Meet Maya!

We did at about 2:30 pm today.  It was surreal. We tried not to have expectations, but it was nothing like we expected.  Many, many families were there to adopt children.  We filled out a little bit of paperwork, then they brought her to us.  We were both like "Wow, here she is in person."  She was a bit shy at first, but we quickly found she is food motivated...which worked to our advantage.  Ann sat with Maya for a while as Phil was dragged off for more paperwork.

After I got back, our wonderful facilitator Molly helped us with some of our pages and pages (literally) of questions for Maya's primary caregiver.  Then, we zoomed off to the supermarket to get food and other supplies.  I got to carry Maya around the place (she was very loud and clear that she did not want to ride in the cart).  For the most part, she is a very calm and intelligent little girl.  We've had a few minor meltdowns, but nothing major so far (of course, we're certain those will come in due time).

Once we got back to the hotel, Molly helped us bring stuff in and then went over the paperwork for tomorrow (having a child the old fashion way is all about doctor appointments...having a child by adoption is all about paperwork).  Then the three of us chilled for a while before Ann, Maya, and I ventured downstairs for dinner.  Let's just say, mommy's lap is much preferred to a high chair.  But, we've gotten a ton of support from the other adoptive families around (we've talked with three so far, all of whom have had their children for at least a week).

Then it was back to our room to play and get ready for bed.  So far her favorite toy is "Purse Puppy" (thanks Susan, Paula, Felipe & Andre!).  We sat on the bed with Purse Puppy on our arm for at least 30 minutes, very vocal when pointing at the puppy.

Here are the pix that everyone has been asking for.  In the picture of us on the couch, the lady next to me is Maya's primary caregiver.

Thanks for all your wonderful support.  It means the world to us.