Monday, January 18, 2010
GOTCHA DAY!!

We have Tia!! We think that she is just adorable. Take a look at the pictures and then come back and read.

We left Beijing this morning at 5:30 AM . Our flight to Changsha went smoothly. We arrived at the airport and met our new guide, Vicky. We have eight families with us on this part of the trip. Vicky took us by bus to the Dolton Hotel Changsha. She told us to meet her in the lobby at 1:30 to go to the store and buy baby formula. We were also told that we would meet our babies at 3 PM . Excitement was in the air!

After doing some unpacking and getting the room ready for Tia we walked to the grocery store. We came back and after waiting ½ hour until it was time to go meet Tia. We all loaded back onto the bus with our bags full of bottles, toys, blankets and baby supplies. Kassidy was so excited and all smiles!

When we arrived at the government office we were told that 2 of the babies were already there. Tia and 4 of her orphanage friends were still on the way. The 2 families were united with their babies and we watched and waited.

A few minutes later the other babies arrived. We recognized Tia right away! When they called her name we went up and she came to us. She only cried briefly and was looking at each of us with her big brown eyes. After some pics and paperwork we got back on the bus to return to our hotel.

Tia has been quiet but inquisitive. She cried when we changed her diaper but settled down quickly. She is very petite. The nannies told us that she is walking everywhere and getting into everything. So far she has been playing with Cheerios and stacking cups.

Thank you for all of your prayers as we have felt them through out this journey. Our first moments with Tia were relaxed and calm. It is such an amazing thing that happened in the room at the Civil Affairs Office today. God provided loving families for eight children and a beautiful daughter for eight families.

Good Night from Changsha

Shawn, Shelby, Kassidy and Tia