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2009 Gotcha Day Journal
Hello Hope!
We got her! On April 14, 2009, Keith, Grace and I went over to the Registration Office in Chongqing. It is right next to our hotel, the Golden Resources Hotel. As soon as we got there, Anita, our CCAI rep, told us and the 5 other families that babies were here! And we could see them and the nannies through the class. The next few minutes was a whirlwind. Hope came out second! The nanny put her in my arms with Keith and Grace next to me. My first thought was she was much heavier than Grace was! She looked at us with great interest. She has big brown inquisitive eyes. She has chunky legs and arms and 3 teeth with 2 coming in. Although 10 months, she, like the other girls, cannot even sit up due to muscle weakness. This is common with children in orphanages because they are in cribs so much. It was true with Grace. But it was apparent she got affection as she liked to look us right in the eyes and likes to be cuddled! Grace was in heaven--so helpful and super proud.
After 1 1/2 hours we got to go back to the hotel. We bathed her, gave her a bottle. We all checked each other out! She seemed interested in everything around her and already trying to do more and more. She fell into a sound sleep by 6:30 pm. We all soon did after--it was an emotional and wonderful day. It is truly amazing to have your daughter put into your arms after years of waiting. And to know that she is the one God chose for us. Hope, like Grace, is our miracle. And, in Grace's words, we are now "Keith and Lea Plus Two" just like "jon and Kate plus Eight!"
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