We are blessed!

Words cannot begin to express the joy we feel. Today, 12 years after trying to have a family, we met the beautiful little girl who will make this dream come true.

As we stood in the music/playroom, I experienced so many emotions: excited (this is what we've been waiting for!), nervous (will all eyes be on US sizing up our ability to be parents?), anxious (what happens if she takes one look at us and wants to cry or run in the other direction?), etc. (In fact, the picture above was taken just one moment before K was brought in when I was feeling all these emotions.) But overall, it was great. The staff at the orphanage (#6) are wonderful -- so friendly and supportive, as well was our translator/coordinator from the agency, Lydia.

They brought K in and immediately I was on her level as she handed me plastic balls. I took her on the slide and rocking horse and then hit it big when I brought out the stacking cups with a rattle ball. Both JD and I took turns playing with her -- and we took lots of pictures. Oh, how I wish we could post them here but perhaps over the next few days, we'll get some pics that are post-able (showing her off but not giving away her identity...).

We flew in a doctor from Moscow who specializes in international adoption and pediatrics. She was thorough yet so gentle and playful with K. All reports are good -- nothing that would make us even think twice about our decision to move forward.

Everything about her is precious -- her soft fair skin, her blonde short hair, and her medium blue eyes. She's a serious child who can be stingy with her smiles but when she does smile, oh how she just warms the heart!

We thank God for blessing us with this little girl and we look forward to seeing her again tomorrow for 2 hours in the afternoon. We just can't wait!!!