Sunday, April 10, 2011

It's Official......Welcome to our Family Rachana!!!!

The day got off to a rocky start when we had to get a taxi. It was Rachana's first time outside of the hotel and in a car since the stressful ride from Children's Home to the Ministry and she was not happy! It didn't get easier when we got stuck, literally in the middle of a protest outside the Ministry, complete with riot police. Aruna was waiting at the Ministry and came to our rescue when we had to abandon the taxi and walk the last hundred yards. Finally we made it inside, and thankfully the paperwork was routine. Our new expression is - TGFA - Thank God for Aruna!

After about twenty minutes and a few signatures each they congratulated us and handed us our Adoption Decree. Rachana is offficially part of the family! Ignore the sad face - it was pretty much her look for the day!


 Then on to the Travel Ministry where we hit a snag. The official did not like the pictures we had of her as she was frowning. She has to look "natural" in the picture (what is natural for a three year old?) so it was off to Thamel to take passport pictures. The travel document application will have to wait until tomorrow.


At least we saw a bit of Thamel and killed some time shopping while we waited for the pictures. We found a CD with folk songs that she knows which will be great to bring back. Be prepared for some more of her dancing!


When we finally got back to the Hotel and she walked through the ornate gold doors, a smile appeared on her face again.


Back in the room she was very happy playing with the new toys we bought her on the way home. After a quick stop in the lounge for her milk and some veggies and dip we all only had the energy for pizza from room service. We'll make an italian out of her yet.

Before bed Rachana tried out her headphones listening to her new CD. Too tired for dancing though!


So it's back to the Ministry for Travel tomorrow and then medicals to follow in the next few days. Hopefully still on track for flights home on the 22nd.

22 comments:

  1. Congratulations! How exciting! Reading your daily posts and looking at the pictures brighten my day : )

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  2. Congratulations to all!! Aruna sounds like the good witch from theWizard of Nepal She will soon tell Raya to click her heels together on her new pink sneakers and Say"There's No Place Like Home" !! It's coming soon!! Miss you lots and love our daily dose of Let The Sunshine In :) XOXO Sue and Rob

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  3. What fantastic news..there is nothing better than actually seeing the adoption papers! We are so happy for all of you and are counting the days until your return. Give her lots of kisses from us!! xoxo j, j, & j

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  4. Hi Aunt Danielle,
    That is awesome news I like her uggs I can not wait to see the new family
    Love,
    Joseph

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  5. CONGRATULATIONS TO DADDY AND MOMMY. SHE IS DRESSED LIKE ALITTLE PRINCESS. SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE LIKES TO HAVE HER PICTURE TAKEN. GOD BLESS ARUNA, SHE IS HEAVEN SENT. IT WAS SO GOOD TO HEAR YOUR VOICES THIS MORNING. KISSES AND HUGS TO ALL, LOVE NONNO AND NONNA (ITALIAN)

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  6. YEAH!!!! Congrats and many many hugs!!!! Love Sue and Chris

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  7. How does it feel to be a mom and dad??? Congratulations, you three look like you were made for each other! And I'm sure you'ld like to bring Aruna home with you too! But things are going according to plan... and you'll be home in NJ in no time... hang in there! Can't wait to see you all!!! hugs and kisses, Iva

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  8. P.S. Have you run out of new outfits yet???

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  9. Congratulations, another step closer!!! You are officially a Mom and Dad.
    How nice that must feel. Love to all, JoAnne

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  10. Hi . So thrilled that Rachana is finally officially part of our family.You must be over the moon and full of love for her.
    Hope tomorrow goes smoother for you,
    Loving the photos and outfits xxxxx

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  11. So happy to see a brand new member to the family!!! It's an answer to all our prayers. I was on the phone with my Mom and read her your experience of the day. All she could say is thank God! We both giggled at the "make an Italian out of her yet" remark. Sounds like she off to a good start. Good luck tomorrow.

    Love,
    Rosalie

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  12. Congratulations to all!!! She sounds like a headstrong little thing, she will fit in with this family. It's time to get her into soccer when she gets home, maybe she'll be the next Mia Hamm. I bet she'll love the gunners. Love you guys.

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  13. Yipee, Woo Hoo, Congratulations!! What a journey it's been. Please give Aruna a big hug and kiss from me.

    I can't believe Raya has pink headphones. I saw these awesome sunglass cases and I thought of Raya.
    Good Luck on the next step!

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  14. can't wait to see you home. loved the pictures
    Love Carollynn & Craig Lena & Alex

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  15. Congratulations!!! :) I'm so happy things went so smoothly! I'm excited to meet Raya, and to go shopping!

    xoxo
    Maria C

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  16. She is so beautiful!!! I could cry!! Thank God its official and she is all yours now!! Can't wait til you are all home safe and sound! And if you would like to introduce her to american music I have a little ROA soundtrack she might enjoy!! xoxoxoxo!

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  17. Wow! Officially Mommy & Daddy! I am so very happy for you! Little Raya will be so happy being part of your loving family! Thank God for Aruna and all her help. Before you know it you'll be home with your precious little girl.
    Then we can teach her more about shopping!!!Lots of love "Auntie" Carol and "Uncle" Al

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  18. Wow! What fantastic news for all of you! What a beautiful family you are!

    All our love and best wishes!
    The Cambras!!

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  19. Congrats Danielle! So excited for you and your husband and daughter and can hardly wait until you are back here so I can meet her! Love, Stephanie, Joe, Leah & Maya

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  20. So happy to hear Raya is officially your daughter, Danielle and Mick! She is certainly one "Blessed" little girl! She will realize that in due time. That frown will soon disappear! Take one step at a time! We are praying, every day, for the three of you! Also, for Mom and Dad, anxiously waiting in Chester! Remember, PRAYERS move mountains!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love from Dee, Lou, Aunt Marge and Uncle Cameron!!!!!

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  21. Yay!!!! So happy it is official!!!! What a day!!! TGFA, is right!!!! Can't wait to hear the next step in this amazing adventure!!!! continued luck and love from home, Trish :)

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  22. Congrats....I am so very excited and happy for you.

    Love,
    Cousin Barbara

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