Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Our first night together, we went to bed early it had been a big day for Mama and Elliott. Elliott slept all through the night. Yeah for Mama ! Let's hope we have a repeat of sleeping through the night for many nights to come.

Some things I have learned about Elliott since yesterday. He only sucks his 2 fingers when he is tired and close to falling asleep. He sucks his right hand fingers which means he will be right handed.

In the morning we ate breakfast at the hotel buffet, we met the guide at 9:15 AM in the hotel lobby, we took the van to the Xi'an Civil Affairs office, we met the notary and completed a few questions and signatures, an interview with the director of the Civil Affairs office to make the adoption final here in China. The notary asked where my husband was and I am brave women to come to China all by myself. I told notary this was 3 adoption from China and I am doing Ok without someone here with me in China. We then went to the police station to finalize the Chinese adoption and receive Elliott's Adoption Certificate. It is official in the eyes of the Chinese Goverment Elliott is our boy and the adoption is complete. We are waiting for Elliott's Chinese Passport and will pick it up on Friday.

The we went shopping at Walmart in Xi'an. Ethan, Emily, Evelyn, and Elliott got new Chinese PJ's for bed. New jammies was one thing on their list from China Mama must bring home. I wanted to pay by credit card at Walmart and was told by the cashier they can only accept local credit card not international. So I paid with Chinese money.

Next I begged the guide to take us across the street from Walmart to the outdoor market shops where we can barter /negotiate on the price. This my favorite shopping in China, but the guides get all worried. We stopped only at one vendor with kids clothes and got 6 pieces for a few dollars US money.

Elliott was so tired he was sucking his fingers, but would not fall asleep, as there was to much to see and take in as we drove in the van.

It is the afternoon and we are back at the hotel for Elliott to take his nap.

To all the families that were in my travel group prior to adopt from China and have been spied by the baby clothing police.

I was determined on this trip that I would not be spied by the baby clothing police for not having my baby dressed warm enough.

So I put Elliott in the traditional 3 layers today with no jacket and out we went. It has been mid 70s to 80 degrees. I have been hot here in China and wearing short sleeves with jeans.

Today I was spied by the baby clothing police and told my baby was too hot and I could take him down a layer. I just have to chuckle and pass along you can have your baby dressed too warm in China. HaHa !!