GOTCHA DAY!!!!!

We were up bright and early yesterday morning (2/1/10), exchanged currency, then met our driver to head to Chloe's orphanage, which was an hour away. The orphanage was a very nice building that resembled an elementary school. The took us upstairs to a large room that already had 2 families who had just gotten their children. We completed some paperwork, handed over our orphanage donation, and finally they brought her in. I recognized her immediately. They had her hair fixed so cute and she was bundled up: 2 pants, 2 shirts, and a jacket. She let me hold her, but I could tell she wasn't too happy about it. Kevin held her next, and from that moment until now, she wants nothing to do with me. She won't even hold my hand. She is definitely Kevin's girl! On the way back to the hotel, we saw a glimpse of what we would experience the rest of the afternoon, evening, and through a large part of the night: temper tantrums. She slept last night out of sheer exhaustion. That goes for the two of us, also, not to mention we are still fighting jetlag! I try to remember everything is new and strange to her, too, and in time it will get better.

A couple of other surprises we weren't expecting: 1) at 3 1/2, Chloe is still not potty-trained, so I had to run out and get some diapers. 2) Chloe will need some major dental work when we return as many of her teeth are rotted. The lady at the orphanage said they were like that when she came there. Lots to do and think about when we get home.

Yesterday afternoon when she wasn't throwing a tantrum, she was very sweet and seemed smart. She already knows a few words from the books we brought: eye, nose, ear. She is a great eater. Hopefully she'll transition over to American food with no problems.

Today we will go with our guide to the Civil Affairs Office to complete paperwork. I have posted some pictures of our Gotcha Day.