Meeting Shira

Today we met Shira. And, true to her history, she surprised us. We were checking in at the Marriott at about 2:30, expecting to have an hour or more to unpack and settle in before she arrived, when we looked over from the front desk, and there was a very familiar-looking little girl, wearing a dress that we had sent, being held by a smiling, waving woman we recognized from photographs. It was Shira with her foster mother, Ingrid, who came early and picked us out in the crowd in the lobby from the family photos we had sent. We spent about 30 minutes sitting with Ingrid, her husband, Cristian, and one of their sons, Edgar, and our agency translator to get to know them and ask them questions about Shira's progress, likes, dislikes, and routines. They have obviously given her exceptional care, and they truly love her. Five minutes in Shira's presence makes absolutely clear why. She is indescribably lovely: alert, smiley, playful, curious, good-natured, and, so far, not the least bit anxious about spending time with us. To say we are enjoying her is like saying Red Sox fans thought it was kind of nice to win the World Series. Liat and Merav want to be with her constantly, showering her with affection and sisterly play. In Ravi's case, she soldiers on with good humor despite a subtle, but unmistakeable instantaneous realization that she is now a middle child. We trust she'll forgive us. Liat, meanwhile, shows great maturity in the way she articulates her love for Shira. Every interaction between the three of them brings us delight. (See photos above)With the older girls asleep, we are enjoying our own time with our little sweetheart.