Adoption Day

It was finally Abby Day!  We met our guide early in the hotel lobby and took a quick ride to the Civil Affairs office.  I had butterflies in my stomach walking in knowing  that at any moment, we would meet our new daughter.

We sat down at a huge conference table to sign a few papers and speak with the registrar.  Within minutes, one of the orphanage teachers arrived and brought in Abigail.  Abby looked adorable dressed  in yellow carrying the cutest duck backpack, but she was definitely stone faced and looked apprehensive.  Such a scary time for a little one.  The woman tried to hand her to me, but of course, Abby clung desperately  to her teacher's neck.

I decided not  to push but instead, to try to make her more comfortable by offering a few snacks and toys. We tried some toddler puffs and cheerios.  She wasn't having it.  Banana?  No thank you.  Teddy bear?  Um...no.  Maybe a sucker?  She had no idea what to do with it.  Uh oh....we're in trouble.  The kids tried acting silly, but she only gave them empty stares.  I played a little peek-a-boo but again, she was not impressed.

When the teacher saw that all our attempts failed, she had no choice but to hand over a crying baby.  Broke my heart.  Abigail reached out again for the teacher, but she was already headed for the door.

Thankfully, Abigail calmed easily in my lap and decided to try a few of the treats. We took some pictures of our first moments as a family, and then the guide turned to me and says, "We go now."  What?!!! Now?  But, I don't know anything about this child....what she prefers to eat, her nap schedule, what makes her happy or sad.  Our guide said we would find out more information on Thursday (today was Monday) when we visited the orphanage.  Um...okie dokie. I guess we will play it by ear then.


Now, two days have passed, and we are doing just fine.  It's taken a little trial and error, but in the end, toddlers have a way of communicating EXACTLY what they want and don't want.  Speaking  the same language is unecessary.  Here's a few things we've discovered about our girl:

1.  Abigail is fiercely independent.  She refused all food yesterday, and I couldn't figure out why.  Surely she was hungry.  We tried noodles, rice, and several Chinese snacks.  But, in the end, we realized she only wants to feed herself.  Ugh. Have you seen the mess when a 1 year old eats a bowl of ramen noodles by herself?  Yikes, but for now, we are picking our battles.

2.  She is a great sleeper. Both days she has taken 3 hour naps, and she only woke up once through the night.   I can only pray that this continues once home.

3.  Our girl has been loved by someone.  Maybe it was the foster mother or the orphanage nanny, but it is apparent that Abigail has received attentive and tender care.  She loves to cuddle and to receive  kisses, and she will hold her hands up to be held.  Beyond thankful for this.

We love her to pieces and can't believe she is ours!  We returned to the Civil Affairs office today and signed the legal adoption papers.  It's official, and we are blessed!  Looking forward to the future as a family of six.  ❤️