Kaelie is Ours!

With the stroke of a pen and a promise to love, cherish, and never to abandon her, this beautiful orphan that was left by a gate at two days old became ours. I'm in awe and I'm so in love. I can't wait to share her with her dad and the rest of our family who I know is waiting so eagerly to see and hold this beautiful girl.

Our day started at around 6:00 am. Kaelie didn't eat anything the night prior, so this morning she gulped down a HOT! bottle, played for a little while, gave me a present which I quickly cleaned up (i.e., first poo!), and then took a nap before heading off to breakfast.

Sweet sleeping baby

We enjoyed a breakfast here at the buffet of the Victory. They are good, but I think when the other families get to Guangzhou we are going to the White Swan for their buffet.

Silly girl blowing raspberries and zuberts!

After breakfast, we went to the Civil Affairs office to complete the adoption. This is nothing like the grand affair of going to court like we did in Russia with the boys. I was interviewed by the registrar and the notary, signed their interview documents, and then Kaelie became ours!

Lobby of Civil Affairs Office

Goofy-Girl blowing more raspberries!

Sound asleep in Mommy's arms!

After heading downstairs from the Civil Affairs office, Donna and Joe (Lauren's Mama and Baba), and I got back on the bus and waited for the rest of the families to finish. They had issues changing their fees to RMB at the bank and waited for what seemed to be forever. Allison came to the rescue and got the group moved up to the front of the line (except for Chrissy! Poor thing was hassled about having her number, so Allison came to the rescue again!).

Traffic in Guangzhou. Personal space, even while driving, is much closer than what we are used to.

We enjoyed a marvelous Chinese meal for dinner at a restaurant that Allison arranged. The food was delicious and the chopstick practice definitely paid off as there weren't any forks to be seen!

Stephe and Chrissy

Mama and Baby

Allison and Kaelie

The families of travel groups 103 and 104 enjoying dinner together (above and below)

Shaiman Island feels so safe. I walked with Kaelie in a borrowed stroller from Jenny's Place past the White Swan hotel and found a photo shop, so I dropped off the disposable camera that the orphanage sent back from Kaelie's care package (that and the care package bag were all that were returned, but that is OK!). Unfortunately the shop where I dropped off my laundry was closed, but I stopped at another shop and ordered a chop with Kaelie's name on it and a print of Kaelie's name. I also shopped today and bought: squeaky shoes (3 pair), brocade dresses and matching tights (since it's a bit cool here -2 each), a mother/daughter jade necklace (1), silk pajamas (for Kaelie - 1 pair). After shopping, I ended up getting free gifts from the store owners. I can't remember my other purchases, but I think I spent about $100 and got a BUNCH of stuff!

The side of the White Swan decorated for Chinese New Year

Tomorrow afternoon we are going to apply for the childrens' passports. So tomorrow I'll have nearly the whole day free to enjoy our new daughter, and shop at the stores!