Gotcha Day!

Day 6
Monday, May 12th
Gotcha Day!
Jim and I had an early start this morning. I was sad to say goodbye to Beijing. We had a wonderful time there. I slept very well last night. Poor Jim – he did not have a good night’s rest . The plane ride to Guangzhou was uneventful. We were met at the airport by a travel escort from Lotus Travel (they work with Holt) and was greeted by the Holt staff at our swanky hotel. It is gorgeous!
We had about two hours until we met Madeline so we ate some lunch and organized gifts to give to the director and the staff. We left the hotel at 3:30 pm, arrived at the Civil Affairs building at 3:45 pm. We went up to the 8th floor and this is where the orphanages bring the little ones to meet their new families. Walking in, I caught a glimpse of Madeline sitting on her nannies lap looking like she was about to fall asleep. We waited around for another 5-10 minutes or so and then they brought her out to meet us. She is so beautiful! Jim and I both bawled and the previous feelings of “what have we done” and “we liked our current status as non parents” changed immediately. She has stolen our hearts and we are completely in love with her. Now, I finally get it when parents say that once they first meet their child for the first time it is a love that is felt so deep and it is unconditional.
After we had our first moments with Madeline, we were able to sit down with the orphanage director and one of Madeline’s favorite nannies to ask some questions. She has been a quiet child from day one. Loves bright, interactive toys and has had no significant illnesses. Unfortunately, though she has developed some congestion and has a possible sinus infection. So we had a doctor make a house call tonight to our room and she is on antibiotics and should be feeling better soon. Our Holt escort stated that 3 out of 4 children last week who travelled to Guangzhou from local orphanages to meet their forever families developed upper respiratory tract infections. I am not too concerned as we are in good hands here.
She has not taken a bottle as of yet. When she is hungry she will let us know. She is very tired after traveling by bus 3 hours to come here today. She is sleeping soundly in her crib.
We have some more business to do tomorrow at The Consulate – we have to be in the lobby at 8:30 am. Normally, we would maybe wake up at 7:30 am and have plenty of time to get ready and have breakfast. Now, since we have to get organized and packed up with Maddy’s things we will be getting up at 6:30 am at the latest. Welcome to parenthood! Enjoy the pictures!