December 11

I have to start this post by giving thanks to God for allowing our family to raise this precious little boy.  He is perfect!  We left our hotel, The Victory at 10:15 to head to the Provincial Building.  The ride seemed to take forever but I know it was only a few short miles away.  I tried to use this time to really take in the sites and sounds around me.  I stared into every face I saw and tried to memorize all my senses could absorb.  Everything now seems like a blur.  When we arrived we were quickly escorted into an elevator which held 6 nannies and 6 beautiful baby girls.  Joe and I tried not to stare but it was impossible.  They were all so sweet.  Once off the elevator we were led to a room with one other waiting mother.  Within minutes we saw the face of the baby we had been longing for.  He walked into the room holding the hand of the Director of his orphanage.  It is in the high 60's and he was dressed in a yellow coat, yellow quilted pants, yellow quilted long sleeve shirt, yellow quilted vest, beige sweater, blue and green stripe shirt and boy was he hot.  I walked towards him and scooped him into my arms just praying he would not cry.  He did not.  He looked me in my eyes as if to say, "Mommy what took you and daddy so long to come get me"  He knew, he just knew that we were his.  He has not cried the first tear.  As soon as I sat down with him I started peeling off layers of clothing.  He was wringing wet with sweat.  The Director laughed, I was glad I did not offend her by doing this. When I got to the last layer was when I realized just how tiny he is.  The size three diapers swallow him.  He looks more like a 12 month old baby than a 19 month old.  Very tiny little guy.   As of now Gabriel  is making great eye contact and seems happy to be with us.  The Director was a lovely woman and seemed to care deeply for all the children.  She told us what to bring the kids when we come to visit this week.  She said no candy please only fruits and cookies.  I just can't wait to see all the kids.  It will be a great day.  Parker, Jared and Sophia, Mommy and Daddy love you so much and can't wait to be home with your little brother. It won't be much longer.  I will post again tomorrow.  I am going now to play with your little brother.