Monday, March 24, 2008

We're finally in China!!



We got here at about 3:30 this afternoon (Monday the 24th). It went pretty much like clockwork, they take you into a big government building with a bunch of other families and call the babies' names one at a time and you go up and they pass her off to you. She loved Lori right away, but can barely stand to look at me. If she sees me looking at her she either looks away immediately or breaks out crying or both. Our friends Tony and Margaret Brooks are here with us with their little girl Allie who they adopted from China 2 years ago, and she will laugh a little and smile at Allie. She has taken to a tiny finger puppet of a turtle that we brought with us, she seems to be comforted by holding it against her nose. She seems very healthy, but is much smaller than we expected, but we will get a better health picture after her mandatory doctors appointment later this week. Tonight she is basically just spending the night with us, and tomorrow we will go sign the papers that will make her officially our daughter (that is if she decides that she likes me). Here are a couple of photos from "gotcha day" with more to follow.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cute, cute, cute. Glad you are all together. Happy to hear she took to Lori so quickly. Hang in there Brad - Daniel took to Bob immediately and wanted nothing to do with me in the beginning. That will all change with time.

Becky

Marla said...

Yee Haw (as we Okies say)!! I am so excited for all three of you. I can't wait to hear more about your trip. Lori, you GLOW with excitement! Dear Audrey, your parents have been waiting for a long time. You are a very loved and lucky girl.
Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Oh yay! She is beautiful and I am so happy for you. I cannot wait for you to get back to the states with my baby cousin. Take tons of pictures of China. I must say you make a sweet family :)
Love- Taylor Duncan

AG'smoma said...

YAY! Congratulations to the new family!! She looks so sweet! I'm so happy for you all, can't wait for more updates!

hugs
Cris

Anonymous said...

How fantastic! We are so happy for you guys! Congratulations on your brand new family! Love Matt and Jen

kyle and paula said...

Lori and Brad,
what a blessing you have received, she is beautiful,and we can't wait to see in person the little girl we have prayed for so long. Brad she will love you lots all kids like you brad! and we adults think you are ok too. we love you guys and little Audrey you are one special little girl, your mom and dad have waited a long time to hold you and care for you. What a great family of 3 you now have. See you soon.
kyle and paula
and cousins k & J

Wendy said...

She is a doll! You all make a great family. We are keeping you all in our prayers and we are so excited for you. Can't wait to see her!
Grace and Peace,
Wendy
St. Luke's UMC
OKC

Unknown said...

What a blessed baby. We are all together in Salado - Kellye, Megan and children, Tim, Cherie, and boys, Beverly (Cherie's Mom) and we are so excited for your little family. We are alternately crying, admiring, laughing, etc., but all agreeing this is the most wonderful thing to happen in this family in a long time. God bless you all and keep you safe. You two win the prize for persistence. Amen.

Love - Aunt Charlotte (former Okie, now a presumed Texan.)

Debbie Biechler said...

SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! She's smaller than I would have guessed, too, but Earl and Willie were glad to hear that. They paused during eating for a moment when we delivered the news, and later I discovered an "A" made out of Friskies on the porch.
Hope the first night went well for all 3 of you!
Debbie, Beak, Avery & Brady

nataliek said...

Finally! You are holding Audrey! You look so natural and I'm sure that she will soon have Brad wrapped around her little finger. She already looks like a "Daddy's Girl." What a handsome family!

Natalie

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS LORI AND BRAD! Audrey is adorable!!! I love her already - born in Dec, year of the Dog -just like me! - of course I am many moons older than her but, nevertheless year of the Dog :)
God bless your beautiful family! Love yr blog, reading it everyday! Have a wonderful time in China and savor every moment!
Carmen Fitzpatrick
LID 1/12/06 (we're NEXT!!)

crys said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Judy Copeland said...

Audrey is adorable! Of course I am partial to dark-skinned little girls! We can't wait to meet her. Mom and Marilyn are passing her picture around Broken Bow. Congratulations!

Judy Copeland said...

Audrey is adorable...of course I am very partial to dark-skinned little girls! We're excited for you. Her pictures have been copied from the internet and passed all around Broken Bow by Mom and Marilyn. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Oh my! What a nice surprise to check in and see this great pic! It's hard to imagine you 'that far away'.

Looks like things are going okay. It may take a little time for eveyone to warm up to each other, but in the words of the Stones "time is on your side".

I'm so pleased for all three of you.

Take care of yourselves and hurry back.

Love,
Shellye