GOTCHA DAY!!!

Go ahead - scroll down and meet Libby! Then, come back for the story!

The day began with a 2 1/2 hour flight to Guangzhou. It seemed like the longest flight ever! Everyone was nervous/anxious about what the day would bring.

We then took a bus to our hotel where we had  a little over an hour to prepare our room and diaper bag. We met downstairs in the hotel lobby at 3:00. You should have seen everyone grinning from ear to ear. The day had finally come!

We then drove down to the Civil Affairs Office where we would meet our girls. There was very little airconditioning so it was VERY HOT! We waited for a while and then it was announced that the babies from a different orphanage would be brought out first. 5 or so babies came in one by one meeting their parents for the first time. What emotion!! Every baby was totally quiet and had no problem going to their new parents. Billy leaned over and said, "watch Libby be the first to cry."...........

Our names were the first to be called for the babies from the XuWen orphanage. We stood staring at the doorway to see our first glimpse of Libby.

As she came around the corner two thoughts came to mind - "she looks just like her referral picture. And Uh, Oh - she's scared!! She immediately started screaming as she was placed in my arms. She screamed uncontrolably - I mean wailed - the entire time we were at the Civil Affairs office. Billy was really sad to see her cry, but he was a trooper. We carried her as we walked around and then she finally fell asleep. She slept for 15 minutes and started crying again! Billy had not had one chance to hold her yet. If anyone tried to look her in the eye she would just cry all over again - so Billy wasn't taking any chances.

The bus ride back to the hotel seemed to calm her a bit. Once we were in our room she seemed okay. Then, she started crying again. This time, Billy picked her up and she settled right down. He was able to feed her her first bottle and make her giggle for the first time. He's doing great with her and she really likes him. She even plays with his goatee!!!

Billy watched her while I went downstairs to do paperwork. When I returned, Libby was sound asleep on his belly. She's definately going to be a daddy's girl!!

We are thrilled to say - we are the proud parents of Libby Song. We thank the Lord for His provision and His faithfulness to fulfill all his promises.

Libby has no teeth. She has a pretty big Mongolian spot (sort of like a birthmark) on her lower back and buttocks. And she has a pretty mean diaper rash. She may be teething, but I'm not sure yet. I do know she is pooped. She had an 8 hour bus ride to get here - poor thing!!! So, we didn't even try to bathe her tonight. She was just too sensitive and worn out. We'll try it in the morning if she is doing okay.

I'm jumping around here, but I want to mention that we met Libby's main caretaker. There's a picture of her below trying to console Libby. We also had a chance to ask the nannies questions. We found out how to make Libby's bottle. We found out that all 5 XuWen babies being adopted from people in our group have been living in the same room, but they each had their own crib. Libby likes to suck on her blanket - especially the silkly part. The nannies said "everyone really loves Xu Fan. She is really sweet."

Tomorrow is Adoption Day - that's when China officially says we're Libby's parents. Can't wait!

Love you all! Enjoy the photos!!

Love,

Billy and Cindy and Libby