SHE IS OURS!!!

Well, we just returned from our first trip to Ethiopia and I am so happy to report that we heard those three magic words from the judge. She is ours and we are hers. It was an amazing trip for so many reasons. I will get into all of them in the days to come, but for now, just a quick update. And, since we are not supposed to post photos of her yet, I'll just give a few teasers.

Sunday was a free day. We hired a driver and toured the capital--Addis Ababa. We visited some tourist attractions and did some shopping. It was fun to get out and experience some of the city.

(At a great coffee shop in Addis)

Monday, we attended orientation and then met Kayla. We got to spend about 2 hours with her before her nap time when we had to leave. She is everything I imagined her to be and so much more. I was in love before, but now it is so much more real. I miss her already! We also met with our lawyer to review how court would go in the morning and then headed to the Care Center for another couple of hours with Kayla and a meeting with the pediatrician about her health. There were some surprises in that meeting--some good and some not so good. I'll get more into that later, too.

(The fingers we just fell in love with)(and the toes!)

Tuesday, we went to court and answered a few simple questions. The judge was very kind and this was a wonderful experience. The last question had to do with whether or not we understood that the adoption was irrevocable. Yes, we understand and we're glad that works both ways! Her final words to us were, "She is yours". And, she is. Ours.

(That's my girl--irrevocably.)