Emma Grace Allmand

Today seemed very surreal. Can't believe we went to a building and picked up a daughter! It was just cool to be there and watch others get their babies. I was crying before I even saw ours. It all happened so fast when we got to the Civil Affairs building. Basically about two minutes after we got there they brought Emma to us. She was handed over by her caregiver and she was holding the photo book we gave to her. Her caregiver seemed very sweet and looked like she loved Emma and was sad to see her go. We were able to ask her caregiver some questions with the help of a translator. Sounds like she has been a content, happy girl. That is how she has been in the time we have had her! She is happy to just sit on the floor and play with toys. She loves to watch her big sisters. She really only cried for a little bit at the Civil Affairs building, but that was a very chaotic place since there were quite a few others being placed at the same time. We went there with another family that was using Holt and we got Emma before they got their daughter, so the other family took pictures and videoed it all for us.

A couple of things to pray about. Emma has a fever of 101. They told us that she had that for a few days and thought it was a cold. I think it could be teeth because I see a couple ready to poke through. She is not fussy at all though! Also, she did not eat at all for us. I guess she still takes a bottle with rice in it and said she had started some solids. She doesn't seem to know how to eat solids. She just holds it in the front of her mouth. She also refused to take a bottle from us. Our Holt handler had prepared us beforehand to not worry if they don't eat the first day. I am hoping she will eat right away tomorrow though!

She is a thumb sucker. So cute! She started getting tired and just sucked her thumb and fell asleep in my arms. She is sleeping so soundly now in her crib. She is such a sweetie and I praise God that He has allowed me to be her mommy! Such an amazing experience!