Friday, May 13, 2011

One Orphan Less!

Today was Gotcha Day! The day when we can finally take Kaylee out of the orphanage forever. We have been waiting for this day for months. 

I can't believe she is finally ours and we don't have to return her. 

This morning started with an early wake-up call, so sweetly by Justus at 5 am. Ok, so it wasn't really sweet, but nonetheless we were awake.  Then, a little later, Malika wakes and the first thing she said was, "mommy, I so excited today". Then, of course she started to say "3 days and we get Kaylee". She is too funny. She has been so excited and asked all morning until we left if she could put her shoes on to get Kaylee.

We left the house at 9:15 to meet Marina at the orphanage. When we got there, it felt a little strange just knowing this is truly the last time we will be there. We met up with Marina, who went with us to take our gifts of boxes of chocolate and wine to the director, doctor and lawyer. Then we went to Kaylee's class to pick her up. It didn't go at all like I expected. They handed her to me still in her clothes and asked if today was the day we were taking her. I think I expected her to be handed over without clothes or for them to dress her. We dressed her in her "gotcha day" outfit with matching bow. She looked so cute. We then said bye to the nannies and took a few pictures. They were so sweet. I don't know if they will miss her, but they seemed truly grateful for us, probably knowing this is her only chance at a normal life. It was bittersweet. I didn't think I would cry, but I did. I thought I would be so happy to just get out of there, but these ladies and this routine have been our life for the past two months, it is hard to not feel a little sad to say bye (I am definitely more happy than sad though :). 

After we took her out, we walked over to the sandbox to leave our sand toys, since we don't have room to take them home. Justus was confused and had no idea what was going on (probably still doesn't. As soon as he can talk good, I bet he will ask when we are taking her back :). He wanted to stay and play, so we did for a little bit. Then it was time to leave for good. We walked out the gates, never to return. 

After getting home, the first thing we did was give Kaylee a bath. She loved it. 

Then, the kids ate a snack, played some, then ate lunch. Kaylee did pretty well with lunch, but didnt seem to like snack. I don't know what she has been eating or what her schedule is like, so I'm having to figure it out as we go. I think it would be a bit easier if I knew. I asked several times, but wasn't told much. Twice I went in as she was being fed something from a bottle, it looked like cabbage and milk, because it was a milky, greenish, brownish substance. Anyway, I really have no clue if she has ever eaten anything solid. So, for snack, I mashed up an apple. She ate it, but cried after. Lunch was much better, I mashed up macaroni and cheese with carrots and she seemed to love it. While she was eating, Nina our landlord, who also cooks at the orphanage came up. She tried to tell us that carrots are bad for them (when we first came they said all down syndrome children are not allowed to eat red foods), anyway, I just pretended to not understand :), because I think that is just the craziest thing I have ever heard. 

After lunch, they played a while. She didn't cry this time. So far, things are going well. It was a little difficult when she cried, because nothing I did made it better. But, thankfully that didn't last long. 

I was worried about sleeping time, but nap was so easy. There is a crib here, with just 3 sides up, against the bed. I put her in it, while I put Justus to sleep, fully expecting to have to rock her or walk with her, but she just fell asleep on her own. She played for about a minute, then laid down and went to sleep on her own. She will by far be our best sleeper. 

To be continued...

3 comments:

  1. Aww, the pictures wouldn't show up on my computer!! :( But I don't care! I am just so happy for you, Crystal! You DID IT! YOU finally made it. She is yours. ALL YOURS! Forever! I am so excited for you! You will be coming home in just a few days now!!

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  2. Crystal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aug. 13 was the day y'all decided to adopt her and now EXACTLY 9 months later she is officially your and out of the orphanage. The timing is amazing!!!!! Thank you Lord that she is one orphan less!!
    Amanda Short told me a friend of hers as been following your blog (until it was private) and she told Amanda that through y'all's story her heart has turned toward adopting and they are wanting to adopt. No official plans but her heart is very much alive to adoption because of what God has done through y'all. So really, hopefully it will be 2 orphans less and then who knows how many through y'all's testimony!!!!!!!!!

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  3. Oh, I'm so, so very happy for you guys!!! I'll be smiling all day now. :) Love you.

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