Gotcha Day!!

I have just now had a minute to sit down and write.  Yesterday, was "Gotcha Day". It was crazy.  In fact, the last 24 hours have felt like I just went skydiving for the first time. It's the best way I know how to describe it.  I signed up, filled out the paperwork, took all the preparation classes, I voluntarily put the suit on and climbed in the plane.   They took us to 10, 000 feet, reminded us when to pull the red cord and then pushed us out.  The emotions are the same. Scared, nervous, and excited.

Our appoint wasn't until 1:45, so we slept in and had a late breakfast.  Then we went for a walk and picked up our laundry.  Our guide Eric picked us up at 1:45 and we headed for the Civil Affairs Office.  We filled out the 24 hour guardianship papers and then waited on the couch for them to walk through the door.

Just before 3pm we heard the elevator ding.  My mom started recording with the video camera.  And then there he was.  It was amazing.  I fought back the tears and he walked right up to us and said "Hello". He opened his photo album we had sent and started pointing at each one of us and calling us by name "Baba" (dad), "Mama" (mom), "Jie Jie" (older sisters) and "Way po" (grandmother).  He gave us a hug and the girls showed him some toys we had brought.  We couldn't believe it was going as smoothly as it was.  He was happy and content.  

We left the office and went to take his passport picture.  The lady told him to close his mouth for the picture and so he gave a frowny face. It was funny. On our way back to the car, our guide said he was calling us funny names.  He is quite the little jokester. However, the funniest part was dinner.  Our guide didn't give any recommendations, so we just picked the closest place.  We used an app to try and communicate with the server.  We did the best we could and decided we would just eat whatever he brought to the table. McLaren was laughing, trying to run away, and tickling Jade.  We had the entire restaurants attention.  I can only imagine what they were saying.  We decided after dinner that we had our hands full.  He is hyper and outgoing but he is also constantly smiling and laughing.  He is perfect and we fill so blessed.