Gotcha Day!

Woke up with butterflies in my tummy this morning. It was funny, but it felt like that first day back in November when Jeremy and I were going to meet Anya for the first time. Don't know why! I guess it was because I was going to discover a whole new world of Anya--out of that little room. And maybe because I was a little bit sad that her caregivers would have to say goodbye to her.

Our driver picked us up at 9:15, then we went and picked up our coordinator.

First stop: Vanya's baby house. I had to wait in the car while Katrina went in to rescue her boy.  It took about 45 minutes, then they were out!  Here's Mommy and Vanya.  Don't they look great?

 

Next stop: Anya's place.

Katrina and Vanya stayed out in the van with the driver while Elena and I went in. First, we went in to the social director's office for a minute so I could sign something saying I was taking her out. 

Then we were off to her groupa.

I wanted to videotape it, but my cell phone/camera was on "freeze" mode and I couldn't figure out how to unfreeze it. BUMMER!

Oh, my gosh she was so cute.  When she saw me coming down the hall, her face lit up and she started out the door immediately. They must have explained to her what I was coming for.  She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door.  

Wait--gotta get dressed first, baby girl. So here was the interesting part. I brought some 3T and 4T jeans because I didn't know which size she was.  First I tried the 3T's.  Nope, could hardly get them past her thighs.

So I grabbed the 4T's and pulled them on.  I could barely get those babies snapped shut!  She is short and chubbo.  I don't think she'll be wearing jeans unless I get 5's and cut them shorter.  Don't ask me how an orphan who eats a strict diet can possibly be overweight. Inactivity maybe? I know it's common for DS, so who knows?  They say her thyroid has been checked and it's normal.  We'll have to do that test over when we get home, I think.  

Anyway, the other thing I couldn't get on were her boots!  Her feet are wide and flat!  Her caregiver helped me pull as hard as we could to get them on.  We're going to have to take a walk around the corner to the mall and find this girl some wide shoes. :)

OK, all dressed and bundled to Eastern European caregiver standards. 

One last picture with Anya's caregiver. She got a little teary as we were leaving. How can anyone not become attached to these kids?  

Time to go!

These two pictures tell the story perfectly about how excited Anya was to fly the coup.  When we got outside the orphanage, I asked our coordinator if she would take a picture of Anya and I.  Well, Anya had one thing on her mind, and that was to go get in that "machina" (car) because we were GOING! If we stopped, that meant we might change our mind or something. So she wouldn't stand there for me. No way!  She squirmed and wiggled until I finally gave up. Not even a hint of  a good picture to commemorate our monumental day. Boo hoo.

The whole ride home, Vahnya and Anya were perfectly content.  They just sat there taking it all in. Anya kept pointing to things and gasping, like it was soo cool.  She was crackin' me up.

When we finally reached our apartment, they happily came in with us. When we opened the door, they both started running around, checking everything out, giggling, and chasing each other.

We are going to have our work cut out for us these next 3 days while we wait for their passports.  Or at least I will!  Think BUSY Toddler, discovering everything for the first time, but taller, more powerful and strong.

Those of you who have kids with DS, I would love any advice you have on teaching your big, strong child to be gentle, soft, etc.  When she grabs things she shouldn't, she grabs hard and won't let go, then she laughs like it's a game until I finally get it out of her hand. Also, if I need her to change activities and I take her hand to redirect her, she immediately sits down right where she is and laughs.  Oy, yoy yoy.  Wish we could get it nipped in the bud before we get home. :)  Ha ha.

Thank HEAVENS for DVD's.  The minute we turned on Signing Times, they were both glued.

Ahhh.... deep breath.

PS, They loved having their piggies exposed. I don't think they got that luxury in the orphanage.

The first thing I did as she sat there was take out her braids. I've never seen her with her hair down. 

Is she dang gum cute, or what?

Worth the wait, yes, indeed! All ten months.  She is a keeper. I love her soooo much.

Can't wait to bring her home.