Our First Visit with Sofia!!!!

Rudniy is a small mining town outside of Kostanai, about 40 minutes away by van on a bumpy road. As soon as we arrived at the Baby House (as the orphanages are called in Kazakhstan), we were ushered into a playroom to meet our babies. Sofia was sitting on the floor and playing with a caregiver, and immediately noticed the commotion of 6 strangers walking into the room - the four of us, plus Sandy and her mother Helen.

Having waited for this moment for nearly 3 1/2 years, Diva instinctively went straight to Sofia and within minutes had her in her arms. Soon after the caregiver left and Sofia was instantly comfortable with her new mommy.

Meanwhile, since Mike had a cold, he stayed a few feet away and maintained camera duty, but Alex immediately demanded his "turn to hold the baby", while Dominique became enthralled with playing with Sandy's baby Karina. Not wanting to let go so quickly of that special moment, Diva spent the next 15 minutes cuddling Sofia, and Sofia spent the next 15 minutes administering the "vice grip" around Diva's neck - a perfect match!! After 6 or 7 requests, Alex finally got his turn by sitting on a chair and holding Sofia on his lap. He was all smiles, ear to ear, and immediately gave her kisses on her cheeks. The moment didn't last long, however, as Sofia decided she wanted to be back in Diva's arms. Mike's turn followed, and Sofia became mesmerized by her first sight of a man's beard. She carefully and methodically touched and studied his face, which lasted about 10 happy minutes. Later, back in Diva's arms, and with a little rocking and a 'secret' Brazilian lullaby she was fast asleep for the remainder of the visit. Alex turned to Diva and said "she is so perfect", with a giant smile. And so she is!. . .

Later that day, after lunch at our favorite Italian restaurant Dolce Vita, Alex told her he missed Sofia and couldn't wait for our next visit. Our feelings exactly!!. . .