Day 7 - Gotcha Day!

What an amazing day it was.  We drove about an hour and a half to Thai Nguyen province where Victoria's orphanage was.  We were not allowed to look around the orphanage but were ushered right into the ceremony room.  Victoria was brought to us.

Meeting Victoria for the first time:

Ceremony and pictures with the officials:
I got our translator to take pictures of Victoria's room in the orphanage since we were not allowed inside.  I know one day she will ask about where she spent the first year of her life.  It definitely isn't an ideal nursery for a little baby.  We were told that she does not get held very much which I already expected for a child living in institutional care.  Apparently all orphanages in Vietnam are run by the state.  Seventy to eighty percent of children in the orphanages are girls.

Where she slept for her first few months

They watch a lot of TV

When she was given to us, she whimpered for a little bit but then clung to us tightly.  When we tried to distance ourselves from her to get a good look at her face, she would pull closely again and bury her face in our chest.  

She has marks all over her body.  I'm not sure what they are but they look like big bites.  She also has two very large bruises on her back and bum that look very painful :(  We gave her a nice warm bubble bath (which she loved!) and got her all cozy for bed.  

Bath time

New toys

We ordered room service, played and then went to bed.

Story time

What a day!

I have the cutest video of her giggling as I'm playing with her feet.  I'll try to upload it later.
One of the happiest days of our lives!  We love you Victoria!