Better Than a Dream! (By Nicole)

(especially since the only dreams I had before we left was that recurring nightmare about forgetting our passports).   But if I HAD dreamed about a most amazing little girl and a smooth meeting and a perfect first few days...this would still be WAY better!

Hi, everyone.  Bret's running and I'm trying to stop staring at this beautiful little angel long enough to say just a few words.  First, thank you all for the prayers and support and encouragement.  God has carried us every day – through huge prayers being answered and also in small details that show His very intimate love for us.  It's amazing how He loves us – Bret and I have both spilled a few tears in pure wonder at the blessings He has granted.... well, Bret shed a few... I shed a few more.  (big surprise, I know.)

Ok – I have to take a break to film the cute chattiness that comes right before nap time.  I told you it's hard to stop staring at her for long. I'll be back...

I love getting to know our sweet Samantha Bo.  I love that we can see trends already and that we are learning her habits.  For example, when she is about to fall asleep, she gets really talkative – I would even call some of it singing.  Then her song gets a tone of irritation (I can't call this sweet thing whiney). Next, she rubs both eyes with both hands and it's time to lay her down in the crib.  Within 2 minutes, she's OUT.  Blessings! (thank you orphanage aunties for the routine that makes life simple)

Today, she is sitting up even better, playing independently (loves the stacking cups, but her favorite is the empty water bottle – go figure!)  She also got her first teeth brushing and nail clipping... loved the brushing; slept through the clipping.

We went to a beautiful pavilion that I'm sure Bret will tell you about.  We watched a show – music and dancing – but to be honest, nothing held my attention for long because the view in my lap was much better.  I am just a little bit in love!

The most surprising and wonderful thing is how easy this has been.  From the moment the auntie handed her to me.... I should tell you that it was supposed to be Bret holding her first... He won the paper, rocks, scissors on the elevator ride down to meet her.  But when the elevator doors opened and I heard crying around the corner... I bolted without thinking... true protective-mother instincts kicking in with full force... too bad for Bret.  (I would say that I'm sorry... but I'm not).  Anyway, when they handed her to me (well, when I snatched her right out of the poor lady's hands) - even though she was very upset, crying, hot in all of those clothes, hungry, mad, scared – it felt natural.  It felt right and wonderful and perfect.  You never know what to expect – after hearing countless stories of the smooth and the not-so-smooth first encounters.  But we couldn't ask for better.  God has answered our prayers in every way!  No anxiousness, no tension, no worries. Just a wonderful time with a very fun little sweetheart who has lots of personality and a million smiles and giggles.   I think Bret posted pictures from our first real playtime – my favorite smile is the crooked one where one eye closes more than the other.  From that, she usually goes into full blown, eyes disappearing, wide mouth, Cheshire cat (with less teeth) grin. 

She's waking up and I want to grab her – Bret just called me a crack addict.  Nice.  But he's right.  I'm addicted to my little morning sunshine.  Keep praying... God keeps answering.  Love to all!