BaJabs' 2nd Gotcha Day AND Chinese New Year

     BaJabs' 2nd Gotcha Day was Jan. 14.  BUT since Chinese New Year was this week we decided to celebrate the two together.  It was an extra special day.

Mommy got the decorations and table ready the night before.

We dressed in our Chinese clothes for church and of course had breakfast.

     We also spent some time remembering.   

     We were remembering the special day we welcomed BaJabs into our family. 

     It was a very cold day!  Matt and I had very little sleep.  We had just arrived in Beijing the afternoon before and found out that we needed proof that we did not have H1N1.  We visited two Chinese Hospitals -- scary -- and they would not sign off.  Finally, very late at night we were taken to an International Hospital and got the check-off that we needed.  We arrived at our hotel around 1:00 am.  We had to be up at 4:00 am to get on the train at 5:00 am to go get BaJabs.

     We arrived just a few minutes before BaJabs.  Matt and I were nervous.  Finally, she was brought through the door.  She was so sad -- and grumpy.  Yes, this is something we all laugh about now :)

    We spent the entire day filling out paperwork. 

     We ate at KFC.  BaJabs LOVED it.

     Finally, we had to take a train ride back to Beijing.  BaJabs was very scared.  She had a meltdown in the VERY crowded train station.  Once. we got on the train she settle right down.  She LOVED mama's beef jerky and the Chinese crackers the orphanage gave her. 

     We finally arrived back in Beijing around 10:00 pm. 

     We went directly to the hotel.  We were all so tired.  BaJabs would not take her clothes off.  BUT at this point I was so tired.  It didn't matter. 

     We woke up a few hours later.  She did not want any clothes off BUT she was so hot.  She was mad at Matt so I sent him out of the room.  She eventually took her clothes off -- except her long johns.  BECAUSE she wanted to wear the Tinker Belle nightie. 

     

Finally, this is how Matt found us when he returned to the hotel room after he called home. 

Yes, our trip improved lots during the next 16 days. 

She finally gave baba a kiss on day 15.

And she did wonderful on the LONG plane ride home.

AND finally, got to meet the family.  She wasn't too happy about everyone BUT we were home.  

We all laughed about the 1 hour ride home.  BaJabs screamed for 40 minutes of it.  It was the longest ride ever and MD, JM and My Darling were wondering what was happening.  

Amazingly, the very next time we got in the car -- she went right in her seat and never fussed again about riding.

We love and adore this little one that joined our family.  She has gone through so much.  BUT she is so strong.  She is a goofball.  She loves to play outside.  She loves playing with dolls.  She adores his brothers and sister.  We are so thankful God brought us BaJabs!

     Finally, after church we had our big dinner.  Mommy and nanny made the dinner.  Lauren and Jason brought our favorite -- hot and sour soup!  BaJabs opened her special gifts.  (When in China I find special items to save and give to the girls each year until they turn 18.)  This year she got a beautiful jewelry box and a jade zodiac bracelet.  

It was a special day -- celebrating a special little girl.  

So, from our family to yours  "Gung Hay Fat Choy"! Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon 2012!