A Family of 4

I will try to describe in words a truly indescribable day. God, the giver of all good gifts, has given us a treasure.

The long story of the day involves some lost luggage (later recovered), only 3 hours of sleep last night for any of us, not enough food, no nap for Sarah Grace, scary traffic and a trip to the Civil Affairs office only to find out that the babies were actually coming to the hotel.

The short story is that none of that mattered after we met Caroline. A staff member from the orphanage, along with our guide, brought her to our hotel room door about a half hour before we expected her. After waiting for months, it seems funny that we were unprepared when the moment finally came. She walked in carrying the doll that we sent her in her last care package.

For months, we have prayed that Caroline would have joy. This prayer has been answered. This baby is joyful! She is charismatic and loves to laugh. Sarah Grace welcomed her into our family immediately and they took to each other quickly. Caroline is absolutely precious. She has been content all evening, except that the bottle I made her did not meet her standards. Hopefully I can figure out that problem soon. Andy & I are blown away by what a great kid she is. We are blessed beyond our wildest dreams with 2 amazing girls.

So far, she isn't talking much. She seemed to have a word for bottle though. She laughs and laughs. She will go to both Andy & I. Since we have just had a few hectic hours with her, we don't know many of her likes and dislikes yet. We had the chance to ask her nanny lots of questions. When I asked what Caroline likes, she said, "Everything." She explained that she is a happy baby and only gets upset if someone takes her toys. Her nanny said that she is extroverted.

She did get fearful at bedtime when she couldn't see us so Andy rearranged the hotel room and created a bed for her that allows her to see us. She wanted us right next to her as she fell asleep.

Tomorrow, we have some official appointments and the chance to go to Wal-Mart. We have lots to buy. The diapers I brought are too big. The weather is too cool for the clothes I brought. Our 12-months clothes looks like they will fit her well. I didn't bring enough toys either.

I want to write more but I am beyond exhausted and I'm not even sure the sentences I'm writing make sense. It's been a big day.

God is good all the time.