Good Day

It's wonderful to be at the Marriott. Not only do we feel safe in this, um, less-than-safe city, but we are surrounded by families who are adopting. You can't go anywhere in the hotel without seeing other babies and their adoptive parents. Everyone willingly shares their stories and we've met some incredible people. Ironically, most of the couples are from the Midwest. Today we met a couple from Evansville, one from St. Louis, Wisconsin, and Ohio. It reminds of me of those first weeks in college when the questions were, "Where are you from? What's your major? What house are you pledging?" Instead, it's "How old is s/he? Where are you in the process? Who's your agency?" These people understand the process and don't need long-winded explanations of why we aren't taking her home NOW. It's actually quite a relief.

As for our gorgeous girl, she causes quite a stir. There are a couple of reasons, one is that she is young-- younger than many of the kids being visited and picked up. The other is her hair. Then they get a look at her face and they all tell us what a beautiful girl she is. We agree, of course. But all of these kids are beautiful. We just think Gabriella is the best-looking one. Naturally.

We feel really blessed because Gabi Sol is a good sleeper, gentle-tempered, a self-soother and a good eater. She has been so much fun today because she has been really interested in our faces. She just stares and coos. We had two long periods today that she just looked and talked to us. She's such fun and she can barely do anything yet. I wonder what she'll be like in 3 months.

Daddy leaves early tomorrow morning and my heart just breaks for him. I know he's sad and disappointed he can't stay longer. And he's soooo smitten it's ridiculous. Kristin gets here tomorrow afternoon and then I go with Gabi to her 2 month appointment. I'm sure we'll have good news. But I'm excited to meet the physician who is providing her care. That's all for now.