Natalie has arrived. she is amazing and we could not be happier to have her in our lives.
the attached picture is our official registration pic. as you can see, her hair has grown and out and she is a beautiful little girl. pay no attention to the stupid grin on my face.
she is doing great so far. she took just a few minutes to warm up to us, but once we gave her some food she was good to go. she took to me just a bit quicker than Amy. you know that melted my heart.
she took a nap in the room already. she seems to like any type of food as she hasn't refused anything yet. btw, i have yet to go solo on a diaper change.
regarding her foot. she has been wearing a brace now for 4 months according to the orphanage rep that brought her. it seems to have helped a lot. she is crawling just fine. we were instructed to take the brace off from 4-6 each day and the foot looks so much better than it did in the picture we first received. she is even able to pull herself up and walk with assistance. we are very happy about this. also, she loves music and likes to dance. she is wonderful.
we can't wait for everyone to meet her. we know you will fall in love with her the minute you see her just like we did.
please leave some comments for us as we would love to hear what you think of our wonderful Natalie Xue Er (pronounced "Shoe Are").
Stephen and Amy--if I could do backflips, I would. She is gorgeous. I am so glad to hear she's eating well, taking to you guys, crawling, pulling up, and in general--keeping you busy!!! How exciting! I can't wait to hear more about her. Stay well, enjoy your time with her, and good luck with the diaper changes : ) We hate that we missed you on skype...Love, Chris
ReplyDeleteShe is absolutely beautiful! And the stupid grin is perfect, exactly the way it should be! Is Miss Natalie already a daddy's girl? I am so beyond happy for you & Amy! A beautiful family!
ReplyDelete-Wendi M.
Stephen & Amy - Congratulations! Natalie is a beautiful little girl and looks so content in your arms. I'm so happy for all of you.
ReplyDeleteStephen & Amy ~ Wow!!! I'm so happy for you all. Natalie is just perfect and absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to meet her. Be safe and enjoy some quality family time.
ReplyDeleteDeborah S.
She is a really pretty baby. You all look great as a family. Be glad when you get home.
ReplyDeleteMy allergies must be bothering me because my eyes are watering. She is beautiful and you all make a beautiful family. Stephen I love the silly grin ~ it's perfect! :)
ReplyDeleteDebbie H.
Aww, she's holding your shirt! We are, of course, really happy for you guys. We can't wait to have your beautiful little girl and our not-so-bad-herself little girl mix it up when we're back for Christmas. Natalie must be the luckiest little girl around. Now, stop telling her about the Blue Man Group and change her diaper!
ReplyDeleteBrian, Keiko, and Maya Sue
Your blog just gives me chills! I am so happy for you and your wife and Natalie is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteShannon B
Steve and Amy,
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful and I am so happy for you guys. Steve, don't worry about freaking out, it all comes naturally, you'll see. And as far as the solo diaper change, you will be a pro in no time...I never changed a diaper in my life til I had my little girl and I guess all the years of watching paid off...lol.
Best Wishes and a safe journey home...
Jeremy
I can only imagine the joy you are both feeling right now....she is absolutely beautiful! We can not wait to meet her. Love you guys and have a safe trip home. Brandi, Landon, Asher, and Camden
ReplyDeleteShe is absolutely adorable. Enjoy the rest of your trip and have safe travels back home. Little Miss Natalie has a lot of people waiting to meet her.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful family!!
ReplyDelete-Elaine
You guys suck for making me cry at work. But your daughter sure is beautiful, and I can't be any happier that you all finally have one another. Much love, safe travels and good luck with that whole diaper situation. xoxo, Jess
ReplyDeleteMy 7th g-grandchild. Anxious to see her. take care, love you!
ReplyDeleteMamaw C
Your wife and child are very cute; however, you look like you should be evaluated (next time get someone to fill in for you).” Congratulations, Natalie is gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteJay
Thanks everyone. the night has been a bit more interesting than the day, but i will talk about that more later.
ReplyDeleteDave and I are sitting looking at your pictures and we are both at a loss for words. What a beautiful baby girl!!! AND FAMILY! Congrats to the mommy and daddy!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRobin & Dave
Steve & Amy, I know it's been a long time coming, and probably still feels a bit surreal, but the three of you could not look more like a "forever family" than you do in this picture. Tim woke me up this morning saying, "Come look at her, come look, she's adorable." I was disoriented and had no idea who "she" was but quickly figured it out as Tim showed me this pic on his screen. We are so happy for you all and are praying that you 3 are safe and come home soon. Love, April
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Stephen & Amy! She is absolutely precious and I am so happy for you. Praying for a safe journey home as you begin this new chapter together as a family. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI am so very happy for all three of you. Natalie is beautiful and appears very happy with you. I pray for your safe return.
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy for you all; you all look like you were meant to be a family :) Natalie is a little doll baby and we can't wait to meet her. Kelly, Taylor and Chelsea Harl
ReplyDelete