It's Official!

We just returned from the civil affairs office where we finalized the paperwork.


She's officially ours.  Daughter. Sister.  Forever.

So many things continue to impress me.

She has one heck of a personality.  Last night at dinner, she was totally busting on Michael for not holding his spoon properly.  And she was right.  Who taught that boy table manners anyway?

We went to a Thai restaurant and ordered several different things off the menu just to get an idea of what she liked.  And what did she point to first?  French fries.  Which is fine with me.  I'm not much on chicken feet but Ore Ida?  Now your speaking my language.  So far she's been a great sleeper and eater.

She knows a lot of English words and repeats what we tell her.  I think she's going to be a quick learner.

She seems pretty modest but she did let me give her a bath last night.  She didn't seem to want a shower.  Still feeling that one out.

She's a lot taller than I expected.  But I think we've got enough clothes that we brought to work until we get home.

She's definitely a craft girl who loves drawing, painting, coloring, pop beads (thank you Angie :)  ) and wait for it....playdough.  You know, the pack that almost didn't make it through customs in Beijing.  That's a big hit.

Today we're going to find a playground and get some energy out.  It's much cooler than I thought it would be here but still warm enough to spend some time outside. 

In the van ride on the way to the Civil Affairs office, Lauren was showing her how to blow bubbles.

Listening to some music

Those are some good-looking kids if I do say so myself

She loves electronics and has had fun playing with Scott's phone

At the office today, we got to see Sonia's family again.  My kids LOVE her boys (all 6 of them)  and are somewhat stalking them.  We're planning on having dinner together tonight.  Party of 14 anyone?

This is Joey.  I told her he may totally end up in my extra suitcase on the way home.  Can't say I didn't warn you Sonia :)

Learning how to play the DS

The one frustrating factor right now is not being able to communicate with her.  We get the basics through gestures and the phrase book because she can read Mandarin but I really want to be able to talk to her.  All in good time I suppose.

There is a lot more to post.  Especially something significant sent with her by her foster father.  Hopefully I'll be able to later but the walls of our hotel room are starting to close in on us and the park is calling.

Thanks so much for all your prayers and sweet words of encouragement!