Day 2: It's Official!

So we asked you all to pray for us today as we had to go back to the Civil Affairs office to do paperwork & make everything official. I was really worried that Madison would think we were taking her back (or even that she might want to go back to her foster mom).

But not only did God show up, but He showed OUT!  Madison did amazing. Kelly, our guide, explained to her what we were doing & she smiled & nodded her head. No tears, no tantrums...she just smiled and held our hands the entire way.  Thank goodness because I just can't explain what it was like yesterday when we left that building with her & she was screaming, thrashing, & kicking. It only lasted an hour (thank goodness), but it was emotionally draining.

Today, at 9:14 to be exact, Madison was looking at pictures on the iPad and she called me "Mommy!" She has also given me several kisses on the cheek! :) At 9:45am she gave David his first kiss.  She asks me to hold her a lot, too. She feels heavier than I thought--she is only supposed be 31 pounds!  :) We went to Walmart today to try & find her a pair of white sandals and get some lotion. She has eczema on her skin really bad and it needs lotion several times a day. Then we went to pizza hut for lunch, and while it was a great taste of home, Madison didn't seem to like the dough.  She just ate the pepperonis & cheese (have I mentioned she can eat!?!).  She ate a huge plate of fried rice & noodles for B'fast and some dragon fruit, watermelon, & cantaloupe for breakfast, as well!  We are going to stop placing so much food on her plate, because we are afraid she might feel like she has to eat it all or she'll be in trouble or something.  We asked our translator to have her tell us when she is full or if she doesn't want anymore to eat.  We will see how that goes in the days to come!

We skyped last night with my parents and Morgan & McKinley & Madison smiled the whole time...she even said both of the girl's names and even "nana" & "pawpaw!" I think once she gets around them her English will take off. She already repeats a lot of words that we say. She's also been very good about telling us when she has to go to the bathroom...she usually grabs one of us by the hand & walks in to the bathroom. The only bathroom she has ever seen or used was the "squatty potty" so our guide had to come up to our hotel room and show her the toilet & explain to her how to use it.  But she's done really well!

Another answer to prayer...I slept through the night last night!  Yay!  This was the first night since we left last Thursday that I have slept longer than 3 hrs. So hopefully I will continue to rest well.

Tomorrow we take her to the doctor to get a TB test & physical and then off to go get her passport.  It is always stressful to go out and about here...or at least for me it is! The driving is CRAZY!!!!! We walked to McDonald's two days ago (which is right next to the hotel) & I almost got hit by a bus AND a taxi--I am not exaggerating!  I started out this journey afraid of airplanes, but now I would rather fly then drive on the roads here! :)

I will leave you with  few of my favorite pictures of David & Madison and a few prayer requests!

Prayer requests:

That the Dr visit will go well tomorrow, she has to get shots!

That I will continue to sleep at night, and that Madison will be a good sleeper too! They told us she takes naps everyday from 12:30-2...Well we tried & it didn't happen!  :)

That she will continue to bond with us.

That our girls back home will continue to do well while we are gone. I really miss them!

Safety & health for remaining of our trip!


Blessings,
Melissa

More bath time pix from Day 1

More bath time pix from Day 1

Day 2...It's Official!!!

She is a great eater!