We met our little girl!

Todd and I woke up very early this morning with much anticipation and excitement for our first meeting with our little girl. We met Lena, our translator, in the hotel lobby this morning at 10:00. Then we picked up Irina, our coordinator, and headed to the orphanage. Talk about butterflies. We first met with the orphanage doctor who filled us in on Valerie's health over the last 18 months. We got to ask many questions and she was very patient and helpful. Then we waited just a little while and watched Catherine as she met one of her little ones. Then before we knew it, the door opened and in walked Valerie in one of the caretakers arms. She looked a little unsure of what was going on. I snapped a quick picture. I have dreamed about this moment for over a year now and our first meeting exceeded all expectations. The caretaker walked over to where we were sitting and put Valerie down beside me. She reached up with both arms and I picked her up and snuggled her to me!!! It was incredible!!! After I sat there and held her a little while we went over to the rug and sat down and played and she got right up in Todd's lap. She wasn't afraid of either of us and loved to be held. We played with lots of the toys we brought. She looked scared and threw the bear down when we first handed it to her but when we made a game out of tossing it back and forth she loved it - Thanks, Gin! One of my favorite parts of the whole visit was when we went to this blue mat right in front of a mirror. She had a ball playing with herself in front of that mirror. She would kiss and pattycake. She can imitate everything we do. She was very quiet the whole time but towards the end of our visit began to laugh out loud, blow her lips, and make cute little noises. Her little personality began to come out and we think she is precious. She loved to sit in your lap and throw her body backwards and lood around the room upside down. We have some great pictures and video and can't wait to show her off! At the end of our visit she seemed to be getting a little sleepy and I just stood there and held her. She laid her little head down on my shoulder and totally relaxed. It felt wonderful! She really seemed to enjoy Todd today and went back and forth between us often. We could not have asked for a better 1st visit and just can't wait to see her again tomorrow.
Blaine, I miss you like crazy. You are the best son ever and are going to be the best big brother in the world!! You're gonna love Valerie!
Thank you all so much for your prayers. This has been quite a process but today we definitely feel it is all worthwhile. God has truly blessed us in so many ways! We can't complete her adoption for several more months so please continue praying. We love you all!


Kelli, I haven't even been paying attention to the post times! I'm borrowing Catherine's computer and it's on Pacific Time! They just got WiFi here and I'm sick that I didn't bring my own computer as I thought I wouldn't be able to get internet. Anyway, it's `3:59 pm here on Monday, March 3. We went to 2 doctors today for the medicals for Todd and I after our visit with Valerie.