Monday, February 23, 2009
GOTCHA DAY!

I thought about trying to write some information on the day we had today, what we did, all the emotions that Jen and I experienced on Gotcha Day – but I can’t. Besides, I know that there are no words that can actually give you a sense of our experience. Let’s just say it was amazing, something that we’ll never forget!

Ye GuiShu, or Addison GuiShu Kainz as we know her, is the most precious gift either of us could ask for. She is absolutely beautiful! Very petite, but she is only going to be 11 months old tomorrow. She is the youngest little girl in our group of new friends, which now includes 5 “sister’s” for Addison to have as “forever family.” Each of these girls came from the same orphanage and that more than anything will be something that this forever families will be able to share throughout their life.

Addison has shed a few tears so far, but mostly because we’ve tried to wipe her nose and she doesn’t care much for that. She has spent the afternoon looking at us wondering who we are. She has been looking into our eyes, and watching where we are going! Addison did eat some meat congee and had about a half a bottle – which we were told was good considering the stress that she’s been through today.

The Welfare Institution that Addison lived at went out of their way in making sure that all of Addison’s “sisters” and her were in new clothes and were recently bathed! This shows that they truly loved her and her sisters!

We found that she already has a grip to make anyone jealous, and that she is going to be chocolate lover someday – most likely to be a huge fan of peanut M&M’s as you can see by the picture! Of all the toys Jen packed for her, she latched on to the bag of M&M’s almost right away. Gotta love a girl that knows what she wants!

It is 8:51 and Addison is asleep, it’s going to be a long night! We are going to try to get some rest now until she gets us up! Thank you all for your love and support throughout this whole process. Your prayers and encouragement have truly helped Addison and us as we start this new adventure together.

Until tomorrow,
Jason and Jen.