Legalized and notarized!!

Another exhausting and mentally charged day. We were up and out at 8am. We had our first picture taken as a family and we finalized the legal documets that say Kylie is officially ours!!! We spent 4+ hours in a warm room with screaming babies during the process. Our little princess was well behaved in our arms. Towards the end, we were called up to finalize our portion of the paperwork. To do this we had to have our finger prints and Kylie's foot print on the document. Well let's just say that our little princess did not agree with her foot print being part of the process. She just about had a little break down and it took about 10-15 minutes to console her. She finally fell asleep for approx 1 hour where we were then told to wake her up because the orphanage directors wanted a group picture with all of the families. Kylie was a bit teary eyed that we woke her up but she was soon very content to be with us. We were really surprised at her reaction. We have been very fortunate because out of our group of 11 or 12 families, she has been one of three or so that have bonded better than we could have ever hoped for. She has a bubbling personality and she is very curious and seems eager to learn. She pretends to read books. She also grabbed the door hanger in our room and proceeded to read in baby jabber of course and we were thrilled! I forgot to mention that she is walking although she is very content to have us hold her and we love doing it. She really enjoys looking in the mirror. I'll try to catch some video if I can. Also, before I forget, during the paperwork process yesterday, the nannies from the orphanage who had transported the children to our hotel, were there. The nanny who is shown in one of the pics we previously posted was so happy to see our Kylie and reached out to hold here. I was prepared to hand Kylie over to her assuming that she would jump at the opportunity and I was surprised to find that Kylie hung on to my neck for dear life. I made a few more attempts and she was not having it. Well this new mommy was very pleased to see that Kylie felt her new parents were pretty cool and she was hanging on:-)

We are learning so much about our little girl. We had the opportunity to meet with the orphanage directors in the afternoon so that we can ask them specific questions. I was a little surprised that including myself, only 4 parents showed up. However, I cannot begin to explain in writing the sheer emotional overwhelming exhaustion that some of the families are facing. No matter how much time you've had to plan for this moment, nothing can prepare you for this amazing life changing experience. What makes it a little tougher too is the grueling schedule and not having the creature comforts of home. Sean and I have been very fortunate to have such a happy baby and although she is cooperating and sleeping soundly, I too have not been able to get much sleep.

Our first full day as a family, Sean and I with very little sleep woke up ready and eager to look after our daughter. Taking in the realization that she was truly in the room with us. Our hearts were filled with such joy to watch her wake with smiles for her new mommy and daddy.

We also found out that she is not on formula throughout the day as we previously mentioned.

She has one bottle in the morning and one at night. The rest of the day she will eat whatever table food we offer her. We are very happy about that. We find her to be thin and tall but we do not know the official stats yet.

It is now 5am and I can't sleep. I've been composing this post for approx and hour. I have to wait for the proud daddy to load some new pics from our day so that I can share them with you.

To the waiting families, although I don't feel I have been doing a very good job in documenting, I hope that you find some comfort in learning through my blog what an amazing journey lies for you ahead. We waited through some long delays and unexpected hickups in the process for our referral. I found comfort in reading and seeing pictures from other bloggers and related groups. I just want you to know that although it doesn't feel like it at times, you will soon get your long awaited referral too. It will be love at first sight, you will not be able to focus on anything other wanting to get your daughter home and it will happen before you know. Enjoy every single moment!

My munchkin is up an hour early. Gotta run:-)