Sunday, September 5, 2010

Day 4 - aka Gotcha Day!!

We arrived in Hohhot around noon & our guide (George) had been talking to the orphanage since before we left the airport in Beijing.  I thought he has said something about getting Cadence tomorrow, but then he made a big deal out of telling us not to leave the hotel room and then we would meet for paperwork around 3pm...either in our room or in the lobby. We still weren't sure if all of this meant that she would be here today or not. I promptly unpacked (organization calms me!) until 2pm and then waited what seemed like an eternity.  During that time they brought a crib up to our room and I said that it would be a very long night if I had to look at an empty crib all night!  At 3pm sharp the phone rang and George told us to come to the lobby with our paperwork.
 
We arrived in the lobby and he pointed in the direction of some couches where 2 women were holding 2 children, both with cleft lips.  Cadence had her back to us, but I recognized her when I saw her eyes.  (I've been staring at them for 5 months!)  The woman immediately handed her to me and she cried for just moment then settled down.  George and the woman (assistant orphanage director I believe) talked about paperwork, we signed some forms and put a red thumbprint on our names, and they gave us a wonderful memory book that Cadence's nannies put together.  I'm so anxious to have it translated & find out what it says!  The woman answered a few questions I had (about sleeping & eating).  They took some pictures of Brad, Cadence, and me (Sierra was very upset that she was not allowed in the picture) and then sent us up our room.
 
She is a very sweet little baby!!  Her clothes were clean and so was she.  She seems very well cared for and developmentally seems great!  This evening she ate some eggs, half a banana, & some gerber treats.  We tried a little bottle (they said she eats mostly solids but occasionally she drinks formula) but she didn't take much.  She definitely shows us what she wants and what she doesn't want.  Anytime she has gotten upset she settle immediately if Brad or I pick her up.  She let Sierra hold her once and they took a bath together (Cadence wasn't a fan).  Around 7pm she started rubbing her eyes.  We were able to skype with the grandparents & my friend Kristi.  Unfortunately Laurel is at her other grandparents so we won't see her online til Monday.  We read Cadence a book & sang her a song.  I layed her down in her crib and patted her as she cried for a about a minute and then she fell asleep!  It all feels way too easy!!
 
Sierra has been fabulous!  She's worn herself out entertaining Cadence & being a wonderful big sister.  She wants to do more (feeding, holding, playing) but we are trying to find her balance.  Thanks for all of the good thoughts & prayers and keep them coming,  I'm sure the days ahead won't be this easy, but we are so thankful to have our daughter in our arms finally!  What an amazing blessing.

14 comments:

  1. Wow Stacy, this brought tears to my eyes! I can't imagine what it feels like to meet your daughter for the first time. I am so incredibly happy for the two of you! You and Brad are wonderful parents and you are doing a wonderful thing! Congratulations and I hope you enjoy the rest of your visit!

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  2. I so prayed your would get Cadence early! I went straight to the computer as I got up today to see if you had posted any updates. I am soooooo happy for you, and your family!!!! Cadence is beautiful!! Sounds like she just settled tight in. I can not wait to see you updates until we leave Tues. AM.
    I hope we get Keaton a day early next week also!! This update is encouraging that we may.

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  3. So happy to see Cadence in your arms! She is precious. I look forward to following the rest of your trip. (Andrea from Richmond- we met at a waiting families meeting- I had my little boy with me)

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  4. We are so happy for you and she is darling! Keep the stories and photos coming, and I hope for a smooth and joyful day for you all tomorrow!

    Julie and Jared

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  5. How wonderful! I am so happy Cadence is finally in your arms and your first day with her went so well. Keeping the thoughts, prayers, good vibes coming your way :) Enjoy every minute with her as her new family!!

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  6. We were so thrilled to see this post this morning! I imagine that right now you are sleeping, and can't wait to wake up to start your first full day with Cadence! We are very happy for your family - for all 5 of you! Much love to you all!

    P.S. We love to skype, too - Deb is dlg5u09 if you have time to connect!

    Love, all of us!

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  7. Wow she is perfect!!!! Soooo Happy that your family is complete!! God Bless!!

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  8. Oh my! What a beauty!!! Definitely a tear jerker post!! I am so extemely happy for you. Like Christy, when it is my turn I hope to be on the day early boat. What a very pleasant surprise. I can't wait to see what happens next...

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  9. my heart skipped a beat and tears came to my eyes when i opened your blog today. we are sooooo Blessed. please give both of my granddaughters hugs and kisses and tell them i love them. i'll keep reading your blog and look forward to talking when you get home. all of you take care and be safe and know that my thoughts are with you. God Bless. Love, Mom

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  10. Thank you for sharing your gotcha moment and CONGRATULATIONS to all of you! What a special day. Thinking of you!
    Darcy and David Campbell

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  11. I am so happy for you! She is gorgeous! What a day I'm sure you had. Kevin and I were just talking yesterday about how much we were glad Levi's lip had not been repaired before we got him and that we had that treasured time of enjoying "his" smile! I hope the rest of your trip goes as smoothly as this first day!

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  12. Congrats! So great to see this family of four. Enjoy every day of getting to know your new beauty.

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  13. this post moved me to tears too. I am so immensely proud of you and your family and so happy for you! Enjoy her, and good luck!

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  14. Congratulations Guys! We're so happy for ALL of you!!

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