Gotcha

We picked up Iris today and what a joy it was.  As we walked into the building and turned the corner there she was.  Laughing and playing and she had no idea these new people would be taking her.  She was so full of energy and we soon learned that she is very determined little girl.  The two men that delivered her from Jingmen City were very nice and provide us with good information.  They also provided us with a photo album of Iris.    Mr. Ma is the head of the orphanage and he informed us that Iris spent a lot of time with his family.  She did not live with a foster family as we had thought.    It took a while for her to warm up to us but eventually she started to give in.  After about 30 minutes Mr. Ma took Iris to potty and when she came back he left the building (so she would not know he had left).  We signed some papers and headed back to the hotel.   She took to me (Joel) and I had to hold her on the way home.  She fell asleep in the car as I softly rubbed her arms (she will fit right into this family).  It was a great ride home as Melissa and I watched her sleep (and tried not to fear for our lives in the car - they are crazy drivers).   Melissa was so happy because Jane (our guide) and I had to speak to the front desk about our bill so she took Iris up to the room.  Iris held her hand all the way up to the 29th floor.  It was her initial bonding moment.  Iris seems to be adjusting well in the few hours we've had.  She cried a little when we walked down to get some take-out food but as soon as we arrived back to the room she was fine.  She ate well and drank a lot of water.  She is now taking a bath with Melissa.   While we were at the restaurant there were several young girls working there watching Iris run around and us chase her.  One of the girls told us (via our guide) that she is a very lucky little girl.    She is awesome!  She has a strong will and is very active.  I think she is going to be a hand full!  She may be getting tired from all of the love we have been giving to her in the first few hours!   Tomorrow morning we have to go back to the adoption building and sign the final papers on the China side of things.  Mr. Ma will be there and it will be interesting how she reacts to seeing him again?   Attached are a few photos from Gotcha Day.  We will post more each day.