Gotcha Day!!!

Getting to know one another (hope the video works!)

An invisible thread connects those destined to meet regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never breaks.

Ancient Chinese Proverb

The babies are sleeping – well one is sleeping and the other is trying hard not too. He keeps popping his head up and saying, ‘I see Gwacie!’ The big boys have gone exploring. I know I should be sleeping too but that’s not possible right now – way too much excitement for me to settle down!

What an amazing time – GOTCHA as it’s called! We were scheduled to be downstairs at 11:00 and most of us were much earlier. The babies came in by orphanage so the first two were brought in from Shang Guan around 10 before 11. Second the twins arrived! They are so beautiful and they were so calm about their transition! Then we were told that our babies were stuck in traffic and wouldn’t be there until noon. Fortunately, six more babies arrived from Shangrao about 20 minutes later to keep everyone occupied. The three families with babies from Fuzhou were pacing the floor – including us! Our babies finally arrived about 11:45 and we were the very last family to have our sweet Gracie brought in to us. We were able to get great shots of everyone in our entire group though as each baby arrived. J

The brought Gracie in to us and she immediately started to cry but she didn’t fight being handed to me. Parker was clinging to my hip and reaching for her immediately!! He just loved and loved on her! I didn’t realize that John had turned around and gone back for Carter who was busy watching Mickey Mouse. When he saw me with Gracie Lin, he immediately wanted me. John took Gracie Lin and then Carter reached over to touch her face, hands, arms, and rubbed her back. Sweet, sweet boy! I didn’t realize either that there were major tears streaming down my face the entire time until later when I had a soaked face and a damp top.

Gracie Lin didn’t take long to settle down from crying and take a big interest in the boys! Since everyone else had their babies for a while by then, the whole party immediately began to disperse to their rooms so we gathered our things and as I tried to pick up a few items, Parker walked up and took Gracie from me. He didn’t let go – carried her all the way back to the room. I think he’s in love!! We played in the room a little. Gracie Lin was very interested in the toys and her brothers. We were all hungry so we gave her a bottle and then went down the hotel restaurant for some lunch. Carter struggled through most of lunch because he wanted both Mama and Daddy and was very uptight. He did cheer up for a big bowl of ice cream though! Gracie Lin ate a huge helping of yams and some spicy tofu. She also fell in love with ice cream. Something I’m not sure she would have tried before. Once I gave her a bite, she kept reaching for Carter’s bowl. By half way through lunch and lots of attention from her big, big brother, she started to babble and bounce. Parker started to talk to her and she gave him her first smile!

I am blown away by how smoothly the initial meeting has gone. I’m still ready for some tough times if they come, but am so very thankful that this joining together of our family has been so sweet. Thank you all for your prayers for her transition! Keep them coming! Our first night time is still ahead of us! J

One last note – since we have been in China, Carter is a rock star! People want to touch him and hold him and get hugs! It has been very sweet how much people are interested in him. Once we ventured out for lunch with both of them, there were even more people taking in this duo of the blonde crazy haired boy and his 'China girl' sister!

Thank you again to our friends and family for all of your prayers, love and support!! We are over the moon!!!