Like cold water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land. Proverbs 25:25

Gotcha Day.  Today was the day we've been waiting for and anticipating for many months.  And it could not have been any better.  It really was one of our Best days Ever...at least one of just a few.  Nolan is ours.  And honestly, he is exactly how I pictured him from the 5 pictures I'd received of him over the last 9 months.  We were cautioned not to allow our minds to create a personality from pictures, since a few pictures cannot really speak to who he might be, and they don't want families to be disappointed.  But his pictures portrayed him as a sweet, smiley boy, and that seems to be who he is. 
So our day began at 8:15 when we drove to the orphanage.  We arrived around 9 am.  His orphanage is very nice, large and well kept.  There are about 500 children ranging up to 16 or 18 years old.  It was gated and had a large outdoor garden.  We went into a big conference room, where we began some paperwork.  After that, we went up in an elevator to the financial office, and when we returned, Nolan's nanny was holding him in the room.  I think he knew something was up, because he was starting to cry.  Once I was able take him from the nanny, he cried a bit...and that was the one and only time today.  He calmed down quickly, especially when we pulled out some cars and a sucker.  He is the happiest, most easy going baby!  Only day one, I know, but it could have went a million different ways, and yet it couldn't have been more perfect.  He smiles and laughs constantly.  So far, he has loved the stacking cups, and is still playing with them.  He seems very thoughtful and quiet.  Other than lots of laughter, he doesn't say much.  This evening, we got him to say Ma, Oh and Ooo.  He is an excellent eater.  I didn't know what to give him, but it didn't much matter to him.  I actually felt like I had to take the plate away from him, which has never happened with our other children!  I'm fairly certain he's never had unlimited food.  He feeds himself well too.  He is walking, though his walking is a bit stiff, like a new walker might be.  His fine motor skill are excellent, and I would put his gross skills at 15-18 months.  The 18 month clothes I brought seem to fit him perfectly too.  If I hold my hands out to him, he will come running to me and put his hands up to be held, and is even giving kisses too  :)
It seems this really must be his personality, because apparently we were given special treatment at the orphanage because of it.  He was many people's favorite because of his easy going, sweet temperament.  So we were given a tour and got to see his "classroom" and bedroom, including the very crib he slept in.  It had Mickey Mouse sheets and was near a bright, busy window.  There were 2 other families adopting today too, who did not get the tour, so we waited until they left...I don't know if they asked to see the room, but I did, and am so glad I did.  Also, normally they bring the babies to the Social Worker's office far away from the orphanage to give the babies to their families, but it is under construction, so this is why we got to go to the orphanage, something that was so important to us.  So we were able to get pictures of where he has played and grown for his little life, which we normally would not have gotten.  God is so good.  His handprint was on every single detail today.  While we might have been take around because Nolan was special to them, we know that he is so special to Him.  The day was no coincidence.  The God who loved him before he was born, loves him still, and brought him to us.  Though we might not understand His ways, we are sure His goodness is never failing. 

What a whirl wind day!!  Also, the orphanage put together a photo book for us, including the first picture ever taken of Nolan, along with dozens of other pictures.  They gave us a "chop" of his Chinese name (which is a stone carved traditional stamp people use here), formula, diapers, a change of clothes, answers to FAQ about him, and a 100 year anniversary mug with the orphange logo.  We know he was well taken care of there.  We are so thankful.  To his orphanage, to God, and to anyone reading.  God's goodness and grace was on display today in so many huge ways.  My baby is mine!  He was loved!  He was well taken care of!  He will have photos and gifts to cherish when he is older!  He has a family who already loves him!  He will learn about the God who loved him enough to die for him, something he may never had heard in China.  A 1000 thank yous to any and all who prayed for this day.  It was amazing...

Our very first moments with Nolan

Outside his orphanage before we left

First evening in the hotel room