Gotcha Day!

Another big day and still no Internet atthe afroland lodge. We may haveto get Marcos to take us to a Internet cafe to get the post up.

Today we took Adéa home!! Mama and baby are now taking a much needed nap back at the hotel.

We had Marcos take us to Abeneezer orphanage around 9:30 this morning. When we got there, after a quick trip to see the new babies we were back in Adea's room. She was dressed up in the traditional Ethiopian dress Shannon had brought for her the day before and looked so beautiful. She seemed to recognize Shannon and was happy to be picked up and held while we were there.

We were not in the orphanage for as long as yesterday since we were eager to get A home before nap time. The nannies were so sad to see her go, and that was a hard part, but they seemed to be happy as well that she had a home.

The cab ride home was interesting, no seatbelts or car seats but our girl handled it like a champ. We got back to the hotel for a bunch more firsts - bottle, diaper change, several shoe attempts, and finally a nap.

It was a great day and we are all so happy. Seeing Shannon as a mom is just incredible, it comes so naturally to her and really this baby was so meant for our family, you can tell already. They are both doing great. We took a ton of pictures and videos that we would love to share if the Internet would just cooperate. We'll try and update as much as possible as we settle in to this new reality!

We are now at the Sheraton for dinner again to use their Internet. So far she is really quiet and chill and seems relaxed. Watching and interested in everything. Slept really well for her afternoon nap. She loves to dance and she loves loves loves water. The biggest smiles we saw was when she was splashing in the fountain here and ready to jump in! She loves water. We are out at a fancy unplanned dinner and are all starving.