Meeting our Daughter....

November 30, 2015 will be a day we'll never forget!  It all just seems surreal still.  I can't believe Audrey is with us forever! We started the day out early with not much sleep (again!), got ready & headed down to the breakfast buffet. Amy met us & ate breakfast with us, then Steve drove us to the Civil Affairs building. Before we knew it, 2 ladies walked in with Audrey, earlier than we expected!

They said that she got very still and quiet on the train, like she knew something was going on, and then she fell asleep. So when we met her she had just woken up. She looked very scared. She was very, very serious, no crying, no facial expressions. She let both of us hold her with no problems! They had her in pajamas, then 2 HEAVY layers over that, and socks with big heavy slippers. This is traditionally how they dress the babies, lots of layers!

We got out some of the toys we had brought and some cheerios. She liked to just hold on to everything. The ladies from the orphanage brought us some more documents from her file, including a picture and hand prints from the day she was brought to the orphanage, as well as the original clothes she was wearing and handwritten note she was found with. It's kind of overwhelming to even think about!

We were also able to ask the ladies questions about her schedule, eating, sleeping, etc. We left the Civil Affairs office and walked to a grocery store. Amy helped us to pick out formula, rice cereal, noodles, diapers, snacks, etc. that she would like.

Then we got back in the van and drove to the hotel.  Kind of crazy not having car seats!
She held on to the same cheerio for over an hour, from the Civil Affairs office and all the way thru the grocery trip and ride back. Amy came up to our room and helped us make her some rice cereal for lunch. We took off 2 of her layers of clothes and fed her. She is so tiny under all those clothes!  She was very hungry! She had no problems eating the whole bowl from us.

Still holding onto that Cheerio....

The maid came to the room and set up a crib for us. We laid her down in her bed for a nap. Amy got out more paperwork for us to do and before we knew it, Audrey was rubbing her eyes and fell asleep on her own without making a sound. So precious!

We were told that it is very common for the babies to go thru a grieving period at first and not really show their personality for a few days, so it might take a few days before we see any smiles. After her nap you could tell that she already started feeling more comfortable with us, she is actually starting to move around a little more and play with the toys and not look so scared. We can't wait to see her personality over the next few days!

From Aaron:  Most of the posting and adoption stuff has been taken care of by Diane.  All of the planning and paperwork she has done such a great job.  I am so thankful for her.  I am sure this is very overwhelming for Audrey.  She has been really good.  We are hoping for some smiles in the next day or two.  We can't wait to bring her home to meet Grant, Luke and Olivia.

Thanks to the other Madison Families, Shannon, and the missions group.  Your input and advice has been very helpful.   Thanks to all who have prayed for us on our trip.  Continue to pray Audrey will come out of her shell and start to find some security with us.  I am hopeful she will be teasing her mom with me by the time we get back in the states!