Elsa Baby

These are the referal photos we received in April 2007. Elsa's Chinese name is Yu Yan. (Similar to Susan...) We were told that Elsa had a vascular tumor on her head. My heart said "Yes, I can love that child."

Elsa is in an orphanage in Nanjing just a few hours from where Al was traveling to every month for work. Al was able to visit Elsa in May 2007 and he got this photo. Elsa's hemangioma was already regressing. She was happy and alert and darling!

Al also got this precious video! Thank you, Al. You are a Rock Star!

In September 2007 Al was able to go visit again. Elsa was cheerful and engaging. Al was head over heels for the girl! I can't believe he was able to leave her there.

In November 2007 another adoptive mom, Melanie, took these photos when she was picking up her daughter. Thanks again, Melanie!

I am in love with this girl. She has been growing in my heart for ten long months. I actually physically ache to hold her. I cannot express how connected I feel to her. This wait until we can go pick her up has been almost unbearable at times. It feels like grief and anxiety and fear all wrapped up with love and hope. We need to get this girl home!