A Forever Family!

And now we are a Forever Family!

It's been a big day, for everyone! We are watching the Tigger movie, after eating a big dinner in our room. It's only 6:30, but we have a very tired little girl on our hands. I have to admit, we're tired too!

It was a very emotional day. First we met with the translator and one of her caregivers. She handed over all the paperwork we need for her visa appointment tomorrow. And 3 photo books. And more papers and a checklist of papers....

We also got a cd of all the photos they had taken of her. AND a dvd presentation of her life at Chung yi, complete with music. It was very sweet!

Then we met with the state social worker. We were allowed to ask her questions about the birth family. That was something we needed to do and needed to know the answers to, but it was also hard!

After that, we met her birthmother's sister and her birthmother's cousin. They were so pleased that Joy has a family who will love her and provide for her. When they found out I was a singer, they were so thrilled! She loves to sing, as does her family. They hoped she could sing with me on the stage someday. It was very moving.

And then, it was Alexandra Joy's turn to be the center of attention! She was shy at first, as to be expected. But as soon as Tim picked her up in a big bear hug, she was all smiles!

Pictures were taken and goodbyes said and then we were ushered into the cab and headed back to the hotel. A new family!

Since then, we have found that Alex knows more English than she lets on. She can count to 13 and knows her alphabet to P pretty well. She repeats everything we say and now knows words for yours and mine, thank you, please, and of course, "are you ready?".

I'll post more later, but I wanted to get some post up tonight (while y'all slept!).

More pictures in the next post.
love to all -
Margaret, Tim and Alex (or Joy, or Alexandra Joy when getting into trouble)