I can't find the words to describe Gotcha Day. It was the most exciting day of our lives. At the same time I was so nervous I thought I was having a heart attack. We arrived at the Civil Affairs office in Nanchang at around 5:00 pm. The babies were already there. They had traveled 3 hours just to get there. You could see the excitement and anxiety in the parents. Some were crying, some were pacing the floor, and some were in total shock like I was. James, our CCAI guide called our names and said something happened to our baby. Apparently, she had taken a nasty spill two days earlier and had quite a nice lump on her forehead. He wanted us to be aware of this before we saw her. Then the babies were brought in one by one and handed to the parents. I don't know who was crying more, the babies or the new parents. Then it was our turn. Out came the most beautiful baby in the whole world. John immediately took her. She never made a sound. We both hugged on her and kissed her all over. She just looked at us like "Who are you crazy people?" John handed her to me and it was the best feeling in the world. We were parents at last. We stayed in the room and were able to meet the orphanage director. She was quite concerned about the lump on her forehead. It was large and turning green and brown. Dallas is alright and as long at she doesn't bump it she seems to be okay. John and I assured the director that Dallas fit in nicely with our somewhat clumsy families. We left the Civil Affairs office and returned to the hotel. Dallas sat on her daddy's chest and ate fruit puffs. She didn't show lots of emotion but she didn't seem to be afraid of us either. We tried to feed her congee but she really wasn't hungry. I think she passed out from exhaustion and anxiety. Tomorrow we go back to the Civil Affairs office to register the adoption and make it final!!! This little girl has already changed our lives for the better. I can't wait for you all to meet her.
