Gotcha Day Details!

Today surely did not disappoint! It was, without doubt, the most amazing Christmas I've celebrated in my 30 years! It is amazing that we were able to begin Sofia's new life with her on the anniversary of Jesus' birthday! We ran around collecting paperwork this morning (court decree and new birth certificate), stopped at the store to buy some more diapers and a few essential items, came back to the apartment for lunch and then took a taxi to spring Sofia from the orphanage. We gave more diapers from the money that was donated and gifts of clothes, pacifiers, and bibs. 

We spent just about two hours there...it was the longest gotcha day in history, but I'm so thankful for that extra long time to spend in Sofia's groupa! She was very sleepy as it was nap time, but I could tell she definitely remembered me! Looking at some of those babies for the last time was really tough, but looking at Sofia was so incredible at the same time. 

Putting on the new clothes never gets old. That act is such a symbol of the new life ahead of her! The time went by in slow motion and I truly feel I was able to breathe in each and every moment of the time we spent there. I don't ever want to forget today. I don't want to forget how amazing it felt walking out with my new daughter and what this opportunity means to her and us, but I don't want to forget those faces we left behind, either. It is very bittersweet! 

As we rode home in the taxi, it all just felt so surreal! I looked at my brother and said, "this is the part that never seems real!" I looked back imagining in my head all the hurdles we jumped over to get to where we were in that moment. I squeezed my eyes closed tight and thanked the Lord for this day and this most amazing gift!

Gotcha Day Ensemble! 

Getting dressed in her new clothes! 

This picture breaks my heart....that little guy has a very special place in my heart! 

She's waving "paka paka" (bye bye)

Some of the nannies that work in Sofia's groupa

The nanny set up all the Christmas items they had for a photo op! LOL 

Little stinker kept pulling the hat off and laughing :) 

They asked if I would feed her there one last time...

She cried when it was gone and I told her there's plenty more waiting for her once we got home! 

The nanny then said we should let her belly settle before leaving (I think she just didn't want to see her go <3)

So we sat on the couch and played and got to love on a few of the other babies. 

Just like Mila, she loves Uncle Bub's beard! 

Getting ready to leave FOREVER! 

Love this picture! 

So tough...I went to take a picture of Sofia's crib and realized hers was the only empty crib :( All the others are filled and hers will likely be filled within a week. 

Out like a light while we waited for the taxi! 

Bye!

She stayed asleep the whole taxi ride and then kept sleeping for about another 15 minutes! 

I will blog more when I'm not so tired...but a certain angel has been asleep for a couple of hours already and I'm not sure if she'll sleep through the night so I better try to get some rest! If we are able to finish all the paperwork here in region tomorrow then tomorrow at 5pm we will board the (15 hour!!! yuck) train back to the capital to complete embassy paperwork there before coming home (hopefully this weekend!). I want to share more about our journey to Sofia and about her first evening with her mama...and I will....soon!

Goodnight and Merry Christmas!!!