Day 2 with "Z"

For blogging purposes, I was thinking how can I top yesterday's blog.....Well here goes:

After such a glorious day yesterday, Amy and I were so excited to see "Z" again today!  And "Z" appeared to be just as excited!  "Z" changed clothes into something warmer and grabbed her jacket.  Today was a field trip to Chiprovtsi.  Today was also a cooler day and misted on us the whole time.  But that did not matter as we were going to have a great day no matter the weather!

We get into the car and started off to the village of Chiprovtsi where we would first stop at the Chiprovski Monastery "St Joan of Rila."  "Z" is sitting between Amy and I holding our hands.  Then "Z" leans over and gives me a hug and says "Обичам те Daddy" (Pronounced Obicham te Daddy).  I asked Ivan what she said, and he told me she said, "I love you, Daddy!"  Well, you guessed it...Daddy is melted and teary eyed!!  Amy too, was told Obicham te, Mommo (yesterday's blog said Momma, but really she pronounces it as Mommo).  I did not care what happened the rest of the day, as we were so happy to hear those words from our precious daughter!!

The day was awesome!  After a very pleasant tour of the monestary and gaining more knowledge of the rich history, we headed into the village and met the director of social services as she wanted to meet us.  We also got to meet the owners of "The Guest House," a hotel, restaurant and place where they make and trade carpets (rugs).  After touring a museum nearby, we went and were hosted in their restaurant.  To say the least, Amy and I have been treated with royalty the entire time here.  We had the most pleasant lunch.  The food was great and the company was awesome!  The director of social services said that "Z" is very fortunate!  Illia Dimitrov, the owner of the Guest House was an awesome host and fed us good.  But that is not all; it just kept getting better and better! Illia, then asked if Amy would like to see how the carpet's are made.  So we went into the next room and Amy received a quick lesson and was then asked to sit down and give it a try.  Amy learned that it is a tough job!!  But, wait there is more.......Illia then pulled out a very small rug (see photo) and started to explain the meaning of the design.  He said that it represents a Wing.  The wing is to provide protection (like a bird protects its young.  It also depicts a cross when looked at a different angle - I have picures on my phone that depict it better).  He then proceeded to hand it to Amy and said he would be honored for us to have this rug!  He too was blessing our adoption of "Z!"  Not sure if it is custom here in Bulgaria, but I gave him a big hug!!  We will cherish this rug forever!!

Our trip to Bulgaria has been such a blessing!!  "Z" is a true gift from God and we are so proud to be able to be her Mommo and Daddy!!  I cannot wait for the rest of our family and friends to see our little spark plug of a daughter!! She is amazing!  And by the way....She rules the moment and is very strong willed!  I have also figured out why I hear "daughters have their fathers wrapped around their fingers."  That is for sure! "Z" has me whipped already!!  Funny story about our drive back to the orphanage:  Her social worker, Sonia, was teasing her with the bear we bought her saying it was hers and not "Z's" and they were having fun with the gag.  "Z" then said, "that is ok, Daddy will get me another one."  Yep, I am pretty sure I would as she has already won my heart.  On that note, watch out boys, she is a Daddy's girl and I will protect her how ever I can!!!!  Don't get me wrong though, she is a Mommo's girl too!  I love to watch Amy and "Z" together!  It is so cool to watch Amy and her walk, holding hands.  Amy is so good with her!  There is already a special bond between them!!

Tomorrow will bring another day with "Z" but until then, Obicham te, "Z"!!!!!!