7.05.2011

Dressing Up

All the families from our agency, Lifeline, who are in China now

Some of the older kids and siblings

I bought a Chinese traditional dress when we bought LiYun's, and she wanted me to wear mine for the group pic. Carter insisted on buying himself an outfit and then wouldn't put it on because he said it was "too hot."

Lil' Miss Grace (who was quite a diva during photos and wouldn't pose)

My beautiful daughter

I don't know if the detail of the dresses show up in this close-up, but they're beautiful. I think I'm going to host a Chinese party just so we can wear them. Ha! :) Who wants to come??

Scott finally got a smile out of Grace by throwing her up in the air.

Doesn't LiYun look so grown up? I seriously miss her pigtails. From the back, the lines of the dress resemble the style worn by Kate's sister in the royal wedding. And LiYun's silouette could definitely rival Pippa Middleton's. (Scott is begging me to delete this line. But it's true! I'm so impressed with LiYun's grace, elegance, and maturity. She carries herself very well. But I'm also mourning the fact that she is not a girl but rather a young woman. I wasn't expecting that.)

15 comments:

Debby said...

Oh Kelley....she will still need you in so many mother type ways. I've also been amazed at how poised & mature acting she is......But she seems like a wonderful , WONDERFUL daughter!!!

Ericka B. Jackson said...

Ohmygoodness - you both look so BEAUTIFUL! I can't figure out which dress is my favorite... hers or yours! You should definitely find a reason to wear them again - maybe for Chinese New Year every year? If I had one I would come to your party!

JJ said...

You know I would be at that party! I LOVE reading every word. When do you come home? I would love to be there :)

Joel and Lee-Anne said...

Oh my word!!!! Both of you are BEAUTIFUL!!! LOVE the dresses :) And, um, just maybe we can take a road trip for your Chinese party!!!! :)

Everyday and every new post I sense more and more comfort in your smile, as well as Carolines....maybe I am reading WAY into the pictures, but I feel as if God is easing both of your hearts day by day.
What day are you guys leaving Guangzhou? We have dear friends who had their gotcha day yesterday in their province and will be making their way to Guangzhou in a few days. Its been a very rough start and I know she would find a lot of comfort in a hug and some encouraging words.....
Maybe we can hook you guys up, even for a brief moment.
Much love

Susan said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!! You should wear that on a date night...it's gorgeous!!! Can't wait to see Caroline!!!!!!!!

Joel and Lee-Anne said...

Kelley - wondering when you guys leave Guangzhou....our friends, the Proffitts who are there adopting their 4 year old daughter fly into Guangzhou on Friday evening - staying at the WS. :)

e said...

Kelley,

I have loved(!!!!) reading all of your posts, I've probably read each of them 3x! Caroline is beautiful and so is her new family! So happy for all of you! I'm emailing you when you get back because I have some questions for you...I'm sure you'll have an abundance of free time to answer them :)

Big blessing to all of you!
Erin Schwant

Stefanie said...

So, so beautiful!!
I can imagine that you are mourning the loss of the little girl you worked so hard to bring home as quickly as possible... but you both have SO many firsts together ahead! And wow, what an amazing young lady Caroline is! Thank you for sharing this journey with us :)

The Tweetens said...

It has been a joy to follow your blog. We adopted our 14 year old daughter from China last October. I love seeing God bring these older kids families! There are different challenges with an older child adoption (we also adopted 2 of our other daughters as babies), but there are also incredible joys. Praying for you guys as God unites you as a family!

Cindy said...

So beautiful! You both are glowing!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love following your story!
She looks grown up but she is only twelve and she definitely still a little girl who needs you and your family =)!
(btw. I think you picked a great elegant name for her that fits perfectly)

Cheri said...

Such loveliness! I always thought your daughter looked so graceful and sweet. I think it is in her eyes. You are so blessed.

Mike and Barb said...

I've been enjoying all your updates over the last few days. Thank you!
Again, beautiful pictures, and it's okay to have those conflicted feelings. Give yourself lots of grace throughout this transition period.
Enjoy the rest of your trip, and Rebecca's company (your guide). She was so awesome when we were with her last December!
Barb

Kris said...

I have been reading your blog obsessively this past week. I'm so intrigued and inspired. Can't wait to hear about how the family settles in - the good and the bad. You're almost home. Some peace and quiet awaits!

Lindsey said...

Goodness, Kelley! The dresses are EXQUISITE! Can't wait to see them close up. You'll definitely have to throw a party!