Adoption Day

Overnight, I woke up everytime Emalyn stirred. Twice she was wide eyed and looking right at me. I stuck my hand through the slates of the crib, patted her back and held her hand. She quickly snuggled up with her tiger lovie we brought and drifted back to sleep.

When I finally tired of trying to go back to sleep at 5:30 am, I decided I'd grab a shower and get dressed before Emalyn woke up. I fully expected her to wake up early, but she slept until 7:30 am-the exact time her schedule from the orphanage said was typical. She laid in her bed just looking around for a while and I found myself wondering whether she just hadn't fully woken up or if she was used to laying in her bed for a long time after she woke up. Either way, she cried when I got her up. I'm sure she was disoriented...not really remembering where she was, but it didn't take her long to latch on to me again. As we got dressed for the day I was dreading brushing Emalyn's teeth (she fell asleep last night before we could try), but she was so good. She actually seemed not to mind it. She opened her mouth wide and stayed very still. After we were all dressed, we packed the stuff we needed for breakfast and the day and headed out.

At breakfast we saw several other adopting families. I'm still trying to figure out if their is an actual plan for Gotcha Day here or if it's more up to the orphanage, guide and family. In most provinces, everyone goes to a central location to get their child at the same time. That aside, it's wonderful to see these families and to talk with them about their process and children.

Emalyn is a great eater so far. For breakfast she had steamed eggs, fruit, conge and formula. Hank tried the steamed eggs and judging by the look on his face, I don't think I'd recommend adding them to your breakfast menu.

After breakfast we headed over to sign the official adoption papers. We had to cross the street to get there and while they have crosswalks marked on the pavement, they don't really mean anything. There were several times when I thought we were going to be hit by a car, van, motorbike or bicycle. In fact, on the way back Emalyn and I were almost hit, fortunately it was a bicycle and he only nipped my toe. Regardless, it's not a safe pedestrian system, to say the least!

Once safely inside the office, we had a picture taken of Emalyn, Hank and me for the official document showing we are her legal parents and a separate one of just Emalyn for her passport. She was not keen on the idea of being stood up between us for the family picture or to sit alone for her picture. As she screamed, the orphanage director and official came in and I was afraid she would reach for them since they were familiar, but, thankfully, she just continued to cling to me. After the pictures, we went into another room, answered a few questions (our occupations, educational plans for Emalyn and why we chose to adopt from China), signed the official adoption paperwork, were given a gift of a ceramic cup to remember the day, and sent to wait in a large room with other families. A few minutes later our guide came and said we were done and could go. There was no pomp and circumstance, no formal ceremony, no official oath, but she is officially our daughter now. FOREVER and ever!!!

Offically and legally a family of four

We spent the next few hours playing in our room. Hank brought out the iPod touch, turned on some music and gave it to Emalyn. She swayed from side to side and really started warming up to him. Adair, Emalyn and he played and played until lunchtime. The girls bounced balloons on and off the bed, stuffed pom pom balls into a bowl, and enjoyed being tickled by their Daddy. Emalyn seems very comfortable in our hotel room now. Her personality is really starting to come out. We saw lots of smiles today and she has shown us that she's a "tough cookie". She has a good left arm on her and has thrown lots of things for fun, but many that shouldn't be thrown. She has also hit a few times and pulled Adair's hair (with a huge smile on her face) while playing. We are starting to see the mischievousness her updates always mentioned and reminding ourselves that she's had to defend herself against many other children her whole life. It will take diligence and patience, but she will learn that, even in play and jest, these actions are not okay.

Playtime with Daddy and his two girls

After playtime, we grabbed lunch and a quick nap for Emalyn and it was time for afternoon appointments. This trip was by car, thankfully. The driving is crazy here, just like you've always heard, but I have to say I feel safer in the car than walking across the street! First we stopped at the Notary's office. We answered similar questions as we had this morning and opromised never to abandon Emalyn. Next we headed to the police station where they took another picture of Emalyn and will confirm she's "our baby" before her passport is issued.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped by Walmart for diapers and bottled water. It was quite the experience! It was in what looked like a mall, with lots of other stores and fast food restaurants and it was very crowded. The Chinese people navigate stores like they do vehicles on the road, so it was every man for himself. It actually made me nervous having Adair in there without a stroller and no hands to hold her. We managed to get what we needed, then headed back to the hotel.

Emalyn did really well on our outings, but she definitely clams up each time we go out and buries her head in my shoulder. Today she cried when we got in the car. I think she anticipates being passed off again each time we change locations. While its hard for her to come and go, I'm thankful we have these continuous opportunities to show her we aren't going anywhere and that she will always be with us.

When we got back to our hotel, we played for a while longer then decided to walk to KFC for dinner. Before we left I asked Hank to put Emalyn's socks and shoes on and when I walked back into the bedroom he was holding her! It was a huge break through moment and I'm not really sure what was special about that task to her, but I'm very glad we've turned that corner. She let him hold her all the way to dinner, during dinner and back again.

Breakthrough moment: first time Emalyn let Hank hold her

Now, while we would probably never eat at KFC at home, we desperately needed something other than what we'd been eating at the hotel everyday since we arrived. We did not have to cross the street to get there, thankfully, so it seemed like a simple outting, but ordering was interesting and then Adair announced she needed to potty. Up to that point we had been able to avoid all public restrooms other than those at our International hotel and the airport. We had to pull out our flash cards (thank you, Kelley) to find the bathroom and the second we walked in I knew it would be out first experience with A "squatty potty". Adair managed with me holding her hands and giving her instructions, but I'll be fine if we don't encounter another one this trip. Although, I'm sure we will.

After dinner, Adair fell asleep in the stroller as we walked back, so we skipped our baths, fixed Emalyn a bottle, brushed teeth, tucked Adair in and Emalyn and I snuggled in the chair until she drifted off to sleep.

Again, we just want to thank you for all of the ways you are encouraging us and lifting us up. Rest assured God is using you in great ways in Emalyn's adoption story, both into our family and, more importantly, God's family.



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