Gotcha Day - Our Sweet Ruthie

Words do not exist to describe today.  It took what felt like an eternity for 2pm to get here.  And then in a flash off we go to the civil affairs office and our sweet Ruthie is before us.  We're still pinching ourselves. Lot of sweet memories.  And for the sake of brevity (and the viewing of pictures) I will but say one thing before the pictures commence:

• My wife is the most amazing mother in the world.  She amazes me with our boys and she blew me a way today.  God is gracious is all I have to say.  
• I'll let the pictures below describe the day.

Across the street from the Civil Affairs office.

Every adopting family passing through Guangzhou exits the elevator  at the Civil Affairs office to see this sign.

Gotcha Moment: Momma's Beaming and Ruthie is Grieving (which is normal).
Our Ruthie does not take well to strangers (this we were forewarned - hence the nickname "Koala").
Makes for a painful first encounter but will prove to be valuable quality in the days to come as Ruthie learns us to be Mommy and Daddy.  

The rest of the pics are simply 1% of the pics I took of my beautiful girls.
One can really see the progression in Ruthie - growing ever more trusting of Mommy.

Sweet Kisses

This is for the boys.  Law and Fletch - check out the Angry Bird sandals.
Ruthie was handed to us with these on.

Above and Below - View of the room where Gotcha Day occurs for so many adopting families.  The amount of life-altering moments that occur in this room is overwhelming.

Each adopting family has the opportunity to sit down with the orphanage staff.  This is an emotional time to say thank you and ask questions regarding Ruthie.  In order on my right - MaoMing orphanage director and two of Ruthie's nannies.  The one with the pink glasses is in a lot of the pictures we have of Ruthie.  It is apparent that they love and care for these children.

Mom is still glowing and Ruthie loves being outside - mesmerized by all the sights and sounds.

Leaving the Civil Affairs office.  To the left is Rebecca - our incredible guide/translator and now forever friend.  Thank you Rebecca!

Sweet moment in the van on the way to the hotel.  She's going to be an earring girl like her mama

Now words needed

Natalie was ecstatic to be able to do a little girls hair.

Long day = bath time and then fast to sleep