GOTCHA DAY.......Two Days Later......

I am reporting about our big day two days late. We have had all kinds of technology and camera issues, but I'm glad to FINALLY be able to share about our special day!!!!

We knew that GOTCHA DAY this time was going to be utter chaos. There were 30 families scheduled to get their babies, and the Registration Office where this takes place is not a very large room. Before we had to worry about that, though, the bus that was supposed to take our group there was delayed because of traffic and an accident, so we left about 45 minutes behind schedule.

When we arrived at the Registration Building it was pouring down rain (which it has done EVERY DAY since we arrived in Zhengzhou), and as we expected, the office was crammed packed with families, most of whom had already gotten their babies. That meant there was a WHOLE LOT of crying and screaming going on. Roger spotted Eiley Joy immediately, so we headed in her direction. We had no idea how she would react when we took her in our arms. I reached out my arms for her, and she wouldn't come, so I just took her from her ayi. Roger was supposed to be filming this, but he was so overwrought with emotion that the only thing he filmed was my feet. :) I really hate that he didn't capture that moment on tape, because our new little girl started flailing her arms as soon as I took her. She pulled out two of my earrings and knocked off my glasses. I think she was letting us know that she could be a little spit fire!!!! As I wrestled with her, I quietly began to sing, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," and when I did, she immediately calmed down. She was just as cute and precious as I thought she was going to be. Molly Kate and Callie Beth talked to her and touched her. She was immediately settled in my arms, and later in Roger's arms when he took her.

I recognized immediately that Eiley Joy was sick. She had the most HORRIBLE deep cough. Her ayi gave me a bottle of cough syrup for her and said she had a cold. It didn't take us long, though, to realize just how horrible she felt. All she wanted was to be held, and that's exactly what I did all day. It broke my heart that she was sick, but I LOVED the cuddling and hugging. She DEFINITELY is a SNUGGLE BUNNY!!!!

I have more to share about GOTCHA DAY, but it's late and we have another big day tomorrow, and I really need some sleep, so I'm signing out for today. MORE tomorrow......I have LOTS of catching up to do!!!!

Vicki :)

We are so grateful for these kind ladies who cared for and loved Eiley Joy.