Zitao and another baby from the same orphanage were coming in the door of the Civil Affairs office right behind us. So, we were able to turn around and snap a few photos of the first time we saw her in China.

Here we are, meeting for the first time. She was so petrified, although she was trying to smile at us despite her fear. She had been very well prepared by the orphanage staff, and had brought us a little box of chocolate. I told her in Mandarin that it would be okay, and "bie pa" - don't be scared. We brought her some sweet milk, candy, and rice cookies. She refused all but the sweet milk, which she tentatively sipped on the bus as we returned to the hotel.

Back at the hotel, we got some BIG, BEAUTIFUL smiles! She and the other girls started to play happily together, and language was no issue when it came to running around the room and screaming! I'm so glad we brought Sarah and Gennie, they are our best ambassadors.

Playing with their stuffed lovies.

Three little monkeys, laughing on the bed!

So, maybe this family is okay!

Zitao with her new jie jie (big sister).

I'll write more later - for now, I want to get back to my darling new daughter. We are so blessed and happy.