This experience was far different than with Samuel. The sardine can was not packed. There were much fewer families awaiting children (likely because Samuel's Gotcha Day was just before a major holiday). The room didn't echo of screaming children, just a few. Unlike last time, we were the last family in our group to meet our little one. It gave us a moment to take in the emotions of the day to watch other moms and dads see their babies for the first time. And then it was our turn...
She walked into the Civil Affairs office with her nanny and orphanage director. We saw her immediately. Our guide nodded her head to signal for us to come to the middle of the room. There she was...little Stella...looking perfectly cute!
And just like that, our daughter was added to our family. There was no big celebration in the room, but we were already so in love with her, the real party was in our hearts.
Stella's Gotcha Day was so vastly different than my expectations. No tears. No screaming. Instead, a tiny little girl waltzed into the room bearing suckers for her family, along with a bag filled with gifts we had sent.
She is a little ball of energy, a tiny bit sassy. She adores her brothers and has fallen into the role of "little mother". The boys are crazy about her. On more than one occasion, Joey has said "she is sooooooo much fun." Samuel asked whether she would be going to Samuel's house (just for confirmation). The huge smile on his face when I said "yes" was priceless. I have been the most shocked with his reaction as he leisurely complies with her requests to cram his lazer gun into her purse, to shove a bottle of water in his mouth, and to feed him goldfish. Joey already had this big brother thing down, but we've told him multiple times too how impressed we are with his sharing and entertaining. He has been concerned with making her comfortable and showing her all things Minecraft. Don't think for a moment that he hesitated to whip out his Minecraft book once we were back at the hotel. And as you can see from pictures, the tickle matches started from the very beginning. The Three Musketeers have arrived!
It's like a piece of the puzzle has been found...and we didn't even know she was missing!
She walked into the Civil Affairs office with her nanny and orphanage director. We saw her immediately. Our guide nodded her head to signal for us to come to the middle of the room. There she was...little Stella...looking perfectly cute!
And just like that, our daughter was added to our family. There was no big celebration in the room, but we were already so in love with her, the real party was in our hearts.
Stella's Gotcha Day was so vastly different than my expectations. No tears. No screaming. Instead, a tiny little girl waltzed into the room bearing suckers for her family, along with a bag filled with gifts we had sent.
Daddy and his Three Musketeers
Tickle, Tickle
"Little Mother" has arrived
This guy is already a sucker for Baby Girl
My little Mini me
Stella sought out her brothers to give them their water.
She is a little ball of energy, a tiny bit sassy. She adores her brothers and has fallen into the role of "little mother". The boys are crazy about her. On more than one occasion, Joey has said "she is sooooooo much fun." Samuel asked whether she would be going to Samuel's house (just for confirmation). The huge smile on his face when I said "yes" was priceless. I have been the most shocked with his reaction as he leisurely complies with her requests to cram his lazer gun into her purse, to shove a bottle of water in his mouth, and to feed him goldfish. Joey already had this big brother thing down, but we've told him multiple times too how impressed we are with his sharing and entertaining. He has been concerned with making her comfortable and showing her all things Minecraft. Don't think for a moment that he hesitated to whip out his Minecraft book once we were back at the hotel. And as you can see from pictures, the tickle matches started from the very beginning. The Three Musketeers have arrived!
It's like a piece of the puzzle has been found...and we didn't even know she was missing!
Because I've got a new name,
a new life,
I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home
God makes beautiful things even from the brokenness.
Absolutely adorable pictures! We need to meet your new family. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, she is so sweet! I have never seen bigger smiles on her Mommy and Daddy's faces. Have a wonderful time on the rest of your trip!! Much love to all from Keith and Pearl.
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