I am thrilled to share our exciting news with you today! Our second daughter, who we plan to call Marigold June (Goldie), will be joining us sometime in 2019! We were only six months into our second adoption process when we were matched with her last month. In current China adoption timelines this is abnormally quick, and to be honest we are still in shock a little.
We had just begun to settle in for a long wait as our agency had sent an email warning us that the waiting period was extending for many families. We had just had a conversation the week before where we decided we would be fine even if the wait took one to two years. Not only was the speedy match a shock, but I was also blown away by Marigold’s age—she just turned 1. We were fully expecting a child much closer to Nova’s current age (she turns 4 this summer).
This adoption process has been SO dramatically different from our first experience. But I will say the one thing that remains the same is the feeling that everything is working out exactly as it is supposed to. We definitely believe in an element of fate when a child is matched with our family and just as it did with Nova, we feel so strongly that Marigold was destined to be with us. We call her our miracle baby!
And now we wait.
For the next season, it’s just paperwork, more paperwork and bills. Haha! We’ve been told by our agency that summer is likely when we’ll travel to China, but we won’t know officially for several more months.
In the meantime, we’re soaking in every single day with Nova and preparing our home and our hearts for a 1-year-old baby. Wowwww!
Nova is so excited to have a sister. At her age, I wouldn’t say she fully understands what is about to happen, but she says the most loving and adorable things. We just received videos last week and we watch them together with Nova every day.
She has been carrying around her photo and is so proud to show everyone she meets!
To answer a few of the questions most people have asked …
Yes, Marigold has albinism just like Nova. And yes, we requested that intentionally. We believe it will benefit both our daughters to have someone who looks like them and who relates with the unique challenges of albinism in their family. I went into more detail here.
Marigold is 1 year old.
Yes, Nova is traveling to China with us for the adoption trip. At her age, we can not imagine leaving her for such a long trip or such an important bonding time for our family. We’re excited to do a bit of sightseeing and travel with Nova on the front end of the trip.
Many people ask if Nova and Marigold are biological siblings, since they look so much alike. I can see why that seems likely, but since they are different provinces it is highly unlikely. Although only DNA testing could tell us that for sure.
Augh! More than anything, I am just so, so excited to hold our little gal. I probably waste too much of each day envisioning how wonderful it will be to hold her in my arms, but can you blame me? I can’t wait!
We’re so incredibly grateful for a chance to give Nova a sister and become parents to a new, special little girl. Our hearts are already bursting with love!
I wrote a long version of the story of our match here. If you’re curious to learn more about our story or adoption in general, I have an archive of around 20 posts here.
Thanks so much for following along! I’ve felt so much love and support from our blog readers surrounding our adoptions, and it’s honestly the most love I’ve ever felt from the internet. I am so thankful for you! xx – Elsie
P.S. On the advice of our agency, we will not be sharing our little gal’s Chinese name, the province where she is currently living or any other personal details. 🙂 Thank you for understanding.
Congratulations! What lucky little girls your two little ones are. Best wishes to you all.
I can’t wait to read all about your new adventure with Goldie. Your writing is so beautiful and what a amazing parents you and Jeremy have become. Thank you for sharing your story, I know it probably wasn’t the easiest decision. If I didn’t have 7 kids already I swear I would adopt. For me the positive and real exposure you are providing on the adoption process is such a gift. I went to China a few years ago, such a wonderful experience. The great wall is such a bucket list item. As Nova and Goldie get older you should consider letting them do a school tour to China where they get to hang out with other high schoolers. I took a bunch of students to do that and it was so amazing.
I used to read your blog consistently, years ago. Then life happened and I dropped off the radar. I was reading an old blog post of mine where I referenced your blog made me wonder what you had been up to, and so I popped over. This is a BEAUTIFUL story to have found upon coming back! I am so happy for you and your family and have bookmarked the blog so I don’t lose you guys again! 🙂
This is the first of me reading about your lovely family. Nova and Goldie are both so beautiful and It has really touched my heart to read your adoption story. I would love to adopt myself at some point and change a child’s life. Your family is really inspiring and I’m so proud that there are people like you in the world.
I have a Marigold Frances who goes by “Goldie”. She is almost 2. I have never met or heard of another one (beyond elderly Goldies) but on your Instagram post about it, it seemed like every other comment included someone using that name. I was shocked.
I had never heard Nova for a name (awesome/gorgeous btw) and see now that it’s in the top 100 currently on social security baby names website. That’s surprising too!
Congratulations! We have 2 from China. There’s nothing like getting the call and seeing those precious referral photos! It’s second only to wrapping that sweet thing up in your arms! Our second adoption (from Henan) was shockingly fast for us as well.
This story is so heartwarming. Love this!!!!
Looking at your website for the first time today. Excited to hear about your adoption! My family actually lives in China – my husband owns a tour agency – and our third child is Chinese. We adopted him in Xi’an about 3 years ago when we were living there. He has been such a wonderful addition to our family. Many blessings as you wait!
AMAZING NAME CHOICE. Slightly jealous that I didn’t think of it first. So excited for your family!
Congratulations! I’m very happy for you- how exciting!
Goldie (of blessed memory) was my mother in laws name. Your Goldie should be so wonderful <3 Much love to your growing family!
So happy for you! You have a beautiful family and now it will be even more so! Sending you lots of love!
I have tears in my eyes reading this. Congratulation on your new addition, Goldie! Love that Nova carries her picture around. Make my heart melt. So adorable. I hope your wait is as short as possible
SO thrilled for you! We brought our daughters with us to China on our adoption trips. It was the BEST decision for all! It’s not easy to travel with kids, but it was soooo worth it to bond as a family.
We’re cheering for you! Congrats again!
I had a childhood friend named Marigold, she was part latino and her grandmother called her Maravilla, which is spanish for marigold. We mostly called her Mara. It is a beautiful name and I know your daughter will bloom under your sunny care!
How positively wonderful! She is beautiful & has such a lovely name. Congratulations to you & your family!
This is so precious! I hope everything goes smoothly. Such a cute name too!
You’re gonna have a lovely family! You are adorable! Nova will be so happy to have a sister! (and don’t worry if she feels jealous sometimes, or even fight with her… these things happen in families! 🙂 ) keep up! may your new baby comes quickly in your arms!
kiss from greece!
Congratulations to you all! What exciting and happy news. Is Piggy also making the trip?
LOL 100% yes.
Oh my! Nova is so sweet holding/loving her new sister’s picture. So happy and excited for your family!! 🙂