Ailee!

As we weren’t to head to the civil affair office until 1:45 pm, the day started out calmly and quietly. We had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel and had to laugh at their system. There are many, many adoptive families staying in this hotel and at breakfast, they place all of us together in a back room – too funny!

We spent the rest of the morning preparing for Ailee’s arrival – getting the camera’s all set, putting out a few small toys for her, setting up her crib. We all started to feel nervous and excited that in a few short hours, Ailee would forever be a part of our family.

At 1:45 we met our guide and the other family we are travelling with in the lobby. Maelyn was so happy and excited to see Kyle. The two of them ran around the lobby giggling with happiness at being able to play together. We sorted through some necessary paperwork and then we got into the van and headed out to meet our daughters.

When we arrived at the civil affairs office, there were hardly any families there. I immediately recognized the room as we have seen video of other families’ Forever Family Days in the same room. We set our things down and almost immediately, the other family’s daughter was there and handed over to them. More and more families arrived and it was breathtaking to watch their families being created. We didn’t get to experience this with Maelyn’s adoption, as we were the only family there at the time.

Our guide told us that Ailee and the orphanage staff were stuck in traffic and that we would have to wait a little while longer. Sound familiar? We told her that as long as it wasn’t 18 hours, we would be fine. 

And then – she was there. My mom recognized her first, as I was talking to Maelyn. I looked up and knew immediately that that was our little girl. Her nanny handed her over to me and my heart felt at peace. Our family of four was finally together. Ailee, however, was not happy about leaving one of the nanny’s that loved and cared for her while she lived in the orphanage.

I grabbed the snacks I had brought with me and began feeding them to her and she was able to calm down. I noticed that she was pretty congested and made sure to feed her small amounts. At this point, the nanny that brought her to us told us that they call her ‘Yan Yan.’ She also told us that her palate was recently repaired! Paul and I couldn’t believe it! She will not face a major surgery when she gets home. Perhaps a slight lip revision, but nothing compared to the recovery of palate surgery. We were able to ask a few questions, but we are going to get the chance to visit the orphanage on Friday and will have more opportunities to ask questions, perhaps with a clearer head!

The palate being closed also explains her size. She is not tiny at all! Last time, I brought clothes that were too big. This time, I am pretty sure that the clothes I brought for Ailee are going to be too small. 

I handed Ailee to Paul so that he could have a chance to meet her and that is the last time I have been able to hold our little monkey. She is totally and completely stuck on Paul. Ailee has decided that he is going to be ‘her person.’ Honestly, I am happy for him. He never got to experience that intense bonding with Maelyn and constantly referred to himself as ‘the mule’ throughout the last adoption journey. This time, the roles have completely reversed!!

Once we were back at the hotel, Maelyn was spinning with excitement. She kept handing Yan Yan toys to play with. Ailee clung onto a plastic spoon and wouldn’t let go. Maelyn didn’t understand why she wouldn’t share the spoon, so she proceeded to write Ailee a note about why it is important to share and she put the note on her lap, after reading it aloud to her sister.

Maelyn has been a fantastic big sister! She got Ailee’s first smile (by putting a toy on her own head), and then even got her first giggle (by jumping on Mama’s back and making me fall over). Ailee refused to take a bottle from us, but had no problem taking the bottle from Maelyn. Maelyn was very pleased with herself and kept telling us that she is a good big sister. We have to agree!!

In the evening, we got Maelyn ready for bed and Yan Yan started to cry. We think she figured out that we would be going to sleep and she wasn’t too happy about it at all. She ended up falling asleep on Paul’s shoulder. He then tried to put her in the crib, but she panicked. Ailee ended up sleeping on Paul or right beside him for the rest of the night. When she would fuss, he would rub her back and she would settle right back down.

Our girls are together and we are a very grateful and happy family of four.