********GOTCHA DAY********

I was wide awake early! Today was the day! I was nervous, but more nervous for Eli than myself!I worried that he would scream and cry uncontrollably! In my mind I envisioned a screaming child that was absolutely going to be in hysterics. I knew that he had been very close to his foster mom, so I was prepared for the worst! We left the hotel at 9 am and arrived at the Hangzhou Civil Affairs Office in about 5 minutes.

We walked into the building and climbed 3 flights of stairs, and then led down a hall and into a long room. The room contained one long table, and many chairs. Most places do not have heat, and this building was NO exception! It was freezing!! We were there about 5 minutes when another couple came in. They were receiving their son who had just turned 11. I asked if the kids were there yet and they had not yet arrived. I was on pins and needles! We sat down and started looking at paperwork to be turned in that day. All of a sudden the side door opens and in walks a young lady holding the most precious little boy in all of China! She walked over to me and handed me my sweet boy! He was so beautiful....more beautiful than I could of imagined! He did not cry at first, but then realized that I was not letting go! He cried a long slow cry for about an hour, He finally cried himself to sleep in my arms, and I was able to complete all of the necessary paperwork!
Eli was dressed in a traditional silk Chinese coat, pants to match, and hat! He was absolutely adorable! We left the Civil Affairs Building and headed back to the hotel where we went next door to a tiny shop to have our picture taken for the adoption paperwork. We then went back to our room where I ordered room service as I was sure he was hungry. I ordered Eli a dish of congee, however he wanted nothing to do with it! He wanted the fried rice I had ordered! He ate very well, and then we spent the rest of the afternoon playing and getting to know each other! I broke out the stacky cups and he LOVED them! He was very tired and we had to be up early to go back to the Civil Affairs Office to complete the adoption and for the Presentation Ceremony, so we went to bed early. I laid Eli down next to me in bed and he slept peacefully all night. What a perfect day!

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