Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Notary and Registration Day

Tuesday started out early.  We had to meet our guide in the lobby at 8am to go back to the Civil Affairs office for two interviews, one with the notary and the other with the registrar, to have Sophie's picture made, and to do a little more paperwork.  It was a pretty painless process, with the exception of the registrar.  He didn't seem to like us too much, but we understand that we were his first customers that morning and that he gets more friendly throughout the day.  I was a bit nervous he was going to tell us that we couldn't proceed with the adoption!  I don't know that that has ever happened before, but I was a little worried.  Maybe he just needed a little more time to wake up or another cup of coffee or tea! 
 
Anyway, we had to tell them why we wanted to adopt from China, and then we had to promise to take very good care of her, to never discriminate against her, abandon, or abuse her.  When we were done there, we went to Carrefore shopping.  It's a French Wal-mart basically.  It has more than one floor, though I'm not sure exactly how many floors.  We only went to two of them, the food level and the level that has diapers.  To get from one floor to the other, you take something like a moving sidewalk that goes up.  Imagine an escalator, but without the steps.  They have anything in there you could ever imagine.  We bought a watermelon, some drinks and snacks, and of course some diapers and wipes.  I brought one package of diapers with me, but they are too big.  She wears 12m or 18 month shirts, but 12m pants fall off of her.  She has a tiny hiney, needless to say!  It's a good thing someone suggested that I bring safety pins!  The shopping carts are much different here than in the US.  Here, the front and back wheels swivel.  I have to say it was very hard not to run down someone or something with that cart!  That was about the extent of our day.
 
Several people have asked if we have met many people while we have been here.  There is a family from Atlanta down the hall from us.  We've shared some of our meds with them, as their little girl is sick with a cold or bronchitis or something.  Then I finally met Fliss and her husband who live in Florida.  They were introduced to us by a mutual friend, Monica.  Thanks, Monica!  Before coming to China, we had only chatted via email or on Facebook.  Fliss is a hoot!  They have a precious daughter.  We've met a couple from New York who are adopting a little boy, a family from St. Louis who is here adopting their 6th daughter.  This family used our adoption agency for one of their previous adoptions.  And a family from Maryland, who is in Fliss's group.  Everyone has been really friendly, and it's been a lot of fun getting to know so many different people.
 
 

5 comments:

Johnnye said...

I come in to work each morning anticipating new pictures!!! They just get better and better. Does she like the new clothes? Seems we might have a gymnist on our hands. Bo, I think she's going to have you wrapped around her finger (she probably already has :). Renee and I think time is moving too slow..we're ready for you all to come on home!! LOL

A Cup of Cold Water said...

i am LOVING all of the photos!!! and am thanking God for helping her adjust! such wonderful news!!

when you go to shantou, keep that camera ready and your eye out for lulu! i am going to pray she happens to make a surprise visit to the swi so you can tell me all about her!!! ;)

The Princess's Mommy said...

Oh so glad you were able to meet Fliss! I just love her!! Now, give her a little encouragement to update her blog! LOL

The pictures of Sophie are all precious! I just love that sweet smile!

Praying things continue to go well!
Love you,
Monica

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad Sophie is adjusting so well! From the pics it looks like she is perfectly content. We look forward everyday to the new pics! Your still in our prayers.

Kim Stanley said...

You all look so very happy!!! This is one beautiful little girl. Please keep the stories coming. I have shared this blog with so many of my friends in Grove Hill and they have fallen in love with Sophie at first sight. Take care.