Parenthood and Praises!

Thanks for rejoicing with us! Hasan's dad ordered a special cake from the Sheraton Hotel to celebrate Kalina's arrival! We're going to rejoice tonight in Bangladesh, but we're rejoicing with all of you at home through the Internet for now. Nadeem and I have completed our first full 24 hours of parenthood. What an adventure! Yesterday Kalina arrived at 11:30 a.m. From that time until 1:00 she slept a total of one 45 minute nap and about 3 five minute naps. Whoa! Hasan's younger sister said, "Dang! She likes to party like a rock star!" Today our little rock star eats, plays, needs a diaper change, and then sleeps-much more like we were expecting from a 2 1/2 month old! She slept well last night after one fit at 1 am. She slept for 5 1/2 hours straight, had a bottle, and then went back to sleep for 2 more hours. She has a slight cold and a touch of diaper rash but seems to be in good health otherwise. She is a tiny. She wears newborn "onesies." You would have all laughed at Nadeem, Hasan, and me trying to figure out how to use the Dr. Brown's bottles. They have all these special inserts to lessen gas. The three of us were pouring over the direction sheet. They don't have anything like this in Bangladesh. We've learned that in the orphanage Kalina's mom stayed and fed her for 15 days. Then Kalina had one-one-one care around the clock. (God's provision-:)) Today Kalina has been much more mellow-probably wiped out from lack of sleep yesterday! She seems to know what she likes already. She likes to look at this 3-D flower picture on the wall in the eating area. She also likes looking at the china display. She liked being wrapped like a kangaroo against my body, and then she didn't! She is fascinated by people's faces. Already she has a whole range of expressions.
Today Nadeem and I visited the US Consulate. We're pleased to report that after visiting two other times, calling, and emailing since April with no help, today they called us and emailed us to give us an appointment. When we arrived, they were expecting us and recognized our names as soon as they checked our passports. The man who helped us was a little gruff but kind. We received some good news. The part here will be quick and easy. This part will be the final part to gain approval on this end to leave. He said that our paperwork is perfect, and that they'll approve us in 2-3 days. They always rush adoptions. The mountain to be moved is with the US. If they will grant permission for us to have our fingerprints taken here, the man told us today that they'll be glad to take them here. If the US won't approve that, we'll have to return home without Kalina and return for her later. We don't know where she will stay if we have to leave, and apparently that's not a concern of the government agencies. The US Consulate here can't give us their final approval until we have the fingerprints taken. We need everyone to join in prayer that the US will approve this and that we'll find immediate favor. We had an expedited process here in Bangladesh, and we need help from the US now! We have seen God work over and over again on our behalf and in response to prayers. Once again, thanks again for all of love, support, and prayers!
"If you have faith as a mustand seed, you will say to this mountain "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." -Matthew 17:20