Monday

The Director and his wife arrived at the Dolton hotel around 1 pm on Monday. Brent got to meet them all, then they went out for a nice lunch. Alyssia was getting tired at this point, so they all went back to the hotel for a nap, then headed to Walmart and dinner together.

When they finished with dinner, they all joined Brent in his room and Skyped with me! I was able to meet the lovely people who have raised our daughter since she was only 5 days old. They clearly love her and are very proud of her. Brent was able to ask many questions and get to know Alyssia a little bit under a stress-free environment for her. SO much easier and better for her than just being handed to him on Gotcha Day!

The Director mentioned that they might stay the rest of the week at the Dolton with Brent. At first, I didn't think that was a good idea. (and it still might not be, in many ways) If Alyssia is able to go "back" to them, she may reject Brent altogether....But, the more I thought about it, if I was giving my sweet little Ethan up for adoption, I would surely want to hold on to him and stay close to him until the very last second that I was able to.  So, while it may be harder for Brent and Alyssia, for the sake of this loving couple who have invested so much time into our daughter, it's okay if they want to "stick around" for a few days.

Their hotel room is just down the hall from Brent's room, so hopefully they aren't able to hear her if/when she cries. Ideally, she will see that her "Dad and Mom" want her to love her "American Daddy" and it will help in her transition.

Please pray for wisdom for Brent. Today (Tuesday) is officially Gotcha Day, AND they're finalizing the adoption today as well.

On a less serious note-----isn't she just the sweetest little thing? She blew Mommy some kisses on Skype and I so wished I could have reached through the screen and touched her for a moment. 

Meeting Daddy and Annie (the guide) in the lobby of the hotel.

A trip to Walmart. She especially loved the toy section :)

Her "American Daddy" bought her a toy...

Holding onto Daddy's finger!

 Ready to buy her toy!

Foster Dad and Mom. Forever Daddy.

First Skype call with Mommy!!!