Gotcha Day!!!!

OK... so today was the day that all the work we have been doing for the last 12 months finally came true... Eric and I became the proud parents of our 2nd beautiful daughter. Words will never be able to describe the feelings that rushed through me when I laid my eyes on her sweet, precious face. In an instant me and Eric's lives were turned upside down....WOW what a rush.

The hard part about all of today was looking into her eyes and seeing that she was terrified. All I wanted to do was to take her up in my arms and tell her how much I love her and all will be OK. I refrained myself though for fear that I would absolutely terrify her to the point of running the other direction.

Finally all of the paperwork was finished for Eric and I to have temporary custody of her and so then it was time to leave. First her nanny left which was very hard for her but mom and dad came to the rescue. We swooped in with tissues and a hug which seemed to help a little bit. Next it was time for the Treanor family to walk out the door. God couldn't have made this moment any sweeter. As we began to walk to the door Alicia came over to me and reached for my hand. At that moment I really had to hold back the wave of emotion. I got to hold my daughter's hand for the first time. I got to enjoy my first mom act with my precious Chinese princess. It is a moment that I will carry in my heart for eternity.

Our first adventure together was having our family photo done. This was too funny. The photographer had trouble getting the photo done because Alicia's hair kept getting in my face. We were all laughing so hard even Alicia. Our second adventure was being brought back to the hotel by our guide and our guide leaving. This was a scary moment. We didn't have anybody to help us communicate with one another. Yes we have an electronic translator but she's not wanting to talk back to us on it. We can't complain though because we have already had some great steps with her in just a few hours of being together. Like at diner tonight she feed Eric and I some of her french fries. Some of you might think this is nothing but to us it's EVERYTHING. She showed that she trusts us, that she's somewhat accepting us.

Now we are back at the hotel just sitting around staring at one another with occasional smiles. I long for the day when there is conversation but until then I will take the smiles. Well I shall say goodbye as I need to go get my girls settled down for bed. We do have another long day ahead of us tomorrow. Appointment at Civil Affairs and then off to get our adoption papers notarized.

I will try to post as often as time allows but for now we say goodbye....