What Else Ya Got, Mom?

We returned to the scene of the crime this morning and had our official meetings with the registry official and notary public. Marin is now our responsibility and we were formally asked our intent to accept her and make her part of our family. Although it may seem like some small formality, in the eyes of the Chinese Government it legally and morally solidifies our relationship with our new daughter. And with truth and confidence in our hearts we enthusiastically said "yes".

The main lobby in the Civil Affairs office was a much calmer scene today than it was twenty-four hours ago. To describe it yesterday as complete chaos would be an understatement. We were prepared for a hand off similar to Helena's, three years ago. On that afternoon each family was called up individually, their child was then brought out to them, they would greet him/her and then find a quiet corner to be alone with their new bundle. Not the case yesterday. Children (and their accompanying caregivers) arrived from every possible direction. All four of our group's families received their girls at approximately the same time. Although all of our (group's)introductions were fairly peaceful and subdued, this was not the case for everyone in the lobby. There were a few scared little souls and lots of tears. These initial meetings are hardest on the older kids (Butch and Mandy can relate with their "screamer")and we witnessed one especially difficult introduction. With their new son screaming bloody murder, Val offered them a little pep talk and shared little Reid's story with them. Butch and Mandy, fine folks from our first trip, endured an hour and a half of a wailing Reid, before he succumbed to their patience and warmth. I can still remember the three of them (Butch, Mandy and their new son Reid)filling the back of our bus with infectious laughter --all the way back to the hotel. We are happy to report that today we learned this same scenario occurred yesterday, with the little boy's fearful eyes replaced with grins and giggles.
But, enough about other people's kids...how about this daughter of ours? We had an amazing day getting to know this precious little gift. She is a charmer and loves to share her little smiles with whoever might catch her eye. Mom thought it was high time to introduce her to a couple kid staples, cheerios and rice congee. Marin's reaction, "Mom, where have you and your cheerios been all my life?!?!?!"