Monday, August
20, 2007
GOTCHA DAY!
I know you want to see the pictures so just look over to the
right and scroll down, then
read this
later.
The day has finally arrived that we have all waited two years
for.
Today we held our daughter for the first time. It was everything
I
imagined and more. We arrived in Hefei at 2:00 pm. The flight
was good,
customs went quickly, and it was a relatively short bus ride to
the
hotel about ½ hour. Once settled in our room, we took care of
some
paperwork with our guide Rose, and Cindy our translator. Then we
were
told to be downstairs at 3:15 pm to go to the Civil Affairs
office to
get our babies! Needless to say we were all early.
We rode about
½
hour
there and went up the elevator eight floors. As soon as we went
down
the hallway and rounded the corner, there were our daughters. Ju-lie
was standing right by the door with her nanny who was singing to
her
and having her bounce up and down. Our names were called and we
went
right over to her. At first I didn’t pick her up because I was
spellbound by the sight of her. There she was, FOR REAL. I
quickly
recovered though and asked could I hold her and the nanny handed her right over. As expected
she
cried. We are just so different. But she was brave as we took
turns
hugging and kissing her for the first time. The joy we felt was
indescribable. Just as when we held our sons for the first time.
Since
she was so sad, we handed her the little kitty I made for her
and it
helped, momentarily. I was relieved. We took a few photos and
began to
scan the room, just looking at the wonder of families being
formed. I
will never do justice typing this to describe all the feelings
in that
room. Once we gazed upon the babies of the other families we
gave her
some banana puffs and looked out the window. As we saw in her
photos,
this little one is curious. She quickly quieted down and began
to snack
and visually explore this new situation. If there is one thing
we know
about her, it is that she is one brave little girl. She has been
through so much.
Once our paperwork was finished we got back in
the
elevators and got on the bus. All families quietly departed to their rooms. Once we
were alone
we laid her on the bed and just gazed at the wonder of this new
child.
Is there any greater treasure? We are triply blessed and
everyday I
thank God for it.
After a little quiet time, we played a bit
while
Daddy went to do some more paperwork and shopping for
necessities. The
day was quite tiring for Ju-lie so she fell asleep in my arms.
Holding
a sleeping baby is a slice of heaven on earth. She slept so
peacefully
and I relished every moment. Daddy came home and had some
stories to
tell after that interesting taxi ride through Hefei with the
other
Dads. The store they went to was, you guessed it, Wal-Mart.
After a
brief nap, we woke Ju-lie up and went downstairs for dinner. I
must say
I have a lot to learn about Chinese food. Both Daddy and Ju-lie
ate
well and were satisfied. I, unfortunately, did not care for my
dinner
and left most of it behind. Thanks to all who told us to bring
snacks
from home!
To wrap up our day we gave Ju-lie her first bath. At first she was
hesitant, clinging to me for dear life. But after a little
coaxing she
went in and played with her cups. By 9:30 pm we were all sleepy
so we
called it a night. She laid down quietly and I rocked her to
sleep.
Tomorrow is a new day for us all. In the morning we revisit the
Civil
Affairs office to finalize the adoption and have some documents
signed.
Then it’s a full day to get to know our sweetie and likewise.
There
is
a pretty park across the street with a gazebo and beautiful
arched
bridge. I think that will be our first adventure together.
PRAYERS: that our daughters will continue to bond with
their new
Mommies and Daddies. For their good health and resilience, for
the
parents too. Specifically for Ju-lie’s cough and rattle in her
chest.
PRAISES: that we all finally have our daughters who we
waited so long
for. For family and friends who are taking care of our sons and
Dad
while we are away.
FUN FACT OF THE DAY:
Mitchell, you should see how many bikes and
motorcycles there are here and how they are used. It’s amazing
how
much
one can carry! |
|
Mommy's First Hug
Daddy's first hug
Ju-lie's Nannies
Together Forever
Our Sleeping Angel
Amazing Bikes!!
|
