Monday, September 25, 2006

     We are enjoying Alivia so much! Each day, hour by hour, and minute by minute she is coming out of her shell. She is a remarkable child! It is amazing to see the transformation from the very quiet, timid, shy, scared baby I met a week ago to the energetic, giggly, smiling, good-natured, and happy little girl who is with me now. I thank God for helping me along this journey as I just wanted to be the best Mommy I could possibly be to Alivia. I pray she knows how much she is loved by us and all her family back home. Can’t wait for Daddy to meet his new baby girl! Oh, Doug, I miss you so very much! Three more days to go! All the babies were scheduled for their medical exams today at the Physical Examination Building just down the street from the White Swan. It was a nice walk through a elementary school area with a garden and beautiful statues. Everyone was ringing wet from the short walk. The weather is in the low 100’s with 100% humidity. Hot isn’t the word for it! The medical facility was packed with people so by the look of things we thought this was going to be a long drawn-out affair. But thanks to Elvin and Jane, all the eleven families were in and out in less then 30 minutes. The exam was not much of anything. Just the basic: height, weight, head measurement, ear, nose and throat checks. Looking forward to a thorough exam with her pediatrician once we are home and settled. In the afternoon, it was picture time. The all-too famous waterfall and red couch pictures. Not much notice was given beforehand, so unfortunately this event cut into Alivia’s nap time (along with several other babies’ nap time). This was a tough one for everyone involved. Trying to get eleven babies to look at the camera at the same time. Lots of crying and screaming going on. Needless to say, the group pictures and red couch pictures show some crabby, tired baby girls. Oh, well it’s still a keepsake.
     Much souvenir shopping was done in the later afternoon as after pictures we were on our own until dinner. Have no idea where I am going to put everything. Elvin ordered pizza for all the families. It was still very good even though we had it the night before. Keep us in your prayers as our US Consulate appointment is in the morning. Traveling without your spouse makes this process just a little bit more nerve racking as you just want to make sure all the paperwork is in order and that you have every document you need. Elvin has reassured me that there should be no problem. Elvin will go on behalf of all the families and present our documents to the Consulate. We are to stay in our rooms from 9:30 a.m. on until we receive his phone calls. Pray! Pray! Pray! Until tomorrow. Enjoy more pictures of Alivia!

God bless – Lisa, Jennifer and Baby Alivia