Gotcha Day Part 3

Gotcha Day Part 3

We spent most of the afternoon walking and rocking. She napped a couple of times, but when she would wake up you could tell she was confused and afraid. She also decided that she did not want to sit down nor did she want you to sit down, so we all took turns walking and walking. We did find one toy she liked. It’s the little bunny blanket that my mom had sent to her months ago. She has held on to bunny’s ear most of the afternoon. I know that her grieving is a good sign. It shows that she was attached to her caregiver in the orphanage and that she probably doesn’t have any attachment issues. However, it doesn’t make it any easier to see her so sad and confused. I’ve read the books and talked to friends and I realize that it usually takes 72 hours for this part to end. (Heather and Amy-if you could keep reminding me this is normal I would appreciate it!!) It’s hard not knowing how to help her and how to make it all better.

We tried a couple of times to get her to take a bottle, but she refused. We finally tried mixing up some rice cereal. I would put some on the spoon and she would lean over and open her mouth like a little bird. I tried to give her a bottle between bites, but she wouldn’t suck on it. She ate a good bit of the rice cereal and we finally figured out that if we would just let the milk drop out of the bottle into her mouth, she would drink it. We decided not to traumatize her any more with a bath, so I washed her off with a wash cloth and put on her ladybug pajamas. She held on to bunny and I rocked her to sleep. She only cried for a second when I laid her down in the little crib. I patted her on the back and she fell right back to sleep.

Wow, what a day it has been. It’s hard to put into words all the emotions we have felt today. Steve and the boys are completely in love with her. I finally feel a sense of peace that our family is now complete. It’s been a very long journey and a test of patience and faith, but she is so worth it all. For all of you who are still waiting, I know it is hard to believe when people say that you will forget the frustration, worry and aggravation associated with this process. But when you see that little face and hold your baby for the first time, all of that fades away. It’s all worth it, she is worth it, and I can’t wait to see her smile!

Good Night from The Carters
Steve, Monica, David, Landon and Lily Mei