Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Adoption Day



Today, we headed back to the Civil Affairs Office to complete the paperwork to adopt Alisha. The process is pretty simple; after taking our family picture they asked us several questions including do we still want to adopt Alisha. Before we were finished, we had to put our fingerprint in red over our signature on the papers and we had to have Alisha put her footprint in red on the paperwork also. Kind of cool that we have a copy of that to bring home with us. After the paperwork, Jerry went to the bank to deposit our adoption fee. Because we are giving them US Dollars, this part takes awhile. While I waited for him back at the office, I was able to talk to the other 3 families that were also adopting special needs children. They are all amazing families and each has their own story to tell.

With all the stress of yesterday and going to sleep so late last night (Jerry finally got her to sleep around 10pm), Alisha was exhausted. I got her to nap in my arms for about 1/2 hour at the Civil Affairs office.
After lunch, she took a long nap and we were off to see the famous Yellow Crane Tower. It was beautiful and Alisha seemed to be the star of the day. There was a bunch of Chinese tourist who kept trying to talk to us and even asked for a picture of them with Jerry and Alisha.

Upon getting back from the tower, Alisha took a long nap. She is now up with Jerry in bed eating Cheerios. She still clings to Jerry more when she is crying. He seems to have the special touch.

Our little girl is amazing and we are learning more about her such as:
  • She doesn't like it when we change her clothes or her diaper and lets us know about it.

  • Her favorite toys are the lids to her bottles or the blue Gerber Graduate canister

  • She scrunches up her face before she cries, smiles or laughs

  • She loves her binky and won't let it out of her sight. The Nanny told us that she uses her binky to comfort herself and they even tied a string around it for her. Just in case, I am headed to the store tomorrow to buy a duplicate. We want to keep her as content as possible while we are in China.

I spoke to soon... Alisha is having a meltdown and we are not having a lot of success calming her down. Hopefully, she is just tired and Jerry can get her to sleep soon.

We had a hard time posting pictures today, hopefully more tomorrow.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

TO THE PROUD AND LOVING PARENTS OF ALISHA LI

... as if you didn't know it already your daughter is absolutely beautiful.

Thanks for giving us so much insight into your journey. It makes me feel like I am walking it with you.

Just hang in - She will clam down as she responds to yours and Jerry's love. Girls do tend to be emotional.

I love you guys very much

MOM

PS - HAPPY CHANUKAH

Beth said...

Congratulations on the official adoption. You are now a family.

Those are two terrific photos. Keep them coming!

Beth

Anonymous said...

What a great family picture!!! How cute is that outfit she has on - she is definitely going to be the best dressed little girl. Words can not describe how happy we are for you!!

Love you all,

Cathy, Mitch, Tara, Eric, Brian & Danielle

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS!!! What a BEAUTIFUL daughter you have. The pictures you have as a family in the Chinese community/sights are wonderful. You all are radiant!! I'm thinking about you all & your safe trip home...yikes - I hope Alisha likes planes!!

Love & blessings,
Nancy T.

Anonymous said...

Jerry had that same calming ability for many individuals at the Starboard! Glad everything is going well! Keep the pictures coming
Susanne

Anonymous said...

Already a Daddy's Girl :) Matthew is very excited to meet Alisha and show her around town! Congrats guys!

Thom, Cindy & Matthew

Anonymous said...

This is so fun checking each day about your adventures. I think you should continue it when you get back. Kidding!! She looks great and all almost one year olds have meltdowns...you sound like you guys pros already. It must be Jerry's dancing that calms her (hee hee hee). The pictures are beautiful...can't wait for tommorows. Love ya Lauren