Welcome Aurora

OK! 3pm came finally, and we met up with the other family from NS and went into 2 joining meeting rooms, where our guides were, waiting for the babies to arrive. The one for the family from the US was already there. Then, in came Aurora, carried by her nanny, and 3 men. She was very timid. Kira immediately wanted to go up and give her the rattle she wanted to give her. She said, ‘she’s so beautiful!’ We went up to her, but she was very timid and clinging to her nanny. Our guide translated some questions I had, and we just let her get used to us for about the next hour. We moved into the hallway, and the nanny sat on the floor with her. She was definitely not interested in letting us get close, and our guide told me ‘we look like ET to her’. Yes, no doubt…

Finally, after we got more and more toys out, photos of her and our family/home, she took to some stacking blocks and was giggling with Kira and Tom on the floor. I was doing some paperwork, and I guess when we were all done, the nanny slipped out, and directors, and then we were in charge of a frightened little girl. When she noticed they were gone, she got up and looked around, crying huge tears, and frantic searching in her eyes. She’s walking, but pretty shaky, so I carried her around a bit to show her they were gone, and then we quietly packed up and went into our room. She then sat on my lap for about 30 min, exhausted, and in shock, just watching Kira around the room. She did slowly emerge a bit, played with some toys on my lap, and drank a bit of water, and then milk. It’s going to be another challenge again, with bottles/milk, just like Kira. Trying to find the right mix of formula and rice powder they used was difficult to get in the translation. She didn’t like it so far. She has been healthy, and a good size, just the same weak tone that Kira was when we got her, which might just be the shock of the day.

Then we had to go out again, with her, to get the family photo done for adoption/passport. She was not impressed. She came with a little Winnie the Pooh, that she goes to sleep with, holding the hand in her mouth. Well, it took 3 of us to get it out of her mouth, so they could take the picture. She has a strong will!!

We then went to the hotel restaurant for dinner, and I thought she’d be into some foods, as she is eating everything as well. But she only took a few pieces of fruit in her mouth, and wouldn’t swallow. So that was the end of that for now….

Back to the room, one more failed attempt at a bottle, and she fell asleep lying on top of me. I then put her in the child cot, and she slept all night…sigh. Our angel is settling in; Tom and Kira are entertaining her now that she is awake; we all got up at 5am, and now it’s after 6. Time to get our day started, off to the Civil Affairs to finalize the adoption.

Enjoy the photos…sorry they didn't come out in order, as I haven't got that figured out just right...
Norma, Tom, Kira and Aurora