We have Olivia!!!!!

We were advised a couple of days ago that the group would be receiving the girls on Monday the 12th at 3pm.

Before it was time to leave Sarah, our guide, took the group on a bit of a road trip. We walked from the hotel to a park in the middle on Nanning for a tour. After the tour Sarah took us to the super market so that we could stock up on supplies of diapers and formula. By the time we got back to the hotel it was around 1pm, which only left us with a bit of time before our 2:30 departure.

We arrived at the Civil Affairs Office just before 3 and when we walked in the lobby the girls were there with their caregivers. We were all quite anxious to try and spot our daughters although no one in the group was able to determine for sure which precious girl was their's. We were told to go to the 4th floor and that they would be bringing the babies up. Prior to receiving our daughters a provincial representative from the Civil Affairs Office spoke to the group about adoption, the process and thanked us.

One by one our names were called and we were finally presented with Olivia. From the moment we received her she was in tears, not just crying tears but heart breaking sobs where she would just scream and refuse to look at either of us -, at one point I'm sure the room was full of elated parents and crying babies. We were able to ask the orphanage director a bit about Olivia - she told us that Olivia was very funny and active, that she never saw a meal she wouldn't eat and that she didn't like fish or vegetable congee - but loved meat congee.

We were back at the hotel a little after 4pm which gave us a chance to try and settle in. Olivia continued to sob uncontrollably as she was adapting to her new environment. At 5pm we were required to have pictures taken for passports, not sure it's going to be one of her better photos. We decided after that to join Murray and Cathy, their daughter Emily and new daughter Hayley for dinner. Just as dinner arrived Olivia decided to fall asleep.

When we returned to the room she had some apple juice and was beginning to settle in as her and Steph played with some toys. While playing with Steph she gave us her first smile. The paper work required to complete the adoption tomorrow was filled out and tomorrow we will return to the Civil Affairs office and visit the notary to complete everthing. Olivia is now sleeping soundly in her crib and Steph and I are trying to remember everything that happenned today.

Lot's of love to Max and Riley from Mom and Dad. We will try to post or distribute some pictures of Olivia tomorrow.