WE GOT HER!!!!

We woke up early again in anticipation of meeting Hope. We were told to be in the lobby at 11. If you make the 13 hour time change, you will realize that 11 am here is when Auburn was in overtime with Clemson. I was so proud of Paul when he chose going to meet his daughter over finishing the game. When we reached the lobby our guide informed us that traffic was bad and they wouldn't be here until noon. So Paul took off running to the computer to finish watching the game. We then headed to the lobby and watched the doors for our girl. We (Paul, Andrea, Kent, Natalie, Connie, and I) about all melted when we saw this precious thing walk through the door.

Once she saw us, she let go of her nanny's hand and ran to jump into Paul's arms! I knew this little girl would wrap him around her finger in no time!

We then gave her a backpack filled with goodies and did some paperwork to be able to keep her for 24 hours before we legally adopt her. We were so excited when we were handed a huge packet of stuff prepared for her by her preschool. She has been in a preschool run by Half the Sky and it is amazing what they did for her. She also came with a box of her preschool artwork.

So far things have gone amazingly well. We only had one meltdown and that was because she was ready to eat and we didn't understand. She is such a happy girl. She loves to smile and cuddle. She is adventurous, and playful. She can pack some food in too! We couldn't be more thrilled with her and thankful to God for the opportunity to be her parents.

We also learned that she becomes a little crazy if she gets candy. I had put some in her backpack in case she had a meltdown at our initial meeting and I had forgotten about it. She found it once we were back in the room and ate a blue airhead, she LOVED it. About 20 minutes later she was so laughing at herself and everything around her. I was also beginning to wonder if I was adopting a little girl or a smurf.

Once we got in from dinner it was time for her to meet her brother and sisters online. They all thought she was adorable and she was excited about meeting them. She talked to them some and showed them all her toys through Skype. Then it was bath time. I was so proud that George volunteered to show Hope how to take a bath.

We shut of the water and went to get George a towel when he climbed up the wall and decided to air dry on the clothes line. I'm starting to think I need to keep a better eye on that silly bear.

Once Hope got all bathed and dressed for bed, she was ready to go to sleep. I'll leave you with this one last image of our precious new girl for the day.

We feel so blessed to know that people are praying for us. So far some amazing prayers are being answered! Please continue to pray for us that she will continue to fit in so well. Pray that we can communicate and understand each other so that we can meet her needs. Pray for Noelle, Hunter, and LeeLee. Pray for my mom. Pray that our adoption goes well tomorrow. We are looking forward to calling Hope and being her forever family.