At 2pm 6 days ago, we met our daughter, Ruth. We were very nervous. We went with our SW, and she introduced us to Karen the Foster carer who has been caring for Ruth since birth.

Ruth was playing in the back garden and Karen let us go out on our own to meet her. When we first saw her, we just stopped in our tracks. She was so beautiful, big brown eyes and a head full of blonde hair, and a big beaming smile to match.

She came over to meet us and just stood looking up at us, Karen came over and said this is your new Mummy and daddy. That was the first time we had heard those words spoken out loud.

We had a little play with Ruth, then we all came inside and she had a drink. She went to sit on Rob's knee, which was a big surprise for us so soon.

We had a little time alone with her, and we then set off home. We arranged to come every day to see her and to take her out.

It was so strange seeing her there, this was our daughter, and it was something we could not have prepared for at all, the feeling was such a strange one.

No we did not fall instantly in love with her at first sight, we knew that would not happen, most adoptive parents will tell you that does not happen, but I cannot explain in words what we felt like, it has to be experienced to know how we felt.

As the week went on we got to know Ruth more and more, and she bonded to us very easily, which was a shock, as it had been expected it would take at least 2 weeks, but after the second day she wanted to come home with us when we left.

It got harder and harder to leave her with the foster cares each night. We would be in tears driving home without her, the empty baby seat in the back of the car, the toys she had played with just left there, and it was so hard to do. We knew she would be home with us soon, but it was not soon enough for us.

After 6 days, the sw and foster carers asked us if we thought we were ready to bring her home. Of course we said yes, we knew we were ready and we also knew Ruth was ready too, it was becoming more and more obvious she wanted to be with us.

So today we are bringing her home. Her bedroom is ready. Her toys are there waiting to be played with. Her clothes are hanging in the wardrobe. Her teddy is on her pillow. Today our lives will change.

We have waited so long for this day to come, so very long. We are going to bring our daughter home.............

E-mail Ann and Rob

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