It is final

Today we got dressed up and went to the government offices. We went through a small ceremony and were given our adoption certificate. I cried as the lady read that it is final effective today. She is ours, and we are hers, I cannot wait for her to meet the best big sister and brother in the world!! Look out kiddos she already has the same strong will and spunky personality. We were told she is shy, and she is at first but she is also a ham!! She keeps us laughing.

We ate lunch and napped and now we are trying to decide how to spend the last night in this beautiful city that has given us so much. The Chinese are a wonderful ppl, they are kind and hard working. I will make sure our daughter knows where she came from. She has a beautiful story that is still being written. Thank you God for this little princess!!!
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Wednesday

We had a lot of fun today. Ariana is doing better with us, she had cried during meal times a little before but the today she did great, we are trying to make them less "sit down and eat" and more "eat as we do other things " so it is less intense for her. She is such a smart little girl, she is signing several words already, and understanding a few more. She likes to call everything beautiful, and she actually showed us more what she likes today! Yay! Funny how we are looking for the defiant toddler to come out :).

We did have a rough time at nap time today, I think we had a night terror during the day. She started crying uncontrollably and nothing would console her, she fought me to touch her but I knew she needed me. We worked through it and she was sweaty and exhausted but she was clinging to my neck when she fell asleep. She woke up tired but with her beautiful smile.

Today we went on a boat on West lake to an island in the center, it was beautiful. Oh and Ariana is a pro at these crazy Chinese pottys. I however have been able to avoid them so far! We also went to the silk market, which was fun Vivian helped us bargain the prices down. We bought Ariana a couple traditional chinese dresses very cheap and a few other items too. It was fun. We are somewhat celebrities here, ppl have asked us to take pics with them and if they know English they yell hello. Most ppl are very positive about us adopting. Although we did have one lady "turn her back on us" it was funny.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Hangzhou, our daughter is from a beautiful city and we have many interesting stories to tell her. (And some funny ones too, about babies and kids peeing outside!) Tomorrow also finalizes the adoption in China!!! Then off to Guangzhou for 5 nights then Hong Kong for 1! Then home!!!!! Oh and btw, I need DrPepper!!! Only coke products here so far and a nasty version of MtDew! And cracker barrel on the way home pls??? Can't wait to see u all!

Love u guys!


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Day two (part 2)

we were concerned at how she would react when we went to the orphanage. We didn't want her to think we were going to leave her and we didn't want her to cry to stay. When we got close she started smiling and pointing, and practically jumped out of the van. ( I was concerned) she however held my hand and we played as we exchanged gifts with the orphanage. During the tour she held on tight and didn't leave my side. It was beautiful, she is truly beginning to trust us.

She seems to get emotional when we eat, I figured out if I keep her close to me she does better. We are learning, slowly all about each other. This child is so precious... I can't wait for you guys to all meet her!

Ok so for the momma/ daddy results?

I WIN!!! She said momma! Not only with her hand but her voice as well! I got so excited the whole van knew about it!!!

Love u all!
Kathy

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Day two

Ariana woke up well today. She didn't cry or get scared just slowly woke up. She has this beautiful smile that just lights up everything around her. David and I have been trying to teach her mama and daddy in sign. I was saying daddy to her all the time but reminded david yesterday to call me momma a lot too. So today in the van going to the orphanage she used one of them first. I am going to wait til the end to tell u which one. (Heehee mean I know)

We went to a kids amusement park close to the hotel, it was a lot of fun. She seems a little unsure when we leave the hotel, so we didn't know if she was gonna like the rides or not. She loved them, we took turns riding with her, except when my butt was too big for the tiny cars :). She would pull us toward the ride as we got close.

She hasn't really shown us her likes and dislikes to much but that seems to be changing. I am looking forward to her being comfortable enough to tell us no. (Cont)
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