Fw: Fang Ran Is In Our Arms!

Today at 2:15 PM Xuzhou time at the Nanjing Civil Affairs Office, Fang Ran was put in our arms.  She handled the transition so well.  She took in everything happening around her while babies from several other orphanages were joining their new families.  Most were crying loudly as their whole world was changing.  Fang Ran took it all in with measured curiosity and calm.  But it wasn't long before she cracked a wide smile and cuddled in our arms.   It was very clear that Ms. Tang and the orphanage staff had prepared her so well for this moment.  Through our guide we learned that she was very well informed on what was about to happen in her life.  We learned that she understood clearly that she would not return to the orphanage, and was very happy about that.  During the transition today it was so fascinating to see her accept her new Mom and Dad so quickly and say goodbye to her caregivers of the last 2 years and two months since she was left cold and alone in a dirty and crowded train station.   It was very clear to us that Fang Ran was loved by the orphanage directors and staff.  This was made especially clear when the deputy director traveled to Nanjing for her transition, which was not the norm.  We learned that she had been a favorite of his and he was very concerned that, due to her rare condition, she would never be adopted.   As Pamela described to the orphanage directors how the surgeons in Seattle would be able to help Fang Ran live a normal life, tears streamed down their cheeks.  They knew we would take care of her, but hadn't realized how we could help her live a normal life; help her look normal, and even have her own children. They were grateful and elated.  The orphanage directors were overcome with emotion, embracing Pamela several times as tears rolled down everyone's cheeks.   Lily handled the situation so very well too.  She wasn't sure at first about sharing Mommy's lap with her new sister, and seemed perplexed about what was happening around her.  But she took it in stride without crying or being fussy at all.    This evening Lily is still a bit perplexed, but seemed to understand that her new sister really needed her help.  She introduced Fang Ran to Little Bear videos and to bath toys.  Fang Ran come to life.  She was zipping about the hotel room touching everything she could reach.  She was fascinated with each new thing she saw for the first time.  She found her voice; and we discovered she loves to giggle.  Sometimes she giggles for no obvious reason.  Sometimes she just lets go with a scream. It seems to be an expression of pure joy.    She was so wound up that she resisted going to bed well after her bedtime.  She wanted to just sit in Mommy's lap and sing her songs.  When we finally decided she needed to rest, she was very unhappy about going to bed until Mommy laid down and held her tight.  It wasn't long before she fell into a peaceful sleep, knowing she was with part of a family that would care for her and love her forever.   Tomorrow Fang Ran will become Anna Lin, and will officially become our daughter and Lily's sister.   PS- Scratch the peacetul sleep part.....Welcome to reality... Daddy's been trying to calm her down for the past 2 hours while I try to get a post up!   We'll set up shutterbug tomorrow and post more pictures.  We really need some sleep!