GOTCHA DAY

 Today finally arrived.  We are thrilled to announce the addition of Lillian Kate Campbell.  Of course I could not sleep last night because I was so excited about the big day.  At 9:30, all of the families got on the bus and went to the government center.  We then went into a large room to wait for the arrival of 20 children total.  That number is huge.  There were families from other adoption agencies as well.  We simply went to lend support to all our new friends and be the "official" picture takers.  Abby and Drew have continued to be so helpful whenever needed on the trip.  Lily Kate and another little boy from her orphanage were actually not arriving until 1:00 and were coming directly to our hotel because they were coming 4 hours by train.  It was excitement filled with chaos watching 20 screaming babies not sure why their caregivers just left them with "odd looking" complete strangers.  We all got back to the hotel about noon and then several friends joined us and the other family to welcome our new arrivals when they came shortly after 1:00.  The kids were all hovering around the elevator and then the elevator stopped at our floor.  We all got so excited but then the caregivers got off and walked right past us with Lily Kate and Jake.  We found out later that they had to go to the director's room first but it was funny watching my daughter walk by and simply getting a glimpse at the back of her head.
     When Lily Kate was finally handed to me, I burst into tears.  I just could not believe all these years of waiting truly paid off.  She was beautiful in a blue polka dot dress with adorable pigtails in her hair.  I may be biased BUT I thought she was the most beautiful little girl being adopted.  Moms are allowed to think that way-LOL.  She cried until Abigail got snacks out of the bag for her.  Then she was happy.  As the day progressed, she got upset whenever I tried to put her down because she was both exhausted and wondering when her caregivers were coming back.  Poor thing--she woke up in her bed this morning and had no idea how her world was going to change today.  By tonight, she was doing better.  We even got 3 smiles out of her.  She ate 2 full pieces of pizza, spaghetti, and a piece of garlic bread for dinner.  Yes-we ate Italian food in China.  We are at a very American style hotel.  We learned that she loves apple juice, only drinks out of regular cups, and hates baths.  It is funny what you can learn in just 7 hours.  Tomorrow and Wednesday we spend the day filling out paperwork to make the adoption official.  Wednesday we travel about 8-10 hours on a train to apply for her passport-LONG day.  I will let everyone know how our next few days go.  Love to all!!!!!!!