First Night

Yesterday was a day full of lots of emotions. The waiting to get her was brutal. Once we arrived at the civil affairs office, it seemed like in no time she was standing in front of me. I couldn't believe my eyes. It happened so fast we didn't even get to record it. There we lots of other families their a bit chaotic. Anna Kathryn was scared at first but calmed down very quickly with the help of her big brother Matthew. He was determined to entertain her with his iPod. Crazy! She began to laugh and come out of her shell. Once we left to get back on our bus she was really showing us her lively personality. I couldn't believe how playful and happy she seemed. We went to a local supermarket to buys some basic necessities. That was a bit crazy too with nine other families and an additional 11 children in tow. Our guides Rebecca and Miko are absolutely wonderful. Love them!
Once we returned to the hotel, I decide to change her diaper and to my surprise she wasn't wet. I took her to potty and she went. Wow! She seemed very excited running around our room. Oh my! The boys were really excited too. I finally got a little food down them all and got PJ's on all. Bed time was heart breaking for me. Anna cried and cried, I snuggled her tight and she fell asleep. I tried to let her sleep in her crib but about 30-45 minutes later she began crying again. So this momma just snuggled her up tight, telling her all is okay, we love you and are never going to leave you. After a while, I think from exhaustion she fell asleep. I slept with all three kids in the bed. She did sleep most of the night. PTL.
Today is a full day, we go back civil affairs office at 9am where we do the official paperwork for her adoption. Which will take about 3 hours. Then this afternoon at 3pm we go to the police station to work on her passport documents. It's going to be a long day.
The boys have been real troopers, pray for them to be patient today. Pray for Anna to continue to bond and adjust to us.
Love to all
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Gotcha Day

Today's the day!

I'm up early but at least I got a full nights sleep for the first time we have been here. I am so excited in 8 hours we will have our girl. We will officially be a family of 5 today. The boys are ready. They have been talking about who's going to sit by her and hold her first. Hate to tell them but it will be Momma not them but it's great to see their love for her.
Yesterday, we met 9 other families that are here to get their children, most from the South but a few from other places. What a blessing to see all these families doing what they were called to do. Here at the hotel we see families everywhere with little ones,they are all so precious. It just breaks my heart.
The boys ate McDonalds yesterday for lunch, we do get lots of looks, I think it's Ethan's red hair but everyone is very friendly. At lunch a waitress gave the boys a very tiny ice cream cone just to be friendly. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen. It was so small, I mean tiny. It basically was a taster cup size of ice cream. I took a picture but haven't downloaded yet.
We are all starting to settle in to the hotel and hopefully a routine.

I found out last night that Anna did not go back to the orphanage but was able to stay with her foster family until she comes to us today. Yay! PTL.
Post again soon, next time with pictures of Anna!!!!

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We made it!

We are safely in Guangzhou. Just getting settled in to our hotel and trying to adjust to the time change. The boys are doing really well. Pray they can continue to adjust to all the changes. We will get Anna this Monday at 2pm - this is 12am Sunday night for you guys. Continue to lift her up.
We love you all. Will post pics soon.

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We are off!

We are got our TA!

We finally got our travel approval. We leave in 18 days. We are overwhelmed with joy. Praise the Lord! Sweet Anna we are coming very soon. Please join us in prayer for Anna and our family as we prepare to travel. Pray that God will supernaturally bond our hearts when we meet face to face, pray for healthy and safe travels. Now we have got to get busy packing!

Happy Birthday! Mikey!

Yesterday was Mikes's Birthday! I won't share his age, let's just say we aren't spring chickens at our house. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful, caring and Christ seeking hubby. He blesses our family way beyond my imagination. I love you sweetheart. Happy Day!