What to say...

Where to start...

We got up early 4:30, well I did anyway, Wanda was up around 2:30. Butterflies and anticipation was building and she couldn't sleep. I woke up because she got Sara and Brennen on the internet and I wanted to talk with the little guy. He just jabbered on about something and we talked back for a little bit. Then it was time to get ready and head downstairs. Get to the breakfast at 6:30 when it opens, finish by 6:45 to be in the van to the airport. We sat down, fixed our plate, got our tea, took three bites and off we went. Got to the airport, checked in and off to security. For future information, you might as well take out every electronic gadget you have to run through the security machine. The signs said laptop only, but two times now I have had my back emptied and run through again. Finally we made it on the plane.. only to be delayed on takeoff and arrive 30 minutes later than expected.

Now the pace quickens... the first question we were asked by our guide, "You've exchanged the money for the donation already?" Why of course not, was our answer. Evidently not what we were supposed to say. Time check 12:45pm... supposed to meet the baby at 2:30pm. No one told us this earlier. We only knew that we were going to get her in the afternoon. Off to the van we go. It takes 50 minutes to get to the hotel. Time is not looking good at the moment. We get to the hotel and check in, Wanda heads to the room and I am off to the bank to handle the money exchange. Time check: 1:50pm. The guide and I are waiting for our turn at the bank. Minute by minute passes... all I am thinking is, what is taking that woman so long in line. Come to find out she is opening a new account, at least that is what the guide said after overhearing the conversation. Finally we make our way up. Paperwork already completed, passport in hand and cash ready to go. Then the next delay... every bill gets checked to make sure they are not counterfeit. One by one she goes through them.. reviewing the front, then the back, sometimes looking again, then passing one or two on to another employee to check... finally I get the money exchanged. Is there a bag to carry it in? Why no... I'm in a hurry, why make things easy at this moment. Time check: 2:20pm... walk fast bag to the hotel.. meet Wanda.. get the driver off to the local adoption office.




In the elevator, up to the eighth floor.. through the double door...

We walk in and see offices on the left, a big desk on the right, large sofa in front of us running along the wall, in the left hand corner is a playroom... but where is Lexi? The guide goes to the office talks for a few minutes, hand over some paperwork and off to the playroom. We move the curtain and sitting on the sofa with a nanny is our little lady. Her big eyes look at us, the nanny picks her up and hands her to Wanda...



Tears rolling down Wanda's cheek, Lexi looking serious.. not making a sound, I can only imagine what she was thinking. She took to Wanda... she loves to be held, just wraps her arms and legs around you like a koala bear (that is what Wanda says). I tried to hold her, but she would have no part of that at the moment... very unsure of me. She stayed in Wanda's arms the whole time... sometimes sitting on her lap, but mostly wanting to be held close. Every few minutes we would here a take a deep breath and sigh... a few more paperwork items taken care of, a few questions asked and a long wait ended. Time check: 3:45pm... baby in hand, off we go to the store..

To be continued...