Sunday, December 2, 2007

Gotcha Day!








We have our daughter! There were some anxious moments as Elsie said the babies would arrive at 2:30 and we heard nothing. We are with 2 other families in Chongqing who are both from Kansas. The Lees are adopting a little boy, Matthew, 18 months and the Duttons are adopting Laura, 13 months. Anyway, they were both called to Elsie's room to receive their children and we heard nothing. We were starting to wonder if we would get Nina on Sunday as the time just ticked away. Finally, around 4:15 Tim called Elsie's room, which is actually right next door to ours. She said they had gotten a late start and would be arriving in 10-15 minutes. Just after 4:30 Elsie knocked on the door and said they are here! We gathered up some snacks, the bear and photobook that we had brought and gift for the director and nannies and headed next door. We knocked and went in and there she stood with 2 administrators from the orphanage, the director, a videographer, and Elsie. She was so beautiful! It was clear that she was a little confused, but she did not cry. They showed her the picture book and tried to get her to understand that we were mama and daddy and we were able to give her some cookies. We had a list of questions that we gave to Elsie to translate and get answers. They gave us some formula and rice cereal and some instructions on when she eats and sleeps and we signed some papers to agree to be her legal guardian for the night. The official adoption comes Monday at 11:00. Then we came back to our room and started to become a family.

3 comments:

Karen Wride said...

Hi Joanna, Tim and Dear Nina:
I have been waiting all day to hear the news! I am so, so thrilled you are together as family now!!!!!!
She looks great in the photo you posted. She looks so healthy and strong. I showed the photo to my mom today!!. We are so delighted Nina has found a sweet home with you. Cannot wait to keep on hearing how you are doing.

Sending You Many, Many Warm Wishes,
Karen and Lily too

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure what else there is to say other than CONGRATS!!!!By last night (out time) I was worried that we hadn't heard some news. I told Roger of my worry than we both agreed that gee, you were probable a little busy!! Sounds like things went pretty well. I'm just so very happy for you all. Much love, Kirsten

RamblingMother said...

Congrats she is beautiful.

Beverly