Gotcha Day

Well, today was the day we had been waiting for - Gotcha Day.

At 2, all 14 families boarded a bus for the Guangdong branch of China's National adoption agency where we would be united with our daughters. The nervousness and tension was thick as we took the elevator to 5th floor.

We were herded into a large meeting room where we had to review some paperwork (to verify that the information was correct. We could hear all the babies in the adjoining room. After what seemed like an eternity (but was only 20 minutes), the babies were brought in one by one to be united with their parents.

Pictured here are some of the earliest pictures of our little Sophie. What a cutie and so tiny. As you can imagine, the emotions were running high and with 14 babies, their parents and some siblings, it was quite the scene. I tell you, we started this incredible journey almost 2 years ago and it was well worth the wait!!!!

After we had all gotten our babies and had a chance to ask some questions of the nannies/orphanage director we headed back to hotel. I (Chris) had to do some more paperwork in anticipation of tomorrow's meeting with the Justice Department (when it will all become "official") while Caroline and Stephanie entertained Sophie.

So far, we have noted that Sophie is very inquistive. She cried a little at first and then fell asleep briefly. She cries a bit but seems to love music and noisy toys. She has taken well to all of us and has not fussed to much when one of the three of us picks her up. So far however, she has not eaten. We've tried several bottles of formula (mixed thick and served quite warm as they like it - or so we are told). She had a small amount of apple juice and a minute amount of congee (rice gruel).

We are now back in the hotel where we've managed to put her down in her crib. How long she'll sleep is anyone's guess. We're exhausted too, so there is lots of stuff that I have probably forgotten to write about. Oh well, we'll try to post more info and pictures tomorrow.

Love to all from Chris, Caroline, Stephanie and Sophie.

P.S. thank you for all your wonderfull comments these last few days. It is heartwarming to know that you are following our story. We are lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.