As we did with Bethany, we stayed in our room and ordered room service in order to avoid overstimulating our baby, considering this was her first time out of the orphanage and everything around here was all new to her, especially us.
We had the chance to just stare at her and we could see how scared and tiny she was. I was in a panic when I realized that other than three 9-month outfits I had brought for her nothing would fit this tiny little body. I was completely horrified that the onesie she was wearing was actually size 6-9 months and it was still not fitting well. That's how small she is.
I really wanted to give her a bath to freshen her up but we had been told she had a cold last week so I decided not to bathe her for another couple of days because even giving her a bath would be too much distress for her right now. Not to mention the fact that she was also getting over a cold.
It was amazing to see how Bethany interacted with her right away. Tim and I had been concerned about her reaction to having a sister and that night we had some emotional moments just watching her take over and do the introduction and welcoming speech to her new family. She actually introduced us by saying a few times "My mommy is Elizabeth Galarza-Lee and my daddy is Timothy Lee and I am big sister Bethany Lee Galarza because we are your fami-Lee (emphasis on the Lee)". I was able to capture one of those moments on video and it melts my heart to see it over and over again. I know one day Rebecca will see it too and know just how much we loved her from the very beginning.
We have realized that this incredible journey is just as big a blessing to Bethany as it is for us. I could not fight back the tears when Bethany said with a big huge grin "I can't believe it Mommy and Daddy, I have a baby sister". She saw me cry (again) and as I held out my arms to her she came to me and I hugged her and cried. Now, I realize that in the beginning my precious baby will have a difficult time sharing her home, her family and her belongings with her little sister and we are in for some rough times ahead; but, I strongly believe they will have the same adoration for each other as I have for my little sister who is not just my best friend but also my better half...my right arm....my life saver...the wind beneath my wings....well, you get the picture.
September 10th was the day considered to be a day of fostering our baby. The following day we had to return to the Civil Affairs office for the official documentation that would sign, seal and pronounce us a family.
September 11th is a day of great sorrow as the world remembers the devastation suffered not only by those who lived the tragedy but all of us who also watched it. It has been a solemn day for us ever since it happened and yet on the 11th year anniversary this day has now taken on a new meaning for us. It is the day we became a family of four as we were granted legal custody of our Baby Rebecca.
We will never forget September 11th, 2001 nor will we forget the personal joy September 11th, 2012 brought to us.
Bethany teaching her baby sister how to eat spaghetti after doing the family introductions
This is Rebecca telling big sis she understood
Our first breakfast together the morning of September 11th
Bethany helping her sister eat breakfast
Bethany patiently waiting
Daddy and his girls patiently waiting
The newest little Lee Galarza
I am finally holding my baby....forever
I have two strong arms to hold my two little Angels close forever
Somebody pinch me please.....I so happy and blessed
After a very tiring day, Rebecca exhausted from the life changing experience in 24 hours and my girl and Daddy still exhausted from jet lag.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all our family and friends who have supported and shared our great family moment from the beginning. Your kind and loving thoughts and prayers mean the world to us. You are the family my girls will treasure forever.
Liz, don't fret about her size if you manage...Gisèle-Claire was always 5th percentile in weight and height. She's okay.
ReplyDeleteKylain was consistently 95th percentile so I was a bit worried with the girl, but our doc reassured us that she is fine.