Sunday, October 21, 2012

Gotcha Day {Lanzhou, 10.21.2012}


Typing one-handed folks as I have a certain little someone sleeping in my arms, yes, in my arms!  Hmmm … I wonder if this is the first time she has ever slept in someone’s arms (aside from during her 6-hour car ride to get from her orphanage today)?

Jason and I flew out of Beijing this morning and got to Lanzhou in the early afternoon.  Our guide and a driver met us at the airport and brought us into the city to our hotel.  The drive was absolutely beautiful, mountains surrounding us (some are even snow covered).  Truly a remarkable landscape, so proud to say that this is where our daughter is from.  Our guide is wonderful and has already taught us many things about this area.   We are excited to continue learning and to sightsee this week.

Once checked into our hotel, we did our money exchange (it could have been a scene from a movie), and then we walked to a nearby Walmart-type store for bottled water, some fruit, and diapers and formula for little miss.  The store was crazy, so many people, and we felt that all eyes were on us, the only two blue-eyed people in this area it seems!  Not looking forward to the attention we will likely draw when we are out and about with Nora this week!

It seems that while we were heading back to the hotel, Nora was arriving so we got shooed to our room and then our guide came up 5 minutes later with the orphanage director, her driver and NORA!  We then got to ask the orphanage director questions about Nora ~ I, however, was quite distracted by this dark eyed beauty on my lap so found it quite hard to focus on the questions.  Jason to the rescue!  He just video-taped it.  After our Q&A with the director, we headed out to get passport photos taken.  We had to have a family photo taken and a photo of just Nora!  That was crazy as the photo had to be just so!  Finally, we were back at the hotel – more paperwork and then our guide left, and now it’s just the three of us here.

Jason got so many giggles out of Nora, so many!!!  She certainly looks at us curiously, likely wondering who we are and what we are saying and why we are here.  While I just want to keep snatching her up, she is much preferring to have us hang out on the floor together, and she definitely is finding comfort in sucking her thumb which is a “tad” bit adorable!  I do wonder how long before she will long to be comforted by being held … hopefully not long as I’m not sure how long this Mama’s heart can take that!

So, without further ado, a little glimpse into our first few hours with Nora …




Tomorrow will be another busy day, Nora is technically in our “custody” right now. The adoption will become final tomorrow when we have our Civil Affairs appointment. After tomorrow’s appointments, the rest of the week will be sightseeing in Lanzhou as we wait for Nora’s passport to be completed. And, of course, it will entail getting to know this precious daughter of ours. Be still my heart...


14 comments:

Nikki said...

I've been refreshing your page all morning, waiting for this moment!!!

Congratulations and so much love being sent! What joy to see Nora in your arms (and yes, her thumbsucking is waaaay adorable)! Wiping away happy tears and thanking God for how He's so perfectly orchestrated all your steps to lead you to this point. We love you! XOXO

Anonymous said...

How awesome to finally see you guys holding her, and LOVE the picture of the 3 of you together - she is absolutely beautiful and looks so happy:-) Can't wait to see the rest of your journey, and finally get to meet Miss Nora in person! Love to all of you! Christine

Bethany said...

Amazing!!! What a glorious Sunday for the Lilyquists! Thank you for sharing with us! It is beautiful to see the happiness in your eyes :)

Luciana said...

She's gorgeous. Congrats.

Christine Brogli said...

So very happy for both you and Jason and especially Nora! What a beautiful day and a beautiful new daughter.

Christina said...

Ah! How wonderful! Precious beyond any words! So thankful that one part of your journey is finally over with another exciting one just beginning!

Unknown said...

Congratulations!! Nora is absolutely beautiful! We have really enjoyed reading your blog and following along with you guys on this awesome adventure! You guys are about 2 weeks ahead of our Gotcha Day... and we can't wait! :)

Kim said...

At a loss for words eloquent enough to describe my heart. What a beautiful little girl- her eyes are captivating! I can't even imagine the emotions you are experiencing. Praying for you all this week and rejoicing in this time you get to spend focused on getting to know Nora. Blessings!!!

Paulette said...

So happy to see your post!! Nora is adorable---love all the pictures! She's pretty in pink! Thanks for sharing this new beginning, and sure look forward to more updates!

Renee said...

What a beautiful baby girl! My heart is full of excitement for your amazing family! Thank you for sharing your special moment. You and Jason are always an inspiration! Love you!

Dana said...

SO exciting!!!! Sweet pictures! I was showing my boys your pictures and Will (my 4 year old) exclaimed,"It"s Anna!" I explained that Nora is Anna's friend and that maybe their cribs were even next to each other! So impressed that Nora is already sleeping in your arms! Praying for y'all-

Beth said...

Yay!!!!!!! Oh the flood of memories that come reading your post and seeing your pictures. Love love love Miss Nora and the huge smiles on Mommy and Daddy's face!! Enjoy this time with her. And please tell Melody "hello" from the York's (especially Molly) if she is your guide. So happy for you!!!!!

Heidi said...

Congratulations to you all!

Ashley said...

Congratulations...she is stunning, beautiful and look perfect in your arms. So happy for your family!