Meet Chandler Elise ..... A VERY happy baby!!

Today was the day. We met in the hotel lobby at 3pm and took a bus to the civil affairs office. We arrived in less than 20 minutes and by 3:40pm the babies arrived. They were brought in to the room in a group and my name was the second to be called to come receive the baby. She came out holding her photo album I sent to the orphanage a few weeks ago. When they handed her to me she didn't cry but just looked intently at me as Nana snapped lots of photos. It was loud in the room as several of the babies were crying but Chandler just looked around and after about five minutes cried just a bit. All of the items I shipped to the orphanage a few weeks ago including her big soft and colorful ball from Auntie Kelly were returned to us there. We were only at the office for less than 30 minutes but it was the most incredible 1/2 hour of my life. I love this precious baby more than I had ever imagined possible. She's just beautiful from head to toe!
On the ride home she was very content watching the cars out the window while sitting on my lap and then suddenly she looked over at Nana and flashed her the most darling smile I've ever seen. Then shortly after that she gave Brian (one of the adopting dads) a big grin. When we returned to the hotel we came back to the room and played with a bunch of her toys. She tried tasting everything she could get her hands on. Then I gave her a quick bath, changed her clothes and we were off to dinner for some congee. Congee is soupy rice cereal that the babies here love including Miss Chandler. She ate like a big girl and then after she was through is when we saw the real Chandler Elise come out. She began laughing and smiling at anyone who would look at her, especially Nana. She was the life of the party! Everyone kept saying, "My, she sure is a happy baby!" And yes, I agree she sure is.
After dinner we completed some paperwork for the adoption and headed back to the room where the doctor came to give her a quick physical exam. She was very patient with all his checking on her until it came time to check her ears. She didn't like that part at all. The doctor said she is very healthy and strong. She's small at just under 17 pounds but he said nothing a little food can't fix. :)
After her physical she was pretty tired so we rocked a bit and in just a few minutes she was asleep. I hated to set her down in the crib but I know I will get to hold her bright and early tomorrow. What a wonderful, memorable day. Finally after all this time, Chandler and I are family!