The Whitledge Family: Caroline is Officially Ours

Today began with breakfast. A breakfast buffet like I have never seen! They have everything from omelets made to order to lamb burgers. I stay away from the lamb burger but have enjoyed the breakfast nonetheless. Caroline has a great appetite and will eat almost anything. When she doesn't want something she will shake her head no. When we went to get up from the table Brad and I stood up first and when we went to get her out of the high chair she was crying. Brad bent down and told her that we would never leave her. When we looked at each other we both had tears in our eyes. She has every right to think that we will leave her. She was left at 3 months old, went into the orphanage, then to foster care and then back to the orphanage. That is one thing that I notice most about her. In new situations she gets very uneasy. She puts on a serious face and tries not to cry, she tries to be strong but you can see the fear in her eyes. After breakfast we met our guide downstairs to go sign more documents. We went through more streets of people buying and selling stuff. We passed a hospital with people outside on the sidewalk on stretchers. It was mind blowing to see and just really hard to explain. Then we went inside the very building we got her in yesterday. Brad and I both thought she would cry, but she again gave that face that says I'm really trying to be strong. It literally breaks your heart. More money was exchanged and papers signed. We promised to always take care of her and to never abandon her. Then we were off again to the notary. More paperwork and interviews for us. They gave us her finding add that they ran in the paper when she was found. They asked us more questions and then she became officially ours. We promised to love her forever as we do our own biological children. We decided to celebrate by going to McDonalds. It was nice because it was a lot like home. Caroline loved the chicken nuggets and French fries. Yes, I gave her french fries even though I was advised not to give her fries because they are unhealthy. I'm sure they're right, but how could we say no! After that it was nap time. Lets just say this girl loves to sleep. She is so cute when she tries to go to sleep because she plays with her hands until she falls asleep. When she woke up it was time for dinner so we went to a Chinese restaurant where we learned she can feed herself and is really good at it. Then it was out to look at all the lights. It has been an amazing journey so far! We are taking one day at a time with her as she learns what having a mom and dad is all about. Goodnight from China!

P.S. - I'm really starting to miss my boys:(. This may sound easy but it's not. I have loved every minute of this experience but a large piece of my heart is still missing!

Her first trip to McDonalds.