Maybe that's why we were awake at 3 am.
We had planned to leave the hotel at 9, but our meeting was delayed so we headed to the civil affairs office at 9:30. Our guide was in contact with the orphanage director who was taking Ava for a passport photo. Ava was crying and very upset. The orphanage director advised us not to bring her back when we visited the orphanage.
I was scared. Real scared. For the first time, I had many doubts. But when we heard Ava's cries from the rising elevator, I prepared to meet my daughter.
Ava was absolutely terrified. The look in her eyes was of sheer terror. Her color was almost purple from screaming so hard.
I rocked her, cradled her, and walked her around. Occasionally she would reach out to hit me with the lightest touch, but she would then recoil as if she expected me to hit her back.
I hugged and kissed her as much as I could. Eventually her screams turned into silent sobs. I could feel her heart beating wildly even though she appeared almost calm.
We left with her to begin our "24 hour harmonious period" which turned out to be only about four hours since our paperwork was processed so quickly.
At the hotel, we gave Ava a snack and toys. She soon got an odd look on her face which could mean only one thing: poop. After changing her diaper, she hopped up, gave Todd a hug and a big cheesy grin. She has been daddy's girl ever since.
When we returned to the Civil Affairs office to sign the paperwork and to pay our fees, Ava beamed and cuddled with her daddy. She would occasionally meet my eyes and scowl, but in the adoption attachment world, that was good. She was looking me in the eye. We can do this.
We stopped by the supermarket on the drive home to pick snacks, drinks, and diapers.
We were all completely exhausted at this point and were happy to return to the hotel for room service and rest.
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