Day 2 - Love and Kisses

We slept well last night and started out the day at the breakfast buffet in our hotel. This truly is a 5 Star hotel. The buffet has hundreds of items both Western and Chinese including 2 Chefs that make omelets and traditional Chinese dishes while you watch. Rachel Lian (we are calling her Lian for now since she recognizes that as one of her names) ate and ate and finally told mama, no more. I was afraid she was going to pop or spew like a hot coke in the van.   After breakfast, we went back to the Civil Affairs (CA) office to sign the official paperwork and finalize our adoption for the China side. We were scared that Lian would get very upset again when she saw the orphanage employees and did not know what to expect today. After we came to the hotel last night she was tired but started feeling better after french fries and then we had a great night. I think she was more tired and sick from the car ride than anything else. She likes music and will color for hours. She likes to hug and gives us lots of kisses.   Today when we went back to the CA she was happy. She hugged the nanny and director and then sat with them and colored as we completed the paperwork and paid the fees for her adoption. She told them we were her mama and daddy and then waved for them to leave. She even hugged Jane, our guide, and told her to go too. Jane thought that was funny and told her that she could not leave yet. Lian talked to her for sometime in mandarin and I could pick up a word every now and then. I asked Jane what they said when she was done. Jane said that she had asked her if she liked her sister. Lian said she did like her sister and that her parents loved her very much. She told that to Jane without being asked and this shocked Jane. Then she gave us all a big kiss, took our hands and motioned for us to leave. We were shocked and happy. We are so blessed.   After the paperwork was done, we went back to the hotel and Jane ordered Pizza Hut for delivery to our room, a large Cheese pizza. It was GOOD! I really like the Chinese food and Joy and I both have opted for that at breakfast each day but it was good to have a real old fashioned American style pizza and it was delivered to the room for about $11 US. After lunch I went back to the grocery store that is about a half mile down the street. The walk is not bad if you forget the big hill that leads up to our hotel. I bought new socks and a pair of shoes for Lian and 2 kinds of building blocks since her teacher says she really likes to play with them. The girls all stayed at the hotel and a tickle match broke out while I was gone. They were having a blast and only stopped when I came back because I had toys and Oreo's. She likes to break them open and eat the middle first and then the cookie. we all laid down and took about an hour nap which is part of her normal schedule each day.   After the nap, we colored more and took turns blowing bubbles out the window. They really travel far since we are so high up. Tomorrow we have a big day of shopping planned. We are going to a huge department store to buy clothes, shoes and a suit case for Lian. We may have to send the luggage in a separate plane if this keeps up. We could not be a more happy family and it seems that every hour we see something new from our newest family member. She is catching on to English quickly, something i think is attributed to her being in a foster home that spoke a good deal of English. She has started saying several words in both languages, such as, shay shay-thank you. She really is very smart and hyper!   Here are a few pictures from last night and today.