August 2, 2010. Gotcha Day!

Stella had us from the minute she walked into the room! Her outgoing personality and inquisitive nature took over immediately. She's absolutely adorable! Her caretakers had her dressed in a beautiful new dress and shoes and she came with the backpack, photos, cameras and some of the toys we'd sent to her. She recognized us immediately from the pictures.

She a real charmer and like another child we know, loves to test the boundaries! She smart and attentive (hard to hide things from her). She repeats English words and phrases and follows some English direction. We have no doubt she'll have a quic

k handle on communicating at home.

She also leaves no doubt as to who's in charge!

The adjustment has

been difficult for Henry, but he really wants to rise to the role of big brother. I think right now since she's really attached to "Mama", he feels a bit violated, but we're all working hard to overcome that hurdle. During the times when he feels good about things, he's sweet and charming with her, and treats her with a gentle, nurturing nature that just warms my heart immensely.

To my friends who like clothing....this kid is all about fashion, so let's go shopping when we get home! She loves dresses and anything pretty! She already stole one of the only two berets I brought along, and today when she got dressed, she had to match her undies to the dress she'd selected! Pink, of course!

She eats everything and dips her french fries in water.

At the moment the boys are at the pool, Stella is napping and I have the time to write to you. This is easy! :)

P.S. Please pray for a family who is here with another agency. They arrived in China to find their son too sick to adopt and are working out details and a decision on where to go from here. My heart just breaks to hear their story.