Monday, March 17, 2008

Gotcha Day (part 2)










What an incredible day! I think the last time I wrote, it was about 8:00 a.m. and now it’s closing in on 6:00 p.m. And during that time I became a dad (and of course Jennifer became a mom). Noelle JiaZhen Johnson came into our lives at about 9:10 a.m. Like most babies, she came screaming –which was quite intimidating for first time parents. I know you kind of expect kids to cry when they’re first delivered, but then they settle down and sleep twenty hours a day for the next three months (OK, maybe it’s not quite that easy). Noelle cried and screamed non-stop for the first twenty minutes and then on and off for the next four hours. Jennifer tried to entertain her while our guide translated orphanage instructions and showed us how to prepare a formula/rice kind of bottle. Once we got a bottle into her, she started to relax. Next we changed her out of the confining snow suite she came in (this was a two-person job as Noelle wasn’t sure she wanted to let us get that close) then a diaper change (which was another two-person job and quite the introduction into parenthood). Once she started to feel more comfortable, Noelle let Jennifer hold her and then walk with her and finally she let me carry her back to the room. By 4:00 we were ready for a nap (only 3 hours off her schedule). Now she’s sitting next to me and playing with her stacking cups, content as can be. I’m amazed at how quickly she’s settling into life with us. It’s great being a dad!

P.S. I know that you miss Jennifer's attention to detail and style. She just seems incredibly distracted today and didn't have time to write. We'll see if we can get her to check in tomorrow! -evj








19 comments:

Lisa said...

Holy cow!!! I just posted when you posted, Eric!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh!! Oh my gosh!! We're in tears here!! Sooooo happy for you - I can picture her sitting next to you playing!! Of course, I've looked at her picture so many times, I feel as if I know her already. Congratulations!!!! and - Eric - your posts are great to read - I've really enjoyed them!
love, sharon and Lauren

bugs parents said...

Congratulations!!! It's so exciting to see another Hefei baby united with her family! Enjoy your time getting to know your new daughter!

Redmom2005 said...

Ha! Jennifer distracted?! Imagine that!! CONGRATULATIONS to you both!! Isn't it GREAT to be parents?!! You have a beautiful little girl! Enjoy every moment!!

Erin DeNicolo

kairos71 said...

Hi Jen & Eric! Oh my goodness. I have tears in my eyes. I'm so glad that you finally have her and she looks so cute in her St. Patty's day shirt :). Thanks for sharing the pics. Have your mom and dad been able to see them?

Denise said...

She is beautiful...welcome to parenthood~

Anonymous said...

She is absolutely beautiful! I'm so excited for you guys and I can't wait to meet her! I can't wait for Reagan and her to meet either!! Congratulations you three. What a great family!!!!

Anonymous said...

THIS IS THE BEST SAINT PATRICK'S DAY EVER! What a joyous morning it is getting to wake up to this blog! We are extremely happy for the three of you! She is so beautiful and obviously already has Daddy wrapped around her little finger. What cute Snuggle Bunnies the two of them make. Noelle is so blessed to have the two of you for parents. I cannot begin to tell you how anxious we have been on this end. I actually woke up several times the last few nights thinking of all of you and even had a dream of her crawling around your house chasing the kitties! LOL!Richmond is happily awaiting your return. Please know that your new family is in our prayers. Love, Light and Prayers from the other side of the World to all of you! *~*Angie, Mike and Nattie*~*

Lisa said...

Oh, she's perfect!! Perfect!! That hair! Could she be any cuter?!!!

Nancy said...

OH how AWESOME that your finally have Noelle!!! She is beautiful! I am rejoicing with you...HOORAY!

Nancy Videon

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! We are soooo happy for you guys! A group of us were praying for you during your first meeting time and we are so glad to see the pictures. We can't wait until you get back, to see you all, especiall Noelle!

Love you guys!
The Mayberrys

Anonymous said...

Jen and Eric,
Congrats!!!She is beautiful!! I was checking all morning before I went to work. I saw a fleeting glimpse of you guys on the Woods' video this morning. We are so incredibly excited for you. Welcome to parenthood. Can't wait for you to get home.
Dawn, Brian and Morgan

kairos71 said...

PS Jen, yes I'm looking forward to your "details". Also, if the clothes/coat I got for her are too small be sure to keep the tags on and you can give them to me when I see you next Wed. I'll exchange them for you! I can't wait to see your next BLOG!

Anonymous said...

Jennifer and Eric, congratulations! She is absolutely adorable! We are so happy for you! At last, but worth the wait!

Bobbie Farrar (Lisa's mom)

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a cutie! And I'm kinda glad she screams. Means you got a "normal" child... just like the rest of us! :) Can't wait to meet her in person! Congrats on your official new positions as "Mommy" and "Daddy!"
Keep posting & we'll keep reading! And keep pasting pictures of my new niece! Love, Kirk, Katie, & girls
Oh... and Eric, welcome to the world of estrogen overflow! :)

Anonymous said...

Now I know why I've been praying extra for you all week!! What a beautiful little girl.

Aunt Sharon

Lu Fang Gui said...

She is goooooorgeous!!! Congratulations!!
We want more pics!!!!!
We want more pics!!!!!
Love,
Tina

Anonymous said...

Did you remember to pack ear plugs? Welcome to the Mom & Dad Club! We are so excited for you! Ernie, Mary and I were praying for you around the time you three were meeting for the first time. What a blessing it is to see you finally together.

When you and Noelle are ready, we can't wait to meet you little China Doll! She is absolutely adorable.

We love you!

Nancy, for the Cozadds

Anonymous said...

Wooooo hoooooooo congratulations on your new bundle of joy. Praise the Lord for His many blessings. I'm so happy for you. I know Roger and Mary are extremely excited to see their new grand baby in person. I just got off the phone with them. I have been praying for you all as you make this transition into parenthood. God Bless and hope to see you all soon.
Marc Cannemeyer