The Day We Met Our Daughter

It was in Guanghou China on December 25th, 2006 (Christmas Day). We couldn't have asked for a more perfect time to meet our daughter for the first time and start our lives together. We travelled with another five families and were very pleased to have the support of our batch. The day started with Dick and I getting up and starting to prepare her nappy bag with everything from her comforter, toys, the usual nappies, wipes etc, bottles in case she was hungry, blankets you name it we had it. We then decided to have a lovely lunch in the White Swan Hotel for Christmas together as we weren't going to meet our children until later that afternoon. I have to say although the lunch was very nice it was not the main thing on our minds at that time. We were all anxious about the first meeting and I am sure that all of us were only there in body not mind.

It was later that afternoon and we headed for the foyer to meet up with everyone and our guide who was taking us to the official office for what they call the handover. We loaded in to the bus again very anxious and nervous, with thoughts of will we know what to do when we meet her, who will hold her first, will she cry and will we know how to comfort her and lots of other thoughts running through our heads. We arrived at the office and headed upstairs. We had to attend to some paperwork etc and then we were told the order they would be bringing the girls out to meet us. One by one each family was called up and the staff of the orphanage brought each girl in one at a time. Some of the girls cried, some just fell asleep, some smiled and then there was our little Ruby who just poked her tounge out and really was not sure what was going on in her little life. She was the only one of the girls that stayed awake the whole trip back to the hotel, now we know her well this is definately her personality as she is so curious about things and doesn't like to miss out on anything.

We headed for our room which we enjoyed just looking at her and playing with her, giving her a bottle, giving her a bath and watching her fall asleep. I don't either of us slept very well that night as we were constantly wanting to check on her. We just couldn't believe she was ours after all this time. Read on as our journey through to China continues.