Day 2

It is official as of about Noon China time, Maggie is ours. Here are the days "process events". We left the hotel around 9AM for a day of paperwork. We spent most of the morning at the Civil Affairs office. We completed paperwork and took a family picture. Then, we wrapped up the China part of the adoption process by promising to educate Maggie and to keep her with us always. Pretty easy promises to make given what a cutie pie she is.

Then this afternoon at 2:30 it was off to the Police office to get Maggie's Chinese passport. The process there was really quick. Just show them our adoption certificate from this AM and our passports and sign a couple of forms,then we are done. The whole process for all 25 families only took about 45 minutes. Then it was back on the bus. We were back to the hotel by 4pm. So we are done with the Chinese part of the adoption process. The next few days are for fun and bonding..which is good, Maggie needs a break.

As for Maggie, well, no one consulted her regarding the new arrangements and she is just bitter. She tells us long and loud about her misfortunes too. From her point of view, these Chinese officials have handed her to total amatuers that don't know how to make her bottle, the temperature she likes that bottle or the position in which she likes to receive said inferior bottle. Therefore, she has chosen to only take one of these inferior bottles all day. The good news is the amatuers do have good access to Congee, which our little princess has decided she will eat. It is fairly liquidy, so I don't think she is going to perish, but I do wish she would drink something.

We have also learned a few things about our little one: She hates, I mean hates, being wet. She isn't fond of her new diapers either. When she is wet, she pulls at the tabs and wails. She is cutting at least two teeth. She sleeps completely sideways in her crib with her feet hanging out, and she has a delightful smile when she plays. Maggie is uncomfortable around men. Even Dad. Poor Dad. She just clings to me like velcro. If I leave the room, it is major drama. What is even more interesting is she intrigued by Dad, but not enough to let go of her fear. She glimpses at Dad, watches him, will let him hold her if I am not available, but if I am in the room, Dad is out like gouchos.

So, twenty four hours into life with her new family, Maggie still is unconvinced this is a good thing. Every now and then, we see glimpses the anger subsiding and it makes us smile. I am begining to think she is actually quite a character and it will be really fun to watch it emerge over time. One thing for certain about this child right now, she has very healthy lungs.