We arrived in Nanchang yesterday afternoon and were told that the "babies" would be brought to the hotel to meet us. We had a little over an hour to sit and stew and wonder.
At four o'clock we went up to a meeting room in the hotel to meet Min (who, I'd like to announce, is in fact a Kate!). She is so tiny and looked so out of sorts. She was very brave for the first fifteen-twenty minutes, parroting back bah bah and mah mah as directed by the orpanange officials. But then I notice a tear and within seconds she was crying unconsolably.
We took her to our room where she cried herself to sleep in our arms. While she was sleeping, I took a look at the care package we had sent. The scrapbook hadn't been looked at and the white Teddy Bear we'd sent looked just and clean as when it was purchased. We think she had no idea until that morning about what was going on. And when the orpanage officials told her she was going to meet her Mom and Dad, was she expecting to see her bio parents?
She slept for over an hour and upon waking and realizing that it wasn't just a bad dream, started crying again. This time though, instead of hanging limply in our arms, she clung to my tightly to my neck and calmed down within a few minutes.
She sat with me watching Phil and Alex color, and then watching them play with playdough. She didn't want to participate, but was very interested in what they were doing.
After our room service dinner, we all put on our pjs (she had no hesitation in changing out of her clothes and putting on the pjs we brought for her) and climbed into the king sized bed and watched some of a video. We saw smiles as she watched the crazy chipmunks capers. After the video, we were the ones getting the smiles! Loads of them.
Now it's Monday morning and we are all awake (no tears, I was a little concerned that we'd start startled) and all smiles! She's been playing dominoes and I think Alex is going to try to get her started on chess. We'll let you know how that goes.
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6 comments:
The description of your precious first moments together are so touching and tender. Thanks so much for allowing me to share some of this important time.
I also appreciate the commentary and pictures of your earlier adventures and now wait for pictures of you and your daughter, when the time is right.
I send my hugs and good wishes to you all.
Love,
Aunt Rebecca
I'm thinking of you all. :)
I can't imagine what this first day has been like for you guys. On the other side of the world, meeting a new member of the family for the first time. The emotions must be strong. Wishing the best for the 4 of you over the coming days.
Love,
John
Phil and Yvette,
Reading through you post " Heartbreak and Hope" is very touchy. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Eagerly waiting to see your pictures with Kate.
V.Shah
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for letting us share this journey with you.
Upon rising this morning, your mother and I learned of the horrible news of the earthquake in China and pray that you were not affected.
We immediately turned on the computer and read of your very touching first experiences with Min. We love you all so very much and know that through your loving and caring nature, Min will come to trust and love you as much as we do.
Know that all of us are thinking about you always. I am sure that it helps to be able to write your thoughts and emotions down and share them with us. We also pray that you are well and away from harm's way.
Love, Dad
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