Monday, February 18, 2008

And now we're 3

There is absolutely no way to describe the day we have had. Our little Adelyn is finally with us. We traveled about 5 miles to the Civil Affairs Bureau where we received our daughters. There were other families there getting babies when we arrived and it was a bit overwhelming to say the least. The room was filled with the sounds of crying babies. Then the announcement came . . . "Hui Cheng Mei - Donald & Andrea Osborne". We stepped forward and one of her orphanage workers walked her out to us. Adelyn was very afraid of us at first, and cried when we held her, but it's amazing what a few 'goldfish crackers' will do. Before we left Civil Affairs to head back to the hotel, Adelyn was pretty comfortable with Andrea. About the only way I can get any attention from her is if I have some food for her. That's pretty much what I expected, so I'm not too concerned. Hopefully she'll warm up to me a little more before we travel back home. If not, maybe she'll be okay with me by the time she gets married.

Anyway, after we returned to the hotel room, we spent about 3 hours eating, playing and just getting to know each other. We gave her a light sponge bath (which she didn't like very well) and put her in some PJ's. She was still wanting to just walk around and explore the room. She is an extremely curious little girl. Hopefully she'll begin to tire soon and we can all get some rest.

The short clip below shows some of her emotions and growth during the first few hours with us. Tomorrow morning we are due back at Civil Affairs for more paperwork processing. We'll then have the rest of the day to spend as a family. It will be interesting to see how much she changes each day as she bonds more with us and we earn her trust. If for some reason the video doesn't work below, you can also check it out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG0MTNmIL3g

27 comments:

Unknown said...

What a true miracle. She is so sweet and you all look so happy!! We prayed for you tonight at dinner and Riley wanted to do the honors. He said, "please help Don and Andrea get their baby, and make sure they know to change her diaper." So, hope the advice helps. We could not be happier for you. Enjoy every second. She is a doll and we can not wait to meet her.

Anonymous said...

Don and Ree,
Words can't express how happy I am for you guys. I can only imagine how wonderful it must feel for you as PARENTS!! Enjoy every second and we can't wait to meet Adelyn!

Cindy

Anonymous said...

AHHHHH!! I can't believe the day is finally here. We are so excited for all 3 of you. I loved where she kept laughing. We can't wait to meet her. She is so beautiful.
Love,
Jenni and Tyler

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing these first moments with us! Adelyn is precious and you all seem like you were meant to be together. What a beautiful start to your life as a family. We (ok, more so Jenn than Neal)cried when Adelyn "kissed" foreheads with Andrea! We can't wait to meet the Osborne family of 3!
Love, Neal & Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Don and Andrea,
We are so happy that your daughter is finally with you where she belongs. You are naturals in the parenting department and everyone looks so happy. We can't wait to meet her. She is beautiful. Take care.

Love,
Samantha and Seabert

Anonymous said...

We are SO HAPPY for the three of you. She is already growing very accepting and cheerful. We love her laugh, Joy was crying through the entire video.
WE LOVE YOU 3!Can't wait to see you, enjoy the rest of your trip.
Love,
Bret&Joy

Anonymous said...

Ree & Don My job on the radio is to talk.....For the first time in my life I'm " Lost For Words" Lillie & I cried with "joy"....Love Dad & Lillie

Anonymous said...

What a memorable event, the first of many. You guys (all three) truly have been blessed. Adelyn is a little doll, can't wait to meet her.

Love,
Dennis, Michelle, & Lauren

Anonymous said...

Don and Andrea,
She is absolutely beautiful!!! She seems to really enjoy those little fish. Keep plenty on hand.Her little giggle is so precious. Can't wait to see the family of 3.
Love Debbie & Doug

Anonymous said...

Don & Andrea,
Doug & Debbie invited us over to see the pictures. Your little Adelyn is a doll and it looks like she's very happy with you two- love her laugh. I feel sure the three of you will get to know each other before you come home. Loved the way she put her head to Andrea's. Can't wait to see the three of you.
Love,
Mom & Dad

Anonymous said...

She is absolutely adorable! I loved the video I keep watching it over and over. You guys will be the best parents ever! Thanks for sharing your day.

Carolyn

Anonymous said...

o.k....hard to type through the crying...I know how very long you all have waited to be parents and to see it happening is just so breathtaking...she is absolutely adorable and has no idea how blessed her life has become and how much she will be loved now that she is a part of your lives. (but she will soon learn!) Hope the process continues smoothly and you all have a safe trip home.
~ LaDonna and Gina

Anonymous said...

Loved the video of the 3 of you! Adelyn wasn't the only one crying. She is so adorable and I am thankful you all finally have her! Congratulations!!
Kim

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Don & Andrea,

The video is priceless. God has truly smiled on all three of you.

:) Diane Thompson

Anonymous said...

She is a beautiful child. You are truly blessed, as is she for having such awesome parents. I must say the video touched my heart so much that I even cried. Best of luck to you duing the rest of your stay.
Wendy and Travis

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Don and Andrea! You finally have her and she is just precious! Audrey and Dylan wanted to watch the video clip over and over...Audrey said, "I want to play with her." And Dylan said, "Me too." So, you see, we all can't wait to meet her!
love,
Dana & Kerry

Hope you got the email I sent to you yesterday (early Mon morning for you)...I just couldn't stop thinking about you guys and your special day!

jollymon said...

3 Bumblebees,

I can't get it together. My cup runith over. All of our love.

Butterfly and spoonie

Anonymous said...

What a precious video! I'm so glad we get to experience all of this with you. She seems like she'll warm up to you all in no time. She is beautiful!

The Godbeys

Anonymous said...

All I got to say is FINALLY!!! Laken, Paul and I just sat at the computer and cried. Give her a BIG hug from the Downs's. Hurry home!!! You three look AWESOME together!

Anonymous said...

Dear Don & Andrea!!

We are soooo happy for you, she is adorable!! I can not even find the words to express how we feel for you guys. You are a family and you look like a very happy and blessed one. Enjoy this special time together, creating memories that you will never forget!! We look forward to meeting Adelyn! Love you....Karen, Darren, Abby and Claire

Anonymous said...

Don, Andrea and Adelyn,

She is so beautiful! I have watched the video many times and tear up every time.

Tanner says, "Watch out when she becomes a teenager, she is kissing a lot already!"

Enjoy every moment!
Robin

Anonymous said...

Ahhh... She is precious. I'm so happy for you all. I cried through the entire video. It's so touching. They grow up fast, so cherish every moment.

Stephanie Langley

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you both! What an experience and what a beautiful little girl. Enjoy!

Melissa

Anonymous said...

Don & Andrea,
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Adelyn is so very precious. Your life has changed forever with your new daughter. Enjoy her and love her like I know you will. I can't think of any better parents and couple to enjoy this blessing from God.
God Bless You.
Jeff, Carsyn, and Adalin Kidwell

My life - A mom of two, a wife, and nurse said...

I am so happy for you guys and I loved the video. Kayla has that same doll baby. Enjoy your beautiful little girl.

Bethany

Anonymous said...

Karen shared your news with me and I honestly have never seen such a moment!! Just wanted to wish you the best and CONGRATULATIONS!

Karen Koester

Anonymous said...

Oh wow you guys!!! You made me cry my eyes out! So happy for you all! She is going to love you two. Best of luck. I couldn't be any happier. I hope to meet her soon!

love Jennifer A.