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Home Β» Uncategorized Β» What a difference a day makes

What a difference a day makes

March 28, 2013 by Karen Dawkins 39 Comments

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Eight years ago today, I was in Guangzhou, China anxiously gotchathumbgzawaiting the moment I would finally hold my daughter in my arms, our long journey finally coming to an end.

Looking through the China photos with her, these caught my eye. If I ever get around to scrapbooking our China trip, I’d title this page, “What a difference a day makes!” One day, we’re a family of four. The next, we’re a family of five! One day, the rain threatens to wash us into the pond (we were drenched within minutes of venturing out). The next, the sun breaks through and the park fills with people.

rainyfamGZ

Such a beautiful place… even in the rain. (Aren’t my kids adorable?)

 

cutebabyGZ

 Daddy and Ellie… This is one of the first photos we have of her exploring with her hands.

What a difference a day makes! Same park, the next day 🙂

sunnydayGZ

Poor Ben… He couldn’t open his eyes in the bright sun.

benplaygroundGZ

Look at the boy’s face… Like, what’s the kid with the yellow hair doing on my playground? Ben got a lot of attention for his blonde hair. He didn’t enjoy it.

boysparkGZ

Finally, exploring. So thankful for the end of rain!

joggerparkGZ

Everyday life in a Guangzhou park. The man in blue pants was exercising. When Ben passed, he was intrigued and walked along with us for quite a while. 🙂

gotchathumbgz

What a difference a day makes!

Ellie has a family!

Wish Ellie a happy gotcha day our Facebook Page and join in on the fun! 

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Filed Under: Blog, China, Destinations, Uncategorized, World

Please keep in touch. Our FACEBOOK community is active, and a great place to ask questions. On TWITTER, I share great content from destinations around the world. Follow our adventures on INSTAGRAM — we love to answer questions during trips. And, we’re on PINTEREST saving all sorts of great content from around the web.

Comments

  1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says

    April 2, 2013 at 10:52 am

    What a lovely story! All of you are so fortunate to have found each other. Here’s to brighter tomorrows.

    Reply
  2. Sophie says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:27 am

    Know exactly what you mean. Only it was 11 years ago and in Fuzhou in Fujian province, a blazing hot July afternoon. One moment I had one kid, then all of a sudden, 2. Best experience ever. πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:54 am

      Congratulations? Eleven years later, that might not be the appropriate response. It sure does change your world, though. We got lucky — Since Ellie was from Guangdong Province, we never left the big city. Though, honestly, I don’t feel I really understand China without having visited someplace more remote.

      Reply
  3. budget jan says

    March 31, 2013 at 6:27 am

    Ellie has a compelling smile. Anyone with a smile like that will go far in life because everyone who sees it will feel happy.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:53 am

      Thank you, Jan. Sometimes, she uses that smile for evil — like conning people out of their peanuts and popcorn at football games. We’re trying to help her use it for good, and only for good. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Bethaney - Flashpacker Family says

    March 31, 2013 at 4:26 am

    What a cutie! I love the umbrella photo. Very sweet.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:52 am

      Hey Bethaney,
      We keep connecting. YAY! She has adored Daddy from day one.

      Reply
  5. Pamela R says

    March 29, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    Would make a great scrapbook page–I love her lil hands helping daddy hold the umbrella =)

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:52 am

      Pamela,
      I enjoyed looking back at these photos. She still gets that same serious face when she focuses. She hasn’t changed much, just add teeth and hair! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Randy (Mr. TWS) says

    March 29, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    What a wonderful day it must have been. Your kids ARE adorable, including the new addition who wasn’t very visible in the photo where you asked the question. The pictures and narrative do a good job of sharing the special event; thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:51 am

      That’s so funny… I guess in my heart I saw Ellie’s sleeping face. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Mary {The World Is A Book} says

    March 29, 2013 at 11:45 am

    These are such precious photos! Ellie is adorable and what a beautiful addition to your family. Love your family photos and what a great story that change can also be good.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:50 am

      Thanks!
      It took me a lot of years to embrace change.

      Reply
  8. Christy says

    March 29, 2013 at 10:04 am

    You have a beautiful family, thank you for sharing them with me. Your daughter looks like a very happy baby.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:49 am

      Believe it or not, about a year later, everything turned upside down and we hardly left the house for two years. She went through some tough health problems, but now that we’re on the other side of all that, those days seem so long ago.

      Reply
  9. eileen at FamiliesGo! says

    March 29, 2013 at 9:27 am

    great photos and an even better back story.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:48 am

      Thanks, Eileen. That’s a huge compliment.

      Reply
  10. Johanna says

    March 28, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    Love the smile on Ellie’s face in the last photograph, and think she will be a much loved precious little girl. Heartwarming pics, thanks for sharing. And thank you for popping by to my blog earlier too πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:48 am

      Thanks Johanna,
      She is much older now and the smile is even brighter.
      Of course, so is the mischief… but that’s what life is all about.
      Keep in touch!

      Reply
  11. Nicole @ Mendez Manor says

    March 28, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    I really enjoyed reading your post and your kiddos are just adorable! Thanks for stopping by my blog today too!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:47 am

      Glad to have met you. Please stop by again.

      Reply
  12. Amy @mommetime says

    March 28, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    yes, they are adorable! Such fun, loving, happy moments –thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:46 am

      Thank you! That was the most emotional trip I think I’ll ever experience.

      Reply
  13. Lisa from Gone With The Family says

    March 28, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Such a wonderful story! Love Ellie’s smile in the last photo – she looks quite happy to have found her family!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      April 1, 2013 at 9:46 am

      We are happy to have been found! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Becky says

    March 28, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    Karen, I had no idea about your daughter. What a gorgeous child AND family!! One of my friends adopted a baby girl exactly five years ago from yesterday from China. You are amazing people and your children are truly blessed.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      March 28, 2013 at 7:07 pm

      Surprise! πŸ™‚ It’s fun to discover more about each other… one of the best things about a warm blog community. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  15. Ronae Jull says

    March 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    What a marvelously exciting adventure! Sending you extra helpings of joy and hope as you enjoy your growing family!!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      March 28, 2013 at 7:08 pm

      Thanks so much! Hopefully it’s done growing till one of them gets married. πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  16. Leigh says

    March 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    The one photo in front of the flower bush, looks like you have flowers in your hair! Wonderful start to your lives together! Congrats Ellie to have such a wonderful family!
    Leigh

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      March 28, 2013 at 7:08 pm

      That’s because I didn’t bring my as-yet-unmet visual designer with me! Tee heeee!!!

      Reply
  17. Leigh says

    March 28, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Your daughter is quite the cutie with such a big smile.Looks like busy times for your family.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      March 28, 2013 at 7:09 pm

      She’s a cutie, for sure. She’s feeling a little puny today, so we’re putting off the annual celebration until tomorrow.

      Reply
  18. Marisol@TravelingSolemates says

    March 28, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Hi Karen, you brought a smile and a bit of tears to my eyes. Your post is both delightful and touching. Yes, your family is adorable and oozing with love. What a happy time must it have been for you when Ellie came to your life. What a differnce a day make – I found your blog!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      March 28, 2013 at 3:28 pm

      Thanks, Marisol. That means a lot to me! Have a fabulous weekend.

      Reply
  19. Cheryl@OntheOldPath says

    March 28, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    Your pictures made me smile. What beautiful memories! It is amazing the difference a day can make!!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      March 28, 2013 at 3:28 pm

      I hadn’t looked at these particular photos in quite some time… so glad I opened that file today.

      Reply
  20. Lauri Greenhaw says

    March 28, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    These pictures make me smile!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      March 28, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      Me too! πŸ™‚

      Reply

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Meet Karen Dawkins

An avid traveler, I enjoy discovering new places: history, culture, and adventure. I love it all! Well, not bugs. I don’t like bugs very much, so I probably won’t visit a bug museum.

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