! I, too, have checked all day hoping there would be one but glad there was not in hopes that you may be in a peaceful sleep. I can not wait to wake in the morning in hopes there will be some "news". We love all 5 of you and cannot wait to meet Clara in person. I will say a prayer tonight for a smooth and peaceful union in only 2hrs and 45 min. from now!!!!!!!! Your wait is almost over. Love to Aaron and the boys and love to you!!!
    Tatum

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  9. Laura WhisenantJanuary 11, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    2 hours 15 minutes!!! I'm so excited!
    Praying for all of you!
    ~Laura

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  10. AimeeJanuary 11, 2009 at 8:43 PM

    Erica,
    I really am nuts. We just got to Kentucky after a 7 hour trip, the kids are exhausted and its so late. I asked Carlton to hook up the computer and guess what, it wouldnt' let us connect. I almost started crying. (Told you, i am crazy!) Carlton got his cell phone and called a friend back home to help him get online and LOOK! here I am! I just had to see if you had your darling baby girl!!

    I won't sleep a wink tonight...I'll be up early to check this blog....oh my,,,,I think you are on your way to get her now...

    I am praying and I am so excited for you.

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  11. Val P.January 11, 2009 at 8:48 PM

    Cool! You should have your little girl by now. :)

    Love you all LOTS!

    Oh, and the vote for the new pastor went through positively. Just wish you all could have been here to meet his family.

    We're all praying for you and YouYou and may you all have a wonderful night tonight.

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  12. JJNIJanuary 11, 2009 at 9:14 PM

    Erica,

    I am so excited. I woke up praying for y'all and especially little Clara this morning. I am praying all day and am thankful that you will be getting your little girl during my awake time, so that I can be praying hard for you during all of this. I am praying that she will bond with you quickly. I cannot wait to see the pictures! Enjoy today, my friend. What a blessing!

    Love you,

    Joie

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 at 9:24 PM

    I just decided to check one more time before I went to bed and I realized that as I write this you are meeting your new baby! There are tears in my eyes and I could not be more thrilled for you. You are all in my heart and on my mind.

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  14. Hope for LucyJanuary 11, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    Erica
    Ok, Im posting again because I dont know where my other post was delivered. I cant believe the time has come. As I type, you are now a mother of three precious children. Tonight, as I laid beside my Lia, I couldnt stop crying just thinking that she will never have to sleep alone again nor You You. I praise God for the glory that He has given to us and the beautiful children that now have a family. Oh, how I wish I was there with you to give you all a big hug. We are now family and our circle is complete. I love you guys. How will I ever sleep tonight.

    Connie

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  15. The St. John familyJanuary 11, 2009 at 10:46 PM

    I am praising our AWESOME Heavenly Father for the exciting things He is doing in China right now as your family has grown by one precious little baby girl! The big day has finally come in HIS perfect time. I have tears and chill bumps just thinking about the wonderful change that is taking place in all of your lives today. God is SO good!!!
    Love to you all,
    Jennifer

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  16. JJNIJanuary 11, 2009 at 11:13 PM

    Okay, I couldn't help checking even though I know that there is no way there would be any more news on here right now. Clara is in your arms! I am weeping tears of joy that she now has a family that will love her for the rest of her life. What a blessed little girl to have a Mommy and Daddy that love Jesus and love her and two big brothers that will take care of her! I am praising Him for bringing her to you! Love to all of you!

    Joie

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  17. JJanuary 12, 2009 at 12:38 AM

    Thanks for keeping us all posted!

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  18. The St. John familyJanuary 12, 2009 at 4:14 AM

    Oh, I am really really really eager to see some pictures... but, I hope you are enjoying your first evening with your little girl - first meal together, first bath, etc.
    Waiting patiently (you know how patient I am - HA!)...
    Jennifer

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  19. JJNIJanuary 12, 2009 at 4:24 AM

    I have been praying so hard all day that YouYou would bond with you right away. I hope that is happening and that you are having a wonderful time with your new daughter. I mentioned earlier that I was glad this was happening during my awake time, but I have to admit that in hindsight, it would have been easier to be asleep. I have been refreshing this blog page constantly all day!

    Joie

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  20. KristiJanuary 12, 2009 at 4:26 AM

    Oh Erica - you have sweet Clara in your arms as we speak! I am praying for peace and contentment! I cannot wait to see your update! It just brings back so many memories!! RECENT ONES!! Much love and GOd bless you!

    Kristi

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  21. The St. John familyJanuary 12, 2009 at 4:37 AM

    I have to agree with Joie's comment... I have been thinking about you guys ALL day and keep refreshing your blog in hopes of news and PICTURES! I have been so excited and antsy - I even exercised today! :o

    Jennifer

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  22. MelisaJanuary 12, 2009 at 4:41 AM

    I agree...I have refreshed this blog and checked my email (just in case my mother emailed me an update) about 50 times this morning.

    Praying that YouYou loves you instantly and anxiously awaiting and update.

    Melisa

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  23. AimeeJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:04 AM

    OK, we are all dying for an update!!!!!!

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  24. EllieJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:06 AM

    Hey Guys!!! I am so excited! You were in my heart and prayers all day yesterday as I thought about you going to meet You You! I just prayed that as soon as she saw you, Erica, she would know her Mama! My prayers are continuing as you all bond as a family. Can't wait to hear--and see!!--all about it!
    Love,
    The Crane's

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  25. The St. John familyJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:10 AM

    Okay, I admit I am sitting here refreshing also. Praying for and rejoicing with you all! Your friend, Stephen

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  26. The St. John familyJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:16 AM

    We are ALL waiting. We want to see photos and hear what is going on. We're really excited for you guys.

    Joshua

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  27. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:20 AM

    If "refresh" was a key on my keyboard, it would be broken by now. I remember waiting in the waiting room for news about Carter and Jackosn's birth. This is much like that. We know you have your hands full. Update us when you can. We love you guys.

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  28. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:42 AM

    Oh wow!!!! I cant wait for the next post but you guys can take your time and enjoy the moment!!! I will check the blog after school!!!!!!

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  29. CarissaJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:48 AM

    I was still in awake in bed last night at 11:30pm, praying for all of you. I can't wait to read your next post. We will continue to pray for the her adjustment into her new family, that God would tie those bonds quickly and securely.
    Love you!

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  30. Buffi YoungJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:52 AM

    Oh Erica...I'm so glad you discovered the Ambien...YES...it helps SO well while in another time zone!! Resting before getting You You was very important for you!!!

    I woke up first thing this morning and thought of you guys. I'm sure by now you already have your beautiful daughter. I cannot wait until your next post. I cannot wait to see pictures and hear a breakdown moment by moment!! I'm so proud for you guys Erica and so excited!! It seems like yesterday that we met you at the lunch with Lifeline...and you were just beginning the wait...and here you are...holding your daughter in your arms. It is SO precious!!! We are praying for you guys. I pray that everyone transitions well and continues to stay healthy and sleep well too!! Thank you for keeping us informed. I'm sure I'll be checking blogger ALL DAY waiting for that post!!! Bless you guys!
    Buffi

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  31. eliseJanuary 12, 2009 at 5:58 AM

    I woke up at 2am and had to get up and turn my computer on to check for an update! I can't wait to hear more! Praying that everything is going well over there! Love y'all!
    Elise

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  32. robmiJanuary 12, 2009 at 6:03 AM

    "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:3-6 I know that the good work is Christ in us, but I feel that He is perfecting the good work that started over two years ago- today! and will continue as you live out the gospel in the lives of your THREE children!! God bless you and keep you in all the excitement and emotion.

    Love,
    Michelle

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  33. MelisaJanuary 12, 2009 at 6:03 AM

    Elise - I checked the computer at 2am also. :)

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