Day 4 - Adoption Day - October 14

It is now official. Kathryn Xuna is now my daughter!

Today was the day that we signed all of the papers to officially adopt Kate in the eyes of the Chinese government. We had to promise that we would always take care of her and never abandon or abuse her, and we did so gladly. Praise God! It is a good day!

The orphanage workers were there while we signed the documents, and they tried to get her to come to them, but Kate ran to Baba and held onto his neck tightly. The woman who she had clung to wasn't there, but we are still happy that she wanted Baba to help keep her safe. She has come a long way in just 24 hours.

Afterwards, we came back to the room and played for awhile before walking to a nearby mall. It was much too expensive for our tastes (and none of us were in the mood to shop), but it was good to get out. Plus, we discovered a Papa John's, which we returned to for dinner. On the way to the mall, we passed by many shops selling just about anything you could imagine (No live animals though. Sorry folks. It was pretty tame). We stopped in one and found some new shoes for Kate (hers were too small) for about US$4. Now that is more like it!

She fussed more at naptime today, maybe because she loves her brothers even more than yesterday. And when she woke up, she was fussier too. But Baba helps to calm her, and all was well. She still doesn't care for me, but we have moved up to toleration, as long as I keep my distance. I only got one really nasty look today (right after nap). Every time we ate, she wanted me to do my "Mmmm" noise again, and she would giggle and clap her hands. I will take it where I can get it.

She is voluntarily hugging Daddy and Ben now. She lets Will hug her too, and she asked Mimi to pick her up once. She did accept a French fry from me at lunch, and a necklace that I gave her to wear. So we are making progress. Slowly:)

She is fiesty, and has a wonderful sense of humor. At bed time, she wanted to sleep/play in the bed with her brothers. She was giggling up a storm, and had the rest of us in belly laughs. But mean old Daddy made her come to our room. She forgave him quickly and right now she is in her bed, drifting off to sleep while Daddy sits beside her with his hand on her.

Tomorrow we are off to Suzhou. I can't remember what we are supposed to see tomorrow, but I'm sure it will be lovely! Pray for us. We are so tired, but happy. I think I will relax more when we are back here in Nanjing and we get our laundry back, clean and pressed. Hopefully both of those things will happen on Friday. We hope to have internet access in Suzhou, but no promises.