D has accused me of being drunk and agreeable.
I take issue with the drunk part, but must admit I am agreeable:
I am proud to announce that Wilburforce is a little girl!
We haven't posted much in the past few days because we wanted to make sure things were going to work before we got anyone's hopes up. After our fiasco at the babyhouse, our coordinator called the Ministry of Education (the top of the food chain here) and started pulling strings. He found out that, yes, the baby house was lying, but they were hiding twins and we are only approved for one infant by immigration. By calling around, he learned that there was an infant girl in another region, who was available for adoption.
We have spent the past two days waiting for pictures and medical reports to get to us and be analyzed before we could share the news. There were some very scary sounding diagnoses, which our U.S. adoption doctor quickly resolved for us. She has evaluated the infant as low risk, and absolutely adorable.
Tomorrow, we will take a nine hour bus ride to meet our child.
She has strawberry blonde hair and green eyes. She is nine months old, and already standing with assistance and babbling. D says it is clear he won't get a word in edgewise at our house. She is about 15 pounds, and almost two feet tall. It is clear that she is going to be tall and thin, or, as D says, "oh crap, my daughter is going to be hot!" He is already thinking of following my Dad's move and propping up a shotgun by the door...
We are both ecstatic.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. You will never know how much it has lifted us, how clearly we could feel you all pulling for us all the way on the other side of the world.
The bad news, if there is any, is that we have lost a week and must now start clock running sometime later this week. We will probably be here into September, which is going to make this a long, hard journey, but may mean that I get to meet Heidi P. after all!
And now, for the best news about our little moonpie:
Her growth chart, when we plotted out her data, placed her solidly as an "88."
And, the best news, that is sure to make you cry as much as it did us:
Her birthday is the same as D's.
And now, as promised, here is a picture of the sunrise in Almaty over the Tien Shen mountains Sunday morning:
paka paka...
I am so happy to read this good news!!
Take care of yourselves...
CIndy
Posted by: Cindy | August 03, 2005 at 04:55 AM
Soper I couldn't be more delighted. I understand that you won't post a picture, so I appreciate even more the lovely description of your daughter. Mazel Tov and good speed on the journey to meeting her!
Posted by: Thalia | August 03, 2005 at 04:59 AM
OMG - You're right, it did make me cry! I am beyond words right now. So, so, so happy this is all working out! Congratulations on your new little girl - she sounds adorable!
Posted by: B | August 03, 2005 at 06:32 AM
I am so thrilled to hear your news!! I believe the internet has just exhaled. Wishing you a safe journey to meet Miss Wilburforce Moonpie and looking forward to less dramatic updates! Mazel tov to you.
Posted by: Figlet | August 03, 2005 at 07:09 AM
A girl!!!! This is such great news! Here I go with the exclamations again!!!!!!!!!
Oh, I can't even begin to tell you how devastated I've felt these past few days. I even had my mother upset about it and praying for you. This is such a relief and so exciting! I am so, so, so happy, and I can't wait to hear more.
Guess what.... WE GOT OUR TRAVEL DATES!! We leave in less than two weeks. Too bad your 9 hour bus ride wasn't going to be in a slightly different direction.
I'll continue sending positive thoughts and prayers your way...and obsessively checking your site.
Love, Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | August 03, 2005 at 07:10 AM
Congratulations! I am so happy for you, someone I've never met, that I'm now crying. Congratulations and I can't wait to hear the story of your first meeting!
Posted by: VHMPrincess | August 03, 2005 at 07:20 AM
Tears of happiness for all three of you! I am so glad the stars have finally aligned in your favor!!!!
Posted by: sara | August 03, 2005 at 07:44 AM
So very super happy for you. Tears of joy..... So glad this had a happier ending that how it sounded in your last post :)
Posted by: Jen | August 03, 2005 at 07:47 AM
How wonderful!!!! Beyond thrilled for you and D!!!!
Posted by: nela | August 03, 2005 at 07:58 AM
I'm overjoyed for you and D! Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful union with your daughter to be.
Posted by: Liz | August 03, 2005 at 08:18 AM
I have chill bumps after reading this. Wishing you a safe trip tomorrow to go meet your beautiful daughter. I can't wait to hear all about it!
Posted by: Brenda | August 03, 2005 at 08:24 AM
I don't think I've ever posted here - but wanted to offer up HUGE, GIANT congratulations for your family! So relieved to hear such fantastic news. Hooray!
Posted by: Brooklyn Mama | August 03, 2005 at 08:26 AM
Oh, thank God!
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter.
I guess this means you'll be changing the name to Wilberforcia.
Posted by: Moxie | August 03, 2005 at 08:32 AM
Oh that's such good news, I followed a link to your blog yesterday and have already read through most of it. I've been thinking of you.
Congratulations. I hope your stay from now on is completely wonderful and uneventful!
Posted by: Emma | August 03, 2005 at 08:38 AM
YAY!!!
Congratulations and much happiness to all!
Posted by: Ria | August 03, 2005 at 08:47 AM
MOZEL TOV!!!!!! Your post gave me chills (which is this 100 degree weather is quite welcome). Give your daughter an extra kiss for me.
Posted by: Julie | August 03, 2005 at 08:54 AM
Congratulations and hurrah!
I don't think you should name a girl Wilburforce, however. How about Beulah?
Nice to have medical confirmation that your child is adorable, although really, who doubted it?
Posted by: Slim | August 03, 2005 at 09:04 AM
YES!!!!!!! The entire blogland breathes a sigh of relief. So, so very happy! She sounds positively perfect, and even more so, since she gets to be loved by you.
Posted by: Sisyphus | August 03, 2005 at 09:10 AM
I'm thrilled that things took a turn for the better! Congratulations - how excited you must be to meet your daughter.
Posted by: Katie | August 03, 2005 at 09:11 AM
Congratulations! I'm so glad that things are working out for you. Your daughter sounds beautiful.
KimN
Posted by: KimN | August 03, 2005 at 09:16 AM
I've been checking back for an update--I'm SO happy that no news really was good news! Congratulations to you and your daughter--you're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: frog | August 03, 2005 at 09:16 AM
Congratulations on your daughter! Thinking of you and yours.
Posted by: Rose | August 03, 2005 at 09:22 AM
I'm just crying happy tears for you.
Posted by: Lala | August 03, 2005 at 09:22 AM
Congratulations!!! It's a girl! I am crying for you too.
p.s. I think you should re-think the name Wilburforce now. AHAHAHAHAHAH.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 03, 2005 at 09:25 AM
Mazel Tov!
My husband was born the same day as his Dad's as well. (He's adopted too) It was a very good omen.
All the love and luck in the world!
Posted by: Journeywoman71 | August 03, 2005 at 09:29 AM
Wow, a girl! With the same b-day as her dad...this is beyond wonderful news!
Congrats!
Posted by: Susan | August 03, 2005 at 09:35 AM
Yay!!!
Posted by: Lisa V | August 03, 2005 at 09:37 AM
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Picturing me dorkily going down on one knee, arm raised and pulled back like a little kid who just won at paintball....
Posted by: alex | August 03, 2005 at 09:46 AM
Congratulations, Soper and D!
What wonderful, wonderful news. There are people all over the world jumping up and down for you.
Safe travels today.
xxoo
Posted by: Anna H. | August 03, 2005 at 10:09 AM
holy crap - AWESOME indeed - Mazel Tov, I will continue to read with bated breath, waiting for pictures and all.
Shelli
Posted by: Shelli | August 03, 2005 at 10:09 AM
Thats' just WONDERFUL NEWS, Soper and D. COngratulations!!! May your trip to meet your beautiful daughter be short and your happiness together long.
Much love from Argentina.
Posted by: Sol | August 03, 2005 at 10:12 AM
I'm so incredibly happy for you! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Posted by: Cat, Galloping | August 03, 2005 at 10:16 AM
You're right. That did make me cry. Woo hoo!!! Congratulations!
Posted by: amanda | August 03, 2005 at 10:32 AM
What wonderful news. I am so happy for you! (I was so worried before). Congratulations!
Posted by: Susan / holdingpattern | August 03, 2005 at 10:37 AM
What fantastic news! Congratulations!
Posted by: Floyd | August 03, 2005 at 10:42 AM
Oh thank Gd! I was afraid to hope for an ending like this.
Huge congratulations on your baby girl, Mama!!!
Posted by: persephone | August 03, 2005 at 10:44 AM
I'm in tears, Soper. No amount of words can describe the relief I feel for you and pure utter joy that you are parents of a baby girl.
I had been checking back here like clock work and I was so happy to see such a beautiful post.
Can't wait to hear the update that you have FINALLY met your daughter. (Oh, and how touching that she has D's bday...couldn't be more perfect.) :)
Ashley
Posted by: Ashley | August 03, 2005 at 11:13 AM
Thank you God! I am so happy for you. Congratulations on your beautiful new baby daughter. I am praying for you guys to have a safe uneventful journey from here on out.
Posted by: karla | August 03, 2005 at 11:17 AM
What fantastic news! I am so happy for you I'm crying.
Posted by: Jenn | August 03, 2005 at 11:22 AM
Congratulations! You were way overdue for some fantastic news like that. So, so wonderful. I hope all goes well meeting her!
Posted by: Amyesq | August 03, 2005 at 11:36 AM
So happy for you..thrilled. Congratulations on your daughter!!!
Posted by: Michelle | August 03, 2005 at 11:42 AM
So, so happy for you, D and your daughter.
Posted by: susie | August 03, 2005 at 11:44 AM
Hooray! This made me cry tears of joy for you. Congratulations! Can't wait to hear more.
Posted by: Jen | August 03, 2005 at 11:49 AM
Congratulations on your little girl!!
I am so, so happy for you.
Posted by: Sheri | August 03, 2005 at 11:51 AM
I've got a positive shiver down my spine, and am on the verge of tears. This is fantastic news, spectacular, mind-boggling news!
Congratulations!!
Posted by: patricia | August 03, 2005 at 11:54 AM
Hooray! Wonderful news! Did you have another come-to-Jesus with God?;)
Posted by: Kimm | August 03, 2005 at 12:10 PM
Yep that certainly made me cry. Congratulations this is wonderful news. May you all be headed home safely soon.
Posted by: Cat | August 03, 2005 at 12:18 PM
See, Universe? Now...how freakin' hard was that?
Positively thrilled for you and your family, Soper. Congrats!
Posted by: deborah | August 03, 2005 at 12:20 PM
Yay!!! congratulations!!!!
Posted by: anotherjen | August 03, 2005 at 12:29 PM
Hooray! So happy for you, Soper! So relieved and grateful!
Posted by: cancerbaby | August 03, 2005 at 12:49 PM
The most wonderful news I've heard in a long, long time! Congratulations on your daughter!
Posted by: Milenka | August 03, 2005 at 01:11 PM
Congratulations, and God bless you all....
(from an adoptive mom of two gorgeous kids)
Posted by: Jane | August 03, 2005 at 01:28 PM
A daughter! how wonderful. Congratulations.
Posted by: Amy E. | August 03, 2005 at 01:33 PM
Crying happy tears for you all.
Posted by: Jen | August 03, 2005 at 01:49 PM
Thank Goodness. I've been thinking of you.
Posted by: Lisa S (et al, aka Stolidoli) | August 03, 2005 at 01:52 PM
Oh My Gosh! Congratulations on your little girl!!!
Posted by: Barb | August 03, 2005 at 02:01 PM
Wow, just wow. I'm so glad some good stuff is going on.
We were in Colombia for six weeks -- I know the wait can be long. Looking forward to updates! If LostandFinding comes, please let us know about all the fun stuff you do.
Posted by: Erin | August 03, 2005 at 02:12 PM
Congratulations Mom. Wonderful news.
Posted by: Mieke | August 03, 2005 at 02:27 PM
Yay! I didn't comment on your last post because, well, you already had a million comments and I couldn't think of anything to do except fume against the baby home proprietors, but it's so wonderful that you've got your daughter now! (And sharing a birthday - how cool is that, really?)
Posted by: Sonetka | August 03, 2005 at 02:28 PM
Fabulous and perfect!
Posted by: karyn | August 03, 2005 at 02:46 PM
Fabulous!!! I'm so thankful for this!!!
Posted by: Suz | August 03, 2005 at 03:06 PM
When I first logged on, all I saw was the bad news post. Then I clicked on your header and voila - good news. wonderful, wonderful.
Crossing my fingers that everything from this point on goes smoothly, sweetie.
Posted by: Mandy | August 03, 2005 at 03:11 PM
How WONDERFUL! Congratulations on your baby girl.
Posted by: Ninotchka | August 03, 2005 at 03:15 PM
Awesome, just awesome.
Posted by: Marla | August 03, 2005 at 03:19 PM
Delurking to say congratulations! My heart broke for you reading the previous post. I am so glad that things have turned out ok after all. All the best to you all!
Posted by: Lauren | August 03, 2005 at 03:31 PM
Oh thank GOD.
Posted by: Cecily | August 03, 2005 at 04:07 PM
Oh, thank God. Traveling mercies to you AND YOUR DAUGHTER!!!!!
Posted by: Becki | August 03, 2005 at 04:13 PM
OMG, congratuations! Crossing our fingers for you!
Posted by: Jenn | August 03, 2005 at 04:22 PM
Fantastic news!! (hooray for Heidi too!)
Posted by: Orodemniades | August 03, 2005 at 04:22 PM
Congrats! I'm soooooo pleased that it's happened! Yay! Baby girl!
Posted by: emma | August 03, 2005 at 04:33 PM
Hmmmm, perhaps Wilmaforce? Many many congratulations to you and D. Sorry this had to be so hard.
Posted by: libby | August 03, 2005 at 04:39 PM
A girl...a sweet baby girl who shares D's birthday. If that's not a sign that she is meant to be part of your family, I don't know what is.
Have a safe journey to meet your daughter--beautiful word isn't it? Daughter...Soper and D have a daughter.
Can't wait for the next chapter my friend.
Posted by: Dee | August 03, 2005 at 04:54 PM
Hooooorrrrayyyy! I am so so happy for you, mom. Can't wait to hear more good news!
Posted by: Karen | August 03, 2005 at 04:57 PM
My heartiest congratulations to you and your husband. I am thrilled for you.
Posted by: Julia S | August 03, 2005 at 05:17 PM
Wonderful, wonderful news, I am beyond thrilled for you! Oh thank God!
Posted by: Menita | August 03, 2005 at 05:32 PM
Yay! YAY! WOOOOOHHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Congratulations.
Posted by: liz | August 03, 2005 at 06:02 PM
Congratulations! I am thrilled for you.
About that shotgun... My husband is happy our house is on a bit of a hill. He is considering a machine gun for the upstairs window. I think he is overreacting a bit...
Posted by: JuliaKB | August 03, 2005 at 06:12 PM
Congrats!!!! I'm so happy for your whole family. How cool your daughter shares your husband's birthday. Safe travels.
Posted by: millie | August 03, 2005 at 06:18 PM
Oh, WONDERFUL!!!!
Congratulations on your referral. Here's hoping for the fastest nine-hour bus ride EVER.
Wonderful.
Posted by: Jody | August 03, 2005 at 06:38 PM
Congrats on your daughter :)
Posted by: Toni | August 03, 2005 at 07:18 PM
Congrats on your beautiful daughter! This is excellent news :)
Posted by: Kinneret | August 03, 2005 at 07:39 PM
I just started reading your blog and have already gone from being PISSED OFF about what happened to you to being THRILLED with your good news!
Congratulations!
Posted by: Karen | August 03, 2005 at 08:00 PM
Oh Soper! I just starting happy sobbing. Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Ollie | August 03, 2005 at 08:11 PM
oh wow, that's such good good news. She sounds utterly adorable. Congratulations and here's to the rest of your journey going smoothly.
Posted by: OvaGirl | August 03, 2005 at 08:15 PM
Oh Soper! I'm so happy for you. Soper has a DAUGHTER! Congratulations. Tears of joy spilling down my cheeks in your honor.
Posted by: Emily | August 03, 2005 at 08:27 PM
Soper I am so very happy for you and D! I am thinking of you and hoping for a happy and safe journey to meet your baby girl! Congratulations!
Posted by: ThreeBees | August 03, 2005 at 08:30 PM
I am *thrilled* to read your news! So glad to hear of your lovely little girl! Can't wait to read about your first official face-to-face meeting with her!
Posted by: Miss W | August 03, 2005 at 08:36 PM
*whew* Big sigh of relief from me too!
I am so happy for you guys!
Now I have to go back and read your whole entry. I burst into tears at the announcement that Wilburforce was a girl, and only managed to read every third word or so, through swimming eyes.
Posted by: Donna | August 03, 2005 at 08:47 PM
This is wonderful news. I am very happy for you & your family.
Posted by: Sparky | August 03, 2005 at 09:01 PM
YAY!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kate | August 03, 2005 at 09:46 PM
Super fantastic awesome news! yay!
Posted by: Polichick | August 03, 2005 at 10:05 PM
Wow, oh wow. I tune out for just a couple of days and come back to horror, then such profound joy. 88%! D's birthday! There's nothing an infertile hates more than "meant to be," but boy does this sound Meant to Be. Congratulations!
Posted by: ManhattanAnne | August 03, 2005 at 10:34 PM
I could not be more thrilled for the three of you. Congrats!!!
Posted by: Heather | August 03, 2005 at 11:47 PM
Congratulations!
88
wonderful.
Posted by: gawdessness | August 04, 2005 at 09:42 AM
SOOOO glad to come and see this update. Congrats!!
Posted by: Tiffanni | August 04, 2005 at 01:03 PM
Fantastic!!! I came expecting to see more bad news and was thrilled for you ...
Best wishes,
alisa
Posted by: | August 04, 2005 at 02:37 PM
Sending more love and prayers from Michigan, hope everything keeps going well! Bits crossed!
Posted by: Beth | August 04, 2005 at 02:53 PM
Thank God! Congratulations MOM and DAD!
Posted by: Jen/VintageUterus | August 04, 2005 at 03:02 PM
Yeah!!!!!! I wondered if they were lying. I had read in one of my adoption books that this happened on a regular basis, but what do I know? This is excellent news...all except the delay. Congratulations on your little girl!!!!!
Posted by: Roxanne | August 04, 2005 at 05:14 PM
Whew! So happy that it turned out the way it did. She sounds like a little doll and I am sure your life will be forever enriched (and complicated) by her presence.
Congratulations to you and your DH.
Posted by: MichelleL | August 04, 2005 at 05:29 PM