Monday, August 9, 2010

Day 4...Gotcha Day

Although we were not due to be picked up by our guide until 2:00, Robin and I awoke at 6am, very anxious!! We decided to calm our nerves with a workout followed by a tour of the town. The workout facility was truly first class, as is the case with this entire hotel. It is truly unbelievable. While walking the town, we decided to stroll along the Pearl River, where we saw so many people practicing martial arts, doing yoga and meditating. When we finally calmed our nerves, we ate breakfast (even better than Beijing Hotel...and Linda, they had seven different flavors of preserves/jelly packets...I obviously stuffed my pockets and have been on a jelly high ever since). After returning to our rooms, showering, and getting our paperwork in order, we were picked up by our guide Elvin, who is truly a great guy, and the only Chinaman I know who speaks with an Australian accent. Seriously. It is hilarious. We drove fifteen minutes, did a bit more paperwork, and finally, at about 2:30 pm, we were handed our daughter, Addison Jade Huilin Roberts. Now, we took plenty of pictures and video, so I will not even attempt to explain the emotions, excitement, etc. that was happening in that room. There were about twenty families in the room, so it was just one big love fest. Addison came with three caretakers from her orphanage about three hours away. Her orphanage has 30 kids in it. Addison had her own crib and slept in a room with eight other kids. Unfortunately, the orphanage is not military run, therefore she IS NOT POTTY trained. Damn!!!!!!!! Her daily diet consists of Rice, congee (sp? basically rice, boiled extra long, with 4x the water to rice mix) and formula, with an occasional piece of fruit and bread. The girl is definitely not skinny and seems very healthy. Her caretakers raved about her and, although heartbroken to see her leave, they were happy to give her to a loving couple. Addison took to Robin right away...my heart just melted. She is such a natural mom!!!! Oh, and I almost forgot...Addison began to cry and the one caretakers broke out a cupcake and just like that, the water works were gone!! Is this my freakin' kid or what :) Although the cupcake was not iced(and seemed a bit dry for my liking...ok, i admit it, i took a little piece), I told Addison that daddy will teach her the finer points of buttercream icing!!Ok, to wrap up, we took her back to the hotel, gave her a bath (with me in swim trunks helping the cause) and changed her into her lady bug pajamas. She was not a big fan of the bath, but her caretakers did say she loves water. After bath time, I went and fetched her some steamed rice, Robin and I fed her, and she fell asleep on Robin's chest. Once again, the heart melted!!! Robin will be posting pictures shortly, so stay tuned. What a day!!!!! Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to find a cupcake (don't worry, I will share!!!) Until tomorrow my friends!!

Look at pictures from bottom up:-)











27 comments:

  1. Memaw (Shelley) was out taking Nana to the doctor when Day 4 came up on the blog so I called to read it to her. (I could barely read though the tears - both of us were wrecks!)

    So happy for you Mommy and Daddy -- kisses and hugs to Addison from WAL.
    Love, Aunt Linda

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  2. Amazing! Such a tear jerker! You two look like naturals! Can't wait to meet your princess!

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  3. I woke up this morning SO excited to read your blog and see the pictures. I am sitting here at work crying my eyes out and couldn't be happier for you!!! Addison is absolutely adorable and looks right at home sleeping with Mommy. We are so happy for you and can't wait to see more pictures and welcome the Roberts family home!!
    Love,
    Kelly & Jim

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  4. Congratulations Mommy and Ba Ba!!! She is beautiful and looks pretty comfy with her parents! We are so excited for both of you and can't wait to meet Addison.

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  5. The tears of joy are flowing in A-town! Addison, Mommy and Daddy are radiant! I am in love!!!!! Addison is beautiful, she has wonderful features!!! Please give her a big hug and kiss from Mema!!! Talk to you later!
    Love
    Mema and Marty

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  6. I ran to my computer this morning when I woke up and can't stop crying! The kids think I'm crazy! Your story and pictures are amazing. Addison looks so peaceful and happy in your arms, where she belongs. What a long journey to your child, but now it is all worth it! We love you!!!!!!

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  7. Hello New Parents!
    This is just incredible! We went to bed last night thinking about you guys and woke up wondering about your Gotcha Day experience. Addison is beautiful! How amazing is it that you meet your child and know just what to do? She got her bath and rice and a nap on mommy and seemed utterly content. We are loving every minute of your trip!
    Enjoy your daughter!
    Love,
    Amy & Tony

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  8. Of course I can't stop crying!! I'm so happy for you! I'm surprised I can even see what I'm typing for the tears! I texted Jon that you had the baby now- he said to tell you he is very happy for you (but won't admit to crying, lol) She is so gorgeous!! I just love the pictures!! The after bath pic is my favorite:-) I will show Jazzy the pictures when she gets up. She is sleeping in today (as usual, lol). Don't worry we went out to pee shortly after 6. She did complain today that it is unfair that she has to get up so early to go outside and pee. I told her that I also have to pee early and that if she learns to use the potty we can skip going outside at that hour. She's thinking over the deal. I just can't wait to hear more about Addison (and the Jade Princess and the Jelly King)!! Keep the posts and pics coming:-)

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  9. OH MY GOODNESS...she is beautiful!!! It looks like things are going fabulously! We're all so happy for you and can't wait to meet our little niece. Hugs and Kisses to Addie-J.

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  10. Robin and Eric and Addison, you all look so wonderful. She is an absolutely beautiful baby and I can't wait to meet her. The joy that I can see in these pictures is phenominal. I can't tell you how happy I am for you to finally have this wonderful child and be a family. You look very content and natural in your new roles as Mom and Dad. Love to all, Cindy xoxo

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  11. I'm so thrilled for you two!!! She is beautiful and looks very happy in your arms! I can't wait to meet her!!!

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  12. AT LAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    The pictures are amazing. You both look so happy after the long wait. Enjoy and hurry home so we can all see her. Robin the last picture with Addison asleep on your chest is beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful family and I am sooooooooo happy for all of you.
    Elaine

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  13. To see you both with Addison is truly amazing, so happy for you, and yes the last pic with Addison asleep on Robin is wonderful. What emotions you both must be feeling, smiles all around. Can't wait to see her in person.
    Linda

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  14. Mommy and Daddy - Your little girl is absolutely beautiful!!! Addison is a gem - I love the pic of Addison sleeping on Mommy! Eric - I knew you're daughter would have the "Robert's sweet tooth" :)
    I am just so thrilled for you two!
    Aunt Kiki can't wait to meet Addison!!!
    Love you lots!
    Terri

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  15. I have goosebumps, I am so happy for you, Mommy and Daddy Roberts. She is absolutely adorable. Keep the pictures coming, loved the one with her in the bath towel. What a picture of mother and sleeping daughter. What a beautiful family.
    Eric I never met you but your posts are beautiful, I have no doubt that your are going to be a great daddy!

    Jenny and family

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  16. Eric - she looks just like you! SO touching - i am joinging the waterworks above! Can't wait to meet the new Roberts family addition once you are home and settled. What an amzaing experience. Beautiful baby! Beautiful family.

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  17. OMG how lovely,wonderful, precious, special.........she is GORGEOUS! And a very healthy girl! The long wait is finally over & I am SO happy for you all!
    Pat Luftman

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  18. This is a test--teaching

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  19. from Linda Zeller: I would be crying right now, but Eric's accounts of your days are too damn funny, that I'm laughing too hard to cry! The icing-less cupcake is too funny! And thanks for the jelly update, whew-- I was worried that there would be some withdrawl effects.
    I'm so happy for the three of you! What a beautiful family! I shared the pics with my mom and dad today, and they said to pass on their congratualtions. We can't wait to hear about your first adventursome days. Oh, and while you are out buying Addison diapers, buy Robin some adult ones (solve the peeing issue!) haha.
    Again, we are so happy for all of you..what a wonderful gift you have all received today.

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  20. Congratulations....it brings back such memories!!!! She is just beautiful....enjoy!!!
    Kym & Paul Farr

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  21. We are so happy to be able to see pictures of Addison in your arms! Enjoy every moment with her.

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  22. what an emotional day-after this long journey to receive your daughter and finally see Addison in your arms was just a day I will never forget--I've waited a long time for a little girl so get ready for some big time spoiling! Enjoy the rest of this journey as a family and give Addison a kiss from grandma--Love you MOM

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  23. So happy for the 3 of you.... a beautiful family together, at last. Can't wait to meet your new bundle of joy! Love from the Gardner's

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  24. I am laughing and crying at the same time... between Eric's hilarious commentary and the absolutely heartwarming pics of you finally as a family. She is such a sweetie! I can't wait to meet her. Much love to you all!

    Yaz

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  25. Give Addison a big kiss from Aunt Susie and I am sending you all hugs from this side of the world. I have shed many happy tears every time I look at the pictures - which is often. I can't put into words all the love and joy I feel for you and Addison. Addison is so beautiful and I can tell from the pictures she has alot of love to give to her Mommy and Daddy. You guys waited along time for your beautiful little angel so I am sure enjoying every second since she was put into your arms. I can't wait until you are back home so I can give you real hugs. I still shedding happy tears as iI write this but now I will read the blog again and Eric's words will make me laugh. I love you and God bless your family.

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  26. I, like everyone else got tears in my eyes, especially seeing the picture of Addison asleep on Robin! I'm so happy for you guys and can't wait to meet her :)

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  27. WOW!!! I can not remember ever seeing three happier peoplein the world!!! You are all so blessed. Enjoy your time together!!! You are a beautiful family. Eric..I LOVE your descriptions of all events that transpire. Robin, you are the most beautiful Mommy EVER!!! Love and Kisses to you all!

    Sue S.

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