The Beginning of the Rest of our Lives with Julia Rose An!!!

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We are overjoyed to announce the uniting of Baby Julia Rose An Campbell with her Forever Family!

The past 18 hours have been a whirlwind of joy and excitement. We are so happy to let everyone know that “Gotcha Day” went perfect!

Baby Julia is a sweet and beautiful little babygirl!

The day was filled with intense anticipation and focused connection. It’s all Good!

At the government building where we met her, we signed paperwork attesting to be her legal guardians for the coming days while awaiting confirmation next week of her formal adoption into our family. Then we finally got to take her back to the hotel!

She is doing well despite a mild fever, ear infection, and an orphanage rash. (These are all typical and expected issues.) She fed vigorously immediately upon receiving her and then again after bringing her back to the room. After an initial medical exam back in the hotel, we eventually bathed her and treated her skin with medicated cream, got her started on decent antibiotics, and finally just let her gel with the family. She has been very calm and easy going so far. Emma and Joshua are just as in love with her as Shannon and I are. My parents and Shannon's parents have all been a tremendous Blessing and support and we are in their debt! (We miss Jack and Gail back in Colorado!) Everybody loves the Baby!

We can’t thank you all enough for all your love and support which has led us to this day!
We offer prayers of Thanksgiving and Gratitude to God for this truly wonderful day!

In a world filled with abandonment and brokenness, good things do still happen. God is good!

We are the luckiest family in the World and we know it.

The internet here in Zhengzhou has been spotty (sorry for delay in getting this critical post out!!!) but there is much more to come!

JC

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Photos

Campbell Family (3.0 edition)
This picture was taken literally just a few short minutes after we received Julia into our arms.

Shannon with baby Julia.
This was taken as we sat a large governmental desk signing for immediate guardianship of Julia.

PIcture of a picture.
This was taken as we were sitting for an official portrait of Julia with her adoptive parents. This portrait will be retained in perpetuity by her orphanage.

Big brother Joshua!
This picture was taken as Joshua carried Julia into the hotel room. He is perfectly tuned for the job of big brother!

Popeye examining Julia.
Grandpa and I both took a moment to check Julia over. Her heart sounds great. (quiet, normal, and strong)

Comments

[Paul, Carri, and Gavin]

We are so excited! Its been a long time coming. She looks like she fits in perfectly with her family right off the bat. We are thinking of you all a lot.

[Aunt Mary and Uncle Phil]

Congratulations!!
We're crying happy tears of joy as we read your blog and see your wonderful pictures! God is good!!!! it looks like Julia was waiting for alll of you, too!

[Berta]

Congratulations! We all took time out today in our schedules to look at the pictures and read the blog. Your denver west peds family is very excited for all of you! We send our love and hugs to you all. God is good!! Best wishes in the coming days and on your return flight home. :)

[Lisa]

Congratulations!
Julia is a beautiful and sweet looking baby girl! It appears from your great pictures that the 'geling' is going well. You all look so happy to finally have her. We are so happy for your family. You guys are wonderful. ~ Lisa, Mark, Maddie and Becca

[Tish Sanchez]

Congradulations!!
Dr C, Shannon, Emma and Josh, You all so very lucky to have your very sweet Julia Rose An. I'm very happy that you get to celebrate a "We gottcha day". Dr C I saw your pictures and I cried for truly GOD IS A GOOD GOD!! May God Bless you all and safe travels home, Tish

[Dale & Sherry]

EXTRAORDINARY!
Congratulations Campbell family! You are in the midst of an extraordinary, life-changing journey for everyone involved. Awesome to see the pics of Baby Julia... we are waiting anxiously to meet her!

[Jennifer Webb]

We couldn't be more delighted for your beautiful family. Our hearts are filled with smiles as we read about your journey. Thank you for sharing it with us. Enjoy every precious moment. Praise be to God! Jennifer, Mark, Ethan, Annabelle, and Jonah

[Loretta]

breath-taking!
Goosebumps run up and down as I see the photos from today! What an amazing day and I am so delighted to see and read how God continues to do exceedingly abundantly...more than we can ask or imagine! Looking forward to more news tomorrow!

[Carri]

She is so beautiful. What a blessing from God. We are so happy!!!! Thanks so much for taking us on this journey with you.

[Candace]

Love, magic, and beauty
It is hard for me to type through the tears at reading this blog! Julia is sooo beautiful. When I see her with the four of you all I can think is love, magic and beauty. You all look so happy and I am so glad that she found you/or you found her. Good luck with the rest of your journey!

[Stephanie Wells]

I am ecstatic and weepy to read this post and see these photos! What a miraculous moment this is. I can't wait to meet her!

[christa]

wow
Wow...what a beautiful family! I cannot wait to meet her!

[Fay Family]

BEAUTIFUL!
What a truly wonderful day that must have been!! Everyone looks so happy - you can't hide the joy!! God is at work and it is a gift to see this blessing unfold!

[Mary Beth and Jeff]

We have been following your adventure and are extremely moved to see you with Julia. She is beautiful. What luck for your entire family and for Julia. Safe travels in the remaining days.

[Paige]

Overcome with joy
I am overcome with emotion as I read this post and see my niece with all of you. Words can not explain. God does have a plan for us all and we are so blessed that Julia is part of our plan. You all look great and she looks very comfortable with you. Can't wait to see you at the airport. Love and kisses to everyone

[michele kaster]

SO CUTE!!
Instant tears of joy!! We are so happy that you received this little bundle of love. - The Kaster family

[LindyDoty]

WOW
Shannon and Jim, I'm so touched by all the pictures that it has taken me a while to stop the tears from coming!! She looks so beautiful and I can tell she has such a personality already. Emma and Josh just are full of wonder and love and seeing you two with her is so wonderful too. I can hardly wait until it is my turn to see her and become part of her life. We have been in Maine and now are in Aspen viewing the fall colors - simply outstanding this year. Safe travels and my prayers for you all will be said each night. Love, Lindy

[Katherine and Rob]

Wonderful !
We love you all and are so excited to see you holding Julia!

[Katie, Todd, and Creason Kids]

God's Perfect Timing
Absolutely divine and incredibly emotional to read your blog and see these photos. The tears of joy, thrill, and emotion are impossible to hold back. Each and every word and then each and every photo we read and view with heightened anticipation, eagerness, and joy!!!! The Perfect timing of God's plan is extremely evident and perfectly exhibited as we follow this journey with you. ~ blog and pre-blog : ) Patience is a bitter plant with a sweet fruit. Any door that was closed with confusion and bewilderment has now opened another one with blessed clarity and gratitude. How comforting! You taking the time to share your day by day journey with priceless photos too ~ is and has been such an incredible blessing and treasure to all of us as we think about you and send our prayers your way every step of the way! THANK YOU for blessing us while God is blessing you all!! We love you and are so incredibly happy for all five of you! You ALL look fantastic! ~ Katie, Todd, Paige, Cade, Shea, and Tate

[Uncle Bob]

What a Story!!
Jim, I am so proud of you and your family. Thank you again for taking the time to send the pictures and narrative for all of us to share. Love, Bob

[zuzuzu72]

I am so moved by this, congratulations on the new and beautiful addition to your family