Sunday-Monday, May 16-17, 2010
GOTCHA DAY!

Hi Everyone! Sorry for the delay in posting, but these past two days have been a whirlwind! To update everyone: We left Hong Kong Sunday morning and flew to Nanchang. This is the capital city of Lilli's hometown located in the Jiangxi province. What a different world from Hong Kong. This is an area rarely on the tourist map for Westerners' vacations. We certainly draw attention on the streets of Nanchang!

Heading to our hotel in Nanchang, our CCAI representative summed up the area. It is known for three things: hot weather, hot food and spicy girls!

Speaking of spicy girls, we met Lilli Kate for the first time Sunday afternoon, soon after checking in to our hotel. What an emotional time. Seeing so many families joined together so quickly with crying, scared babies! There was immense happiness, but at the same time, everyone was aware that the children were having a very stressful time. We were the last family to receive our child. Right before Lilli was handed to us, the director informed us that she was not feeling well. She was burning up with a fever and her breathing was very labored. Thankfully, she had been treated by the SWI's physician and given a prescription medicine. She felt horrible Sunday evening, but ate and slept well (after we received instructions on the medication, etc.). She was a different baby this morning. She is a happy baby and has been smiling and kicking and playing all day. She really LOVES Sean. She watches him and grins at him all the time! The CCAI representatives have said that these little girls sometimes prefer the guys in the group. Thankfully, she seems to like me as well, but Sean can make her smile a lot quicker!

Today, Monday, we became official parents of Lilli. We finalized the adoption registration, notarization and applied for Lilli's passport. Later today, we will visit the local Walmart (yes, I said Walmart). I will be purchasing more long sleeve clothing for Lilli so as not to be reprimanded by the local clothes police (Little old Chinese women that take offense to Westerners traipsing around town with improper clothing on Chinese babies!) Lilli is napping soundly after eating noodles and fried rice. Hopefully she will continue to improve health wise. Fortunately, tomorrow all of the children are examined by the physician who will visit us at our hotel. We will be certain to address any remaining concerns with him tomorrow.

I have included a few pictures, but will keep everyone posted.

I am so ready to be home with Lilli to see Logan and family. We feel as though we have already been here for two weeks.

Hope everyone is doing well. Love.