Gotcha Day May 21, 2012

I was unbelievably calm as our group gathered to eat breakfast and then check and double check our documents and baby items with the other nine families. We left the hotel at 9:30 being told that the closest orphanage people would arrive first to the civil affairs office. That would be us . Sure enough, as soon as we sat down and turned on our camera, someone said that a baby was coming. I knew it was her but I waited for the name until I sprang to meet them at the door. An orphanage worker brought her in ( not Laikyns nanny but a general worker
) and she was already screaming. I tried to soothe her and calm her down but it made it worse so I just figured it would be better to rip the band aid quickly, so I scooped her up and turned and went off by myself to rock her. As her crying slowed I sat down on the couch and began to offer her toys and she promptly knocked them away. Finally Jilli and I started eating suckers and she followed. Over the next few minutes she began to warm up and rub my hand as I began to rub hers. MElted my heart! soon we were able to take her into the play area and put her down. Bowling with sissy got her first smile and then she loved balloons and bubbles.She wasn't ready
to go to Dad just yet, but will play with him. After playing a while, all of the Children had arrived and it was time to head back to the bus for our 24 hour guardianship. She did go to sleep on the bus and stay asleep for about an hour and a half in the room. Since then, she has been playing nonstop like playing ball and laughing/ clapping for herself. She's funny, active, and very inquisitive. She even gave us kisses at dinner. She is talking quite a bit, but we have no clue what she is saying...She is now asleep in her room crib since about 9:30. She is just perfect, with a round cherub face, inquisitive eyes and a contagious laugh! Very smart too as she is trying to mock everything we do when we play! We are so grateful this day has finally come that has been in our hearts for a year. She is more wonderful than we had dreamed! Tomorrow is a long day as its our adoption day. She will be officially ours after that!