CQ'S GOTCHA DAY!
Happy Gotcha Day Baby!
It's flown by, and I just can't believe it! It has been a year.
1 year ago, Daddy and Mommy were in Russia getting ready to bring you to your new home.

It was a whirlwind trip.
Look at you before... And now Look at you!

Words cannot describe how you have changed our lives in so many wonderful ways.
When we first saw a video of you, we didn't want to get too excited because we had already been to Russia for another referral and it fell through.

We didn't want to get too attached...but we were really hoping it would be you!

After 1 long week of waiting to confirm our trip, our trip got postponed another week. Then, we finally got the word that we could go and meet you the week after.

Going to Borovichi was very emotional because your brother was from Borovichi too, so it was like we were re-living his adoption.

When we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and hugs and kisses because all of the caregivers remembered your brother and really enjoyed seeing his pictures.

Every other parent (who was there to adopt too) was sitting around the table listening to the medical/history reports from the orphanage doctor/chief director. We were last to hear about you, but the social workers whispered in our ears to get up and leave the room because they were just too excited for us to meet you.

Before we even got to the music room, one of the social workers was walking with you down the hall and you were all dressed up with a hat on ready to see us...or were you?

You began to cry because you were so painfully shy and held on for dear life to the care-giver, but mommy came up and kissed you on the check and picked you up. I told you that everything was going to be alright! I said, "Mommy is here now...shhh shhh" and finally you calmed down, but still wanted nothing to do with Daddy(yet).

We played with you for about an hour, then the music teacher came into the room and waived at you. Your eyes lit up! She brought out a CD player and began to play a song and you began to dance! It was so cute! When the music went off, you, again, went to the shy little one from before. Would barely even look at us.

Daddy and I noticed that care-givers kept coming in and out of the room...we think that they were checking on their little lady to make sure all was well...which it was.

Next, you were ready to eat. Boy did you eat. When we walked into the room, it was full of all boys...about 12 of them(all blonde hair blue eyes) and then...there was you. Curly BLACK hair, olive coloring and in a bright red dress. OUR GIRL!

I can honestly say that they spoiled you there. We could tell that they were pretty much willing to do ANYTHING for you! Hummmmm a sign for the future? :)

Anyway, it was time to leave and FINALLY you waived, blew kisses, and smiled at Daddy and Mommy. We were already missing our little girl!

On the second trip, you were alittle more social, but still pretty shy.

We played for awhile with you and then left for Veliky Novogord for court.

In court they talked about how special you were and that they were so happy that you were going to live with a special little boy...your brother.

The judge and prosector were so nice.

We picked you up the next day...the orphanage van met us 1/2 way and we took you

from the orphanage van to ours. You were all smiles and giggles.

Like you had known us forever! We sang Christmas Carols and

you danced.

No shy girl to be found!

Mommy got sick, again, in Moscow, but felt better before returning home.

Here you are getting ready to see Dr. Boris...I don't even remember this because I was soooo sick. Can you tell?

Your adoption story is so special because we almost didn't get you. We had to go through heartache before we had the chance to get you. I know that they were waiting for a couple and a boy who were just perfect for you...and we are so lucky it was us.

We love you forever and ever and ever!!!!!

Daddy and Mommy (and Aiden too!)

You are a happy little girl who is so loved and so wanted in this world!