I apologize to all of you anxious readers out there. =) We've been a bit off-schedule, so we had a very late dinner and just finished a bottle and lullabies. The tears are just now really coming full force as I look at my most beautiful DAUGHTER asleep next to my bed.
Ironically, our meeting room was a smoking lounge (very fitting to bring babies). I passed a group of families on the way who had just received babies. I learned upstairs that there are two or three families from the Netherlands, our two from the States, and another from Belgium was with us in the room to do paperwork. It seemed that I filled out the same forms I'd already sent in months ago, but who cares - sign, sign, sign - where's the baby?!
After what seemed like hours (but was really close to 5:30), we heard babies in the hallway and my heart just started racing. I knew her in an instant. (Sorry, I don't have the right cord to upload video from my camcorder, so you'll have to settle for stills for now.)
Finishing paperwork
There she is!!!
Mama and LiSha
I was actually a bit worried that she didn't cry, as it would show she knows something is wrong and that she misses her foster family. But she mainly just looked all around, wide-eyed. She missed her nap today, so it wasn't very long until her head started bobbing. She did cry just a little bit then, but it was more of a whimper and big alligator tears. Then she was out cold.
They needed to take the family picture for the paperwork, but she has to be awake. The guide and three nannies all tried everything to wake her up, but there was nothing doing. Touching her face, moving her head, trying to make her stand - nothing. She sleeps like her mama! (Ironically, she awoke as soon as we opened our room door.)
I was able to sit down with some nannies from the orphanage and ask some questions. We're back to an old pronunciation, as I've now been told is is indeed with the sh- sound, "sha," not "sa." She had a 3 year old foster sister and a younger foster brother. She only takes a few steps, so she's not really walking. We tried tonight and she's pretty shaky, so perhaps I'll get to share that first moment.
I'll have to share a few more pictures tomorrow, and share about our interesting day on the city streets searching for formula. I am so very, very, tired.
But I just wanted to point out to the wonderful ladies at my church shower, my beads were with me along with your prayers, so that you were all present in spirit with us with your kind and loving words of support.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement. Please keep them coming! Off to let my eyes finally slam close. But first, a parting look at the most beautiful girl in the world....
