We're a family of six! Gotcha Day! 2 years later!

"God is so good. God is so good. God is so good, He's so good to me." That's the song going through our hearts today. Gotcha day! Just can't put into words the emotions and happiness of today other than to praise our wonderful Father up above.

Introducing Miss Claire to you...

 We left the hotel at 0900 to head to Civil Affairs. It all happened so quick, no time to get nervous or anxious. We walked in the building, down the hall, up some stairs, walked into a conference room, and boom, there stood Claire. We recognized her instantly. With a little coaxing from the orphange director, Claire walked over to Mrs Steady and kids. That's all it took. We pulled out the baby doll and magna doodle. Wow. Big thanks to our neighbor Tina on the magna doodle recommendation. What a BIG HIT!! Claire is proving to be a very brave little girl. She didn't bat an eye when the orphange staff departed the room. She has taken everything in today. Very smart too. She catches on to everything very quickly. For example, at lunch, the waitress went around the table and placed napkins into the kids laps, but not hers. She immediately turned to the waitress and wanted to know where her napkin was. So, Mrs Steady gave hers to Claire and she was immediately happy. She tucked in the napkin neatly around her high chair.

Claire is a great eater. She and Mr Steady shared a plate of fried rice and meat. Mr Steady found someone to share shrimp with. She knew exactly what to do with the spoon and fork, plus she let us feed her. She then topped of the meal with a big bowl of ice cream. Hey, we had to celebrate her birthday. Like the rest of the family, Claire loves ice cream.

So far, this day has gone nothing like we imagined or were prepared for. No crying, yet. No problems. Just smooth, like we all prayed for. Thank you. Thank you for your prayers. Claire is currently sleeping. Our precious little girl has arrived. We wait no more!

The kids are very much in love with their little Mei Mei!

Wow, I can't believe that was 2 years ago!  Reading through our blog post from that day just brought back all the memories and feelings from that day.  It has been an amazing journey.  It hasn't all been easy.  In fact, Claire has really struggled with sleeping.  She is getting better but we still have our rough nights.  Claire has taught us a lot.  She has taught us to think outside the box when it comes to parenting.  We were experienced parents right?  Had already been in the parenting mix 3 times but adoption changes things.  Claire had a different beginning than our 3 so what worked for them not necessarily works for her.  We are learning and growing together.  We have been through a lot in 2 years.  We have moved 2 times.  Claire has lived in 3 different states!  Plus in March we added another child!  Claire is a big sister now!  Claire continues to be very brave through it all.  So on this 2nd anniversary of Gotcha Day I am thanking God for bringing Claire into our lives.  Thank you God for opening our hearts to adoption and our eyes for the orphan.

Claire yesterday celebrating her 5th birthday!