Wow!!! As someone said in their comment, 'Dreams really do come true!!' (Thought that was a perfect comment for this Disney gal!!) It's been a little over 48 hours since my life changed forever and I'm still on cloud nine!!Friday evening was filled with phone calls with family and friends as well as a trip for celebratory ice cream with my brother and sister-on-law. Now that's the way to celebrate...with ice cream!! Dave and Trish had 2 of their boys with them as well as my niece Makenna who is now 10 months old. She's still such a baby and I was in awe to realize that Hannah would be 2 months younger than this when she is placed in my arms!!! Still amazed at this and continually thanking God for allowing her to be so young when we meet!!
I got a few hours of sleep Friday night but as soon as I woke up and realized that I was the Mom of a beautiful 5 1/2 month old baby girl on the other side of the world, that was it! I was up for the day with a grin on my face stretching from ear to ear!! I walked into the living room and was graced by all the wonderful gifts Hannah and I had been blessed with at the shower Wednesday. (That will warrant another post at a later time.) I looked at each gift with such different eyes now that there was a real live baby...my DAUGHTER Hannah XiaoFen....and she had a name, age, province...she was a real little person!! WOW!!!
Saturday was spent (still floating)with Sharon, Grandma and Grandpa. They put up with my giddiness and we talked and talked about Hannah! They even surprised me at supper with the gift of an adorable little pink hat and the cutest little pink boots you ever did see!! How wonderful it is to look at clothes and finally have an idea of size! I'll know more later in the week but it looks like I'll be shopping for sure since the smallest clothes I'd let myself buy were size 18 months!
I cannot begin to tell you how amazing and wonderful it is to know 'who' my daughter is!! God has a beautiful baby girl waiting for me in Hunan province and soon I will travel and we will forever be mother and daughter!!
I also want to say thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU for all your comments, well wishes, prayers, celebrations, emails and so much more!!! All of them have added to the joy of this amazing time!!Counting down to seeing her pics and learning more about her! 5 more sleeps!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I feel like I've "known" you forever- reading your blog, reading about your visits with M3 & the gang. Then a few minutes ago I saw the name Catherine linked and the text saying that she just got her referral. I prayed that you were THE Catherine. I'm SO thrilled for you! I can't wait to see your sweet baby girl's face! And so young! What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteSo thrilled to return from the cottage to such thrilling news!
ReplyDeleteYou will be with your sweet Hannah at about the same age I was blessed to have Benjaminh in my arms. I am so thankful that I was allowed to see all of those precious firsts and can't wait to follow wee Hannah as she learns to crawl and toddle.
Congratulations my friend!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI learned of your blog from Salsa In China and I've been following for what seems like forever. I've never commented here, but wanted to add my congratulations on this happy occasion. You are an inspiration to me, someone only beginning this China Adoption whirlwind.
You and Hannah are so blessed to have one another, I am overjoyed for you!
-Jennifer
You are KILLING me!!!! I am sitting here reading your blog about how happy you are and I am crying...AGAIN. To make matters worse, I just read I Love You Like Crazy Cakes to LiLi and was crying through that too because it seems like just yesterday I was were you are now!!! She of course thought was funny because she loves to hear how big she has gotten.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see a picture of Hannah. I am sooooo excited for you!!!
Sharyn
Oh how exciting!! Do you have her room finished? I love looking at pictures of the sweet little rooms! I would be wide awake also. It must be like Christmas morning!! Have fun and enjoy your new Mommyhood!
ReplyDeleteStacey
LID 8-8-06 for Jadalyn
Cloud 9 is a great place to be Catherine! Enjoy the anticipation and excitement as you wait to see her sweet face!
ReplyDeleteCloud Nine here too...on your behalf!
ReplyDeleteIt's truely heartwarming to know you've been matched with your little Hannah at last :D
Counting down with you until you see her sweet face. SO EXCITING!!!
I am sooo HAPPY for you girly..
ReplyDeleteYou totally deserve it..
Have a great and fast 5 days..
can't wait to see her pretty little face..
azing news............congrats..........haven't heard of a 5 1/2 yr old for years!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletelooking forward to seeing that little face
This is the start of the best adventure.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you both, you are a family!
Now, PICTURES HURRY UP
Just think - little ruffled panties and Mary Jane shoes - could anything be more fun to shop for??
ReplyDeleteJust a guest reading your blog but am absolutely in tears reading all that wonderful news. Mad as it seems I too can't wait to see her picture! I'm so so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love
xxxx
:0)...ear to ear here too.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, mama!
It is so much fun to read your excitement. I can't blame you. Try to keep your feet on the ground this week so you don't trip.
ReplyDeleteCathy, truly He makes all things beautiful in His time.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm sure you'll still spend much of life "waiting for Hannah"...you know girls :) ...now you'll be watching Hannah! Can't wait to see her...hold her...holding a precious gift from God. Oh how my heart rejoices with you.
Reminded that NOTHING is impossible with God!!!!!
Hugs,
Joy
i cant wait to see your daugthers picture! congradulations!
ReplyDeletelee
Zoe was 7 months when I collected her and I needed 3-6 months clothes to fit her...enjoy that shopping!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to read about someone with good news for a change. Ahh...
ReplyDeleteI want her picture to come tomorrow but I get that your agency doesn't work that way. I am glad you will have a splendid week.
I know!!! Trust me... you'll be on cloud nine for a lot longer yet!!! Tari's been home six months... I think I'm still up there!!!
ReplyDeleteHannah is truly a gift. So young!!! Just amazing... I'm so so happy that you get to experience, the "young" baby stage!!! It has its challenges, but as with any challenge - its always rewarding!!
:) Thinking of you, Luv!
It is def. time to let the celebrations continue! Even bigger ones are in store for when you have Little Hannah in your arms!
ReplyDeleteKeep smilin!
I just HAD to tell you. The girls and I went for icecream on Friday night too!! We all got dressed in our pjs and went through the McDonald's drive-thru. Then, we held up our icecreams and said "to Hannah!! Yay!!!!" The girls are so excited for you too. Cannot wait until we can do icecream with you and Hannah!! =)
ReplyDeleteLove You!
Joy-Lynn
You don't know me, i've just been lurking around, but i cried happy tears for you.
ReplyDeleteI have been lurking on your blog for a long time. I just want to encourage you in your excitement. Each time I read one of your posts lately and see your faith in action, it brings a tear to my eye. God bless you on your amazing journey. I rejoice with you as you get ever closer to meeting Hannah in person.
ReplyDeleteYou deserve to be right up there on Cloud 9, after that LONG wait and your amazing positive attitude during it! I know you must be dying to see Hannahs picture, but it will be nice to have such a huge excitement in there between your referral and your TA, and boy will that be exciting!
ReplyDeleteI'm teary eyed reading your post, just so thrilled for you. Enjoy the high.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I had found you blog through Salsa in China and RQ and had followed your long wait. Just want to wish you all the best with you new little spicy girl from Hunan! I have a Hunan spicy 5 year old and she keeps us going all the time! All the best to you and Hannah.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I had found your blog through Salsa in China and RQ and had followed your long wait. Just want to wish you all the best with you new little spicy girl from Hunan! I have a Hunan spicy 5 year old and she keeps us going all the time! All the best to you and Hannah.
ReplyDeleteSO excited for you! I read M3's blog and am a fellow twin mama. I just LOVE that we can follow along and celebrate with you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mama!!!
You so deserve to be on cloud nine! Congratulations! Wishing you a safe and soon trip!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jonni
Oh such wonderful news for you!! We know it will be a while before your feet touch the ground. Can't wait to see her beautiful little face!!! Savananh was 6 months old on her first trip to Disneyland so I know Hannah will love it too!!Mickey Smiles all around!!! HUGS!!!
ReplyDeleteKristina and Savannah
OK, I've refreshed all day. We want details. Where were you, what was said, did you pass out when you heard how little she was etc. etc. Can't wait to see the video of "the call".
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!
I bet you are still up there floating in the clouds...I certainly would be!! What a happy and exciting time for you.....it is so good to see your dream coming true!!
ReplyDelete5 more days....I can't wait to see little Hannah:)
xoxo,
Lisa
Just got back from our vacation. Your blog was my first stop! Congratulations! 5 1/2 months old!! Do you believe it? We are so excited for you. Congratulations on your long awaited dream coming true. I can't wait to see some pictures... I am sure you can't either. Wow! With lots of love, best wishes, blessings and happy thoughts all being sent your way. Lisa and Kyle Thomson :)
ReplyDeleteCrying again here in Texas!!!!! Sooo happy for you.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings, Kristy
Congratulations on such wonderful, glorius news! 5 1/2 months! How fun to get such a little baby, I'll be camped out on your blog to see your sweet Hannah's pictures on Friday.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and praises to God for your gift!
Karen aka Dannysgirl on RQ
Many, many congratulations, so happy and thrilled for you.
ReplyDelete(we don't know each other, but I know of you from Salsa blog and popped over from RQ)
Catherine, Congratulations on becoming a mom. I have been reading your blog for a few years and looked forward to coming home from vacation and seeing that your Hannah is waiting for you in Hunan province. So glad for you and can't wait until we see her sweet face at the end of the week.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Have been following you from Salsa blog and was in tears when I told my husband your long wait was over. As the grandma of a beautiful 3 1/2 year old spicy girl who was 9 mo. old the day after she was placed in her momma's arms I can tell you our prayers have been with you. My husband and I and other daughter count as one of the happiest days of our lives when we attended the "delivery" of our lovely granddaughter 3 years ago in Chong Qing! Blessings to you and Hannah's whole forever family!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the cloud you are on!!! You've been on my mind and in my prayers and the topic of many a conversation in our home. What a blessing from God!
ReplyDeleteIt has been so much fun reading your blog the last few days. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI am also on Cloud Nine!!!
ReplyDelete9 o'clock the phone rang and we finally got our baby - a little girl, 9,5 months old.
A new life has begun today and we are so happy!
Congratulations! I've seen you on the Salsa blog so I recognized your name on the RQ list.
ReplyDeleteWe're in the US, but we also didn't see our baby's photo for some time after referral news, so I know what that's like. We ended up ordering a copy of her finding ad, so we saw her photo that way (just a little hint).
Our daughter is also a spicy girl from Hunan, and, let me tell you, you are in for a wild ride! You've waited a long time for this, so enjoy! This is such an exciting time!
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your referral. Please know Hannah is in good hands. Our Rowan XiaoMiao was so well cared for at DaoXian. Enjoy this special exciting time and have so much fun in China. Be sure to get her some embroidery at the embroidery museum/factory in Changsha. Hunan is known for it's embroidery and it's so beautiful.
take care,
Julie
mom to Rowan XiaoMiao adopted 7/2/07
Catherine, I am crying for you with happiness and I don't even know you! I have been following your blog religiously and reading your posts on RQ . My single daughter's LID is 3/28/09 and I pray her referral is next. I am going with her to China to meet my first grandchild. I am so excited.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Mila
So Catherine, where were you when you got the call and how did it all go down? Do we get to hear all the details? :)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you!
Catherine, it is now Wednesday! Are you going crazy waiting for that picture?!!! I can't wait to see her!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI doubt you remember me but I have been following your blog since I met you at one of the Waiting Mommies dinners back in 2007. I was also a single applicant in the China queue with Open Arms but it turned out much to my surprise that God had other plans for my life (I just got married in June). Just wanted to tell you what a joy it has been watching you making the most of the wait and to see you finally receive your referral! You must be very patient - if I were you I think I would be camped out in Deborah's driveway demanding to see the photo! :-) Wishing you and Hannah God's blessing as you continue down this road!
Congratulations!!!!! Can't wait to see the photos!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine!
ReplyDeleteOMG...you're a MOMMA! I can't wait to see sweet little Hannah's face. You must be crawling out of your skin with anticipation to see what she looks like.
You are blessed that Hannah is SO young...that's the very best scenerio for her development and learning once she's home.
Congratulations my bloggy friend! See what happens when you wish upon a star? ;) (one Disney gal to another)
Donna