Monday, July 12, 2010
GOTCHA DAY!

Okay, so first off this morning we went to this giant convenient store to get some “living in a hotel way too long stuff.” Yes, they sell different items and animals that we don't eat here in the US and yes, all the shopping carts have a wobbly wheel but you didn’t log in today to read about duck neck or blueberry flavored Lay’s potato chips (quite tasty by the way) did you?

Today is about Ava at Last! We arrived at the Civil Affairs Office at 3:00 PM this afternoon about 15 minutes before Ava. She had a 4 hour train ride from Xiangfan City. We handled some paperwork and then looked on as two other families enjoyed their moment meeting their new babies for the first time…..then toddling in with the spout swaying to-and-fro comes AVA. She was unmistakable and seriously gorgeous! I was instantly filled with every bit as much pride as the moment Michelle delivered our two boys. Michelle immediately crouched down to baby level and Ava looked on with contemplation. The international sign for fish cracker brought her closer to Michelle. We spent the next hour easing into earning her trust in the adjacent playroom with a rocking horse and a basketball hoop.

Simultaneously we took pictures, badly pronounced her Chinese name, signed forms, played basketball, and spoke with the two nannies that accompanied Ava to Wuhan. The nannies were absolutely darling with Ava and very generous in sharing information with us. They have prepared a priceless baby book of pictures and captions about Ava since the day she was found. They also wrote a letter and detailed Ava’s daily routine.

We wrapped up at the Civil Affairs office as the nannies quietly slipped out so as to ease the transition. We are in our 24-hour waiting period right now with Ava. The adoption won’t be official until tomorrow when we return to the Civil Offairs office.

She seems to be in awe as she takes in her new surroundings. This little girl has not shed a tear. She is cautiously trusting and we slowly break down the barriers and get to know her. We played with a beach ball around the room and ordered in for dinner. Ava was very sweet sitting on Michelle’s lap for some dinner—pork & egg rice congee. After dinner we took the wrapper off our new addition and plopped her in the bath. Again she was cautious but open and even giggled a bit as I blew “raspberries” on her belly. She seems very comfortable and accustom to basic tasks. Although the language is a barrier we’re getting good at monkey-see-monkey-do and Ava is a quick study. After bathing, brushing and a bottle Michelle put her down in the crib and sang her her first Dutch lullaby. She was out in less than 10 minutes.

Good night from Wuhan.

Lex and Jack: Ava enjoyed looking at pictures of you in the photo album. I think she likes to play catch as she kept pointing to the picture of you Lex holding the football. Jack when she saw your picture she smiled a lot. I think she likes the orange color of your shirt and your big smile. We miss you both terribly but know our family will be enriched with this grand addition. We know that Grandma is taking great care of you and we appreciate the time and sacrifice she is making for us.

Love Mommy and Daddy.