December 13

                   

Once again I am awake very early, I think it is 3:30 am.  It is so hard to sleep with so many new emotions, so much joy and just a pure love for life.  I will continue now with details of the remainder of our day yesterday.  After the baby woke up we all headed downstairs to meet with Judy, our guide.  We drove to the Provincial Building once again, but this time it was to finalize our adoption.  Once we arrived, we had our family photo taken for our paperwork, spent a few minutes talking with the Notary and being questioned on why we wanted to adopt this little boy.  The only question we did not answer correctly the first time was when asked when we were married.  Both of our minds went blank and we looked at each other and looked at her and I said " So many years that we cannot remember"  Does that count?  She laughed and then we blurted out the correct date.  All went smoothly and within a matter of minutes and just a few tears, (from me not the baby), he was OURS!  We knew this already, but now China agreed.  After we left the provincial building we went and bought an umbrella stroller so we could take our boy out to view his new world.  All this time, he is still so very quiet and timid.  Not the first tear has fallen and he appears to be a gentle, very quiet, easy going, baby.  I am still in disbelief that a boy of this age could be so well behaved and just go along with everything without any fuss.  I guess he was just waiting till all was official.  I am now HAPPY, ECSTATIC, and fully FLABBERGASTED to share with you all that this quiet little boy who would sit in one spot and not utter a sound is now a REGULAR 19 MONTH OLD BOY!  We came to our room and he started running, jumping about, climbing, giggling with such glee that I thought my heart would burst with happiness.  He is exploring everything in sight, mimicking what Joe and I do, giving us big belly laughs, throwing toys about, entertaining us, entertaining himself, and best of all,  he called me MAMA!  He did!  MAMA, the sweetest words I have ever heard in my life.  I remember the first time each one of my children called me mama.  I was just surprised that he could say those words.  I was not expecting to understand him since his palate has not been repaired.  He is just the perfect fit, for our family.  While he is very tiny, he eats like a horse.  We are keeping him on baby food until we have his palate repaired and at least this way we are getting the proper nutrients in him.  We do sneak him a bite or two of muffins, we can't resist as he stares at them with his mouth open like a little baby bird.  Today we will be meeting our guide, Judy, ( who by the way has been WONDERFUL) and will be taking the baby for his medical exam.  Since we started him on the antibiotics he seems to be feeling better and is not running a fever now.  This afternoon will be spent strolling through the park and just watching all the people.  Oh, and our favorite thing of all, looking at all the beautiful babies which are everywhere.  I will post more tonight on how this day progressed.  For all my Foshan Mommies, I am still waiting to find out which day we get to visit.  Of course I will let you know and I will post pictures of that day for all of you.  I know you are all so excited to see your babies faces.  I am just as excited for you!  Now, for my kids at home, I just need you to know that you better get your rest while I am gone, Daddy and I are bringing home a little whirlwind.  Sophia has nothing on this kiddo.  Boys I know you understand when we will be home but please help Sophia by telling her that Mommy and Daddy will be right back.  She will only understand those words.  Give her hugs and kisses from us and tell GAGA to give yall hugs and kisses from us.  I need you both to know that this is the hardest part of the adoption for daddy and me, being away from you three kids.  I love you with all my heart.  I love you too, mom.  Thank you for taking care of my babies.  I also want to thank all our family and friends who have supported us through this journey.  Everything has fallen into place beautifully and it is because of all your prayers, kind words, love and support.  This precious boy belongs to all of us, now he will know a family, he will have a bright future and wonderful life.  You all know how special you are to this family.  WE LOVE YOU!

Alicia and Joe    PS recheck yesterday for pics if you haven't
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church ...    Mass in Chinese is pretty cool
Carrots are good in the mouth...not as good out the nose
Sign where Alabama meets China in culture
These toys are quite fascinating

So you're my mommy....I think I'll keep you!