Monday, March 28, 2011

Gotcha Day!

We left at 8:20 this morning on a small bus with another adopting family from the US and our guide. We arrived at 9am and were told to sit around a big table and wait. Seconds after we sat down, a bunch of ladies came in and I hear –“ this is your baby.” We look up and there she is, in her traditional Chinese jacket. Oh, wow! This is it! We jump up grabbing our cameras! She is given to us with her caretaker saying “Mama” and pointing to me. She looks curiously at Tom and I as we hold her and say in Chinese to her that we are her parents and that we want to hold her. We were amazed that she wasn’t crying…then the caregivers left and the hysterical crying started…after awhile one of the ladies who clearly loved her came in and took her from me to comfort her and it was nice to see how sweetly they interacted…Elita had been loved all this time! The kind lady was scolded by another lady from the orphanage to give her back to me and she did…about 5 minutes more of crying while we signed papers, passing her between us. Then the cry changed…ah – a tired cry, I noticed (proof that I AM her Mama!) so I snuggled her up against my chest singing, and she fell asleep. Sweetness! She slept through more paper signing and then awoke right before her seat-beltless bus ride in Daddy’s arms. We had to wait awhile for another family to handle some more paperwork…about 40 minutes more on the bus. She snuggled Tom for awhile and then sat right up and started talking up a storm, copying our lip buzzing noises and having a blast…she has a TON to say (she gets that from her Mommy!). She mouthed some snap pea crisps (her brothers’ favorites), sucked down a cold bottle, and played happily with us like she’s known us all her life…SO PRECIOUS! We got to the hotel around lunchtime and she walked (yes, she walks well!) into our room and just started checking things out, all the while talking and just as pleased as can be! I went into the bathroom and cracked the door and she cried and ran to me and gave me a big hug, burying her head in my chest…proof that bonding has begun. I said Mama and she repeated me. It was a gift! I changed her clothes since she was in multiple layers of baggy clothes like they dress kids here in China…you could barely find her in there. She is so brown and soft and sweet…definitely the best tan in the family, and little, but not too skinny! She ate yogurt, sucked down water from a sippy cup (yay!) and I put her in the packnplay with some toys, hoping she’d fall asleep…Tom and I watched out of the corner of our eyes while we uploaded pics…she dropped the toys out, the blankie, took off her socks, put her pointer finger in her mouth, and quietly went to sleep. Wow! We are MUSH! She is so cuddly and fun and we’ve only been with her a few hours. My heart is still beating quicker than usual…has all day. She is a gem and she is ours…and I think she knows it! Off to a walk to WalMart with our group…time to get diapers and formula…this should be interesting.

21 comments:

Our Journey to Africa said...

LOVE, love, love the videos. She is YOURS! Praying for you guys as you finish out the trip. We can't wait to meet Elita!

Bless you guys!
love
audrey and the boys

Karla said...

oh. my. word. I am bawling!!! gonna be late to your strength class, but who cares!??!?! God is so faithful. Elita is beautiful! I can't wait to see you all. Love you so.

thegreatabreakening said...

Awwww! I love it! Can't wait to meet her! so happy for you guys!

Jewelia said...

What a joy to see those videos and little Elita!! She is so beautiful and sweet! :) I've been checking the blog since before 7am today!

Love you!
Jewel

CKBE said...

She is sooooo adorable!!! I am so touched by this! Thank you!! I am crying now! Love this for y'all!!! Love y'all!!! Praying for smooth transitions and safe travels home.

Patti said...

Well, I cried again as I watched the videos! As I read your blog I realized that God had indeed answered my prayers for quick bonding! What an awesome God! I knew she would sense your love for her as soon as she was in your arms. Continuing to pray. Much love, Patti

Kerry said...

Oh, Sohailla and Tom! I am loving following this journey, and crying at the joy that is happening in your family! Cannot wait to read more!

Unknown said...

awesome! thanks for posting videos and blogging every step of the way. i'm proud. :)

Emily said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Michelle said...

Loving every video photo and blog. Cried thru them all and cannot wait to me Elita in person. God is so grate and all the answered prayers are amazing. Thank you Jesus! From all the Digsby family we love and miss you!!! Mxxxx

Unknown said...

Soooo excited for you guys! Rejoicing with you! You have your long awaited sweet girl! YAY! I just did a "girl squeal with you".
-Chrystal Senter

Veronica Leaptrott said...

She's beautiful!!!! I sit here crying as I watch your videos. It's much harder watching you and the Bullentins's than I thought it would be. I know that our reason (Katie) for not being in China is the best thing that ever happened to me, but there is a small part of my heart that belongs to China.

Twila said...

Oh my goodness...tears, tears, and more tears! So excited for your little family of five! Can't wait to see her myself! Praying for y'all, the boys, and your priceless princess!

Jerusha said...

Congrats on your beautiful daughter! Melanie W. told me about your blog. We hope to travel in early June to adopt our little boy from China!

Nicole said...

I am crying too... so sweet and so precious. I am so happy for your family. I love how God opened doors and made the way for her to be yours.

Karla said...

Caleb, Josiah, and Anna Joy just got home from school and could hardly wait to see the videos of their new friend. All 3 of them are in awe. :) Anna Joy said she can't wait to squeeze her Elita. So sweet. :)

Amanda Drew said...

What a precious child! So proud of you guys :) I love these videos and have watched them over and over. Can't wait to hold her and watch her grow into the woman God created her to be! Praying for you guys :) thanks so much for the updates!

Richey said...

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!
What a little baby doll. That was truly one of the most touching things I've seen and now i am crying along with everyone else. What a blessing for all. Continued prayers for a safe return. Amy

Unknown said...

oh my heavens...i'm sobbing!!
Elita is precious :o)
God is so Good!!!

Steph said...

have cried twice today watching these sweet video's. What and precious gift from the Lord. Will continue to keep you all in our prayers this week, for your boys too.

Katie and Allan said...

Sohailla and Tom ,We hope its ok -Elita is so precious-weve been sharing your video with our friends and Family too-everybody is crying(happy tears)All our love:)