We Have Ava!!!

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to post, but the last 24 hours have been a whirlwind for Eric and I. Before I start, let me just tell you that everything could not possibly be going better! We have been blessed beyond words by this wonderful addition to our family. Ava is amazing!!
Our morning started out at 8:30am the 24th. We took a 2 hour drive from Chongqing through the beautiful country side to Fuling. We arrived in Fuling and turned down a filthy, dirty alley...this is where the entrance to the orphanage was. We walked through the gates where we were met by the director. They were getting the babies ready so we all went to use the restroom, Chinese style. This would be a squat potty, basically a hole in the ground and no toilet paper to be found. Luckily Dawn saved the day with her camping TP!! After that adventure, we went to the room, the director spoke a few words, and the 4 girls were brough into the room.
There are no words to explain the emotion that over comes you as they call your name to get your baby. Ava cried a little, but came right to me....and has been attached ever since!! I can not believe that I was worried that she would not bond. The "doctor" should me her sore and it seemed to be better and would not require surgery...Prayers were answered!! They did take me to the "hospital" to give me the ointment, which we are not using, and some other medication, which we are not using either. As of today, it is much better.
They then took us around to a few rooms to see where the girls slept and see some other babies. It is heartbreaking to see these little girls in walkers all crying and looking at us. It was so emotional and I think we all cried. After that we left..about 1 hour later. The van ride was fine. Ava, Lucera, Mara and Nikalya are all doing well, and each day we see more and more of who they really are.
We then drove back to Chongqing to the Civil Affairs office for the adoption registration, passport applications and family picture. We had to redo Ava's passport picture because the orphange had the photo of a different child on her application. Ava is cleary the baby in our referral photos so it was not a big deal, it just delayed Eric and I an hour, but Mandy, one of our guides, stayed with us. We took a taxi with Mandy back to the hotel, and she and Mary, our other guide, ordered Pizza Hut for us. Eric, Ava and I had Matt, Dawn and Lucy in our room for dinner. I made Ramen noodles and Lucy and Ava ate those. Eric was feeding her whole noodles and she sucked them down!! We love our group!! they are all fantastic and it is so great to be here together and support eachother. Mary told me today that our group is so close to one another and that the babies are all so happy!!
We had a great night with Ava. She took a bottle at 8:00pm and slept until 6:45am!!! Hooray!! Let's hope tonight is as good. She is very tiny and we think she has never been fed alot. She has eaten non-stop since we have gotten her. She loves bananas, Gerber fruit puffs, cheerios etc.. This morning for breakfast she had eggs, pancakes, muffin, pears, (sorry grandpa, she does not like peaches!) and yogurt.
We left at 9am today and went to the Chongqing Zoo. Very beautiful but stinky!! It was so hot here today. The last 2 days have been overcast and on the cooler side...not today. After the zoo, we went to SuperWalmart for some supplies. What an experiance that was. We then went to KFC and got luch to take back to the room. Ava ate mashed potatoed and chicken nuggets. She took a nap, we went to the pool(Wendy, her mom Nancy and baby Mara were there too) and then went back to the room. We met the group for dinner tonight(Ava had gnocchi, lasagna and fish) and now Ava, and probably Eric, are sleeping in the room.
Tomorrow we are having breakfast and then heading to an ancient village area with shopping, sites etc. Tomorrow evening we are going to a Hot Pot restaurant, something that this area is known for. Then Friday we head to Guangzhou. Tomorrow Wendy is going to try to help me post pics.
As the hours pass, we see more and more of Ava's personality come through. She likes to be tickled and has the cutest laugh. Her feet are so tiny, I think a 3. She has beautiful big eyes and the most perfect lips. She LOVES to take a bath and loked the swimming pool too. You will all love her.
We miss home and everyone there, but are really enjoying our time in China. There is so much to say, but not possible to post it all. Frank, Maria and Nicholas...we love you 3 very much and will see you very soon.