She's In Our Arms

I don’t even know where to start with today. It has been an amazing and exhausting day. It started like our other days have in China with everyone gathering for breakfast at the hotel, but today there was an added excitement as we ate. After a quick drive by the site of the 2008 Olympics it was off to the airport. I am so glad we have our guide David on this journey. He took care of everything for us, and got rushed through check-in, security, and on the plane without any problems. After about a 2-hour flight, we were finally in Nanchang, the capital of Piper’s Province. Once on the bus to the hotel, our local guide told us the babies were on the way to Nanchang, and we would be able to meet them at about 4:30. We checked into the hotel at about 2, and were told to meet in a conference room at 4. The 2-hours from 2 to 4 were possibly the longest 2-hours of our lives. What are you suppose to do in a hotel room when you are about to meet your daughter for the first time? Watching CNN just didn’t seem to pass the time the way we had hoped. Finally, we made our way downstairs, and were soon joined by 6 other families. And then it happened. Our guide walked in the door, and with a huge smile announced, “the babies are here”

We have dreamed about the moment for a long time now. We both had thoughts of what it may be like, but nothing prepares you for those words. The guide then read the first couple’s name. They made their way to the door, where they held Abbey for the first time. While we celebrated with them, the second set of names was read, Michael and Vicki Seltmann…. We walked to the front of the room, handed the cameras to someone, and there she was in our arms. No longer did we only know Piper through just a picture and medical update sheet. She is this wonderful, beautiful baby girl, in our arms, looking at us. From that moment on, we were the only three people in the room. I don’t remember anything beyond that moment other than her. We would have loved to celebrate with the remaining families, but our focus was with Piper. It all happened so fast, and before you knew it, all families were united with there daughters.

Piper is doing very well. She started to cry shortly after she was handed to Vicki, and continued to cry until we go to our room where we were able to feed her. She drank her bottle quickly. It is obvious and expected that she is very confused, scared, and grieving the loss of those that have cared for her up to now. We thank them so much for all they have done for her. At 5:30, Michael had to leave the room to start filling out paperwork. When he returned, Piper was asleep, and remains asleep to this point. We anticipate an early morning with her going to bed so early.

We have only a few pictures at the point, (like I said, it happened very fast, and she has been sleeping a lot). If you click on the picture above, it will take you to a link with some of the pictures.

Thank you all for your wonderful words of encouragement, prayers, and thoughts. We thought this had been an amazing journey, but now realize the journey only started today.