Getting to know you...

Sorry I didn't post last night, we were all bushed and crashed shortly after Sarah at 9:00. I am going to try and write this from Monday night's point of view.

Tuesday morning we went back to the civil affairs office, the police department and the notary to complete the paperwork we started Monday. The process would not take too long for a family alone, but with 14 families it takes a while as we all take turns individually with the official. The adoption is now official according to the Chinese government. All we need now is the correct paperwork to get out of the country.

After that, it was back to the hotel to eat and nap. Sarah did not get down for a nap until almost four, then slept until after six. She had her first bath in complete terror. No playing in the tub this time! Her look of unhappiness in the picture says "I don't like you right now." Her skin looks very healthy and we have not noticed anything out of the ordinary besides delayed development.

The babies in our group range from 8-14 months I believe. Few can sit on their own and none are sitting up, crawling or walking. I'm not even sure any can roll over. Sarah can sit well and picks Cheerios up, but has yet to put one in her mouth. She will hold and roll it in her hand until it is smushed and wet.

Right now one of my biggest observations is how little initiative she has taken to reach out for things. My guess is fear is a factor she is still overcoming as she is working on getting comfortable with us. Compared to some other babies she is taking things quite slowly in that arena. Some are laughing and playing with their parents and others are still crying a great deal (some almost non-stop until they collapse from exhaustion).

She continues to eat and sleep well. If she doesn't like something, she just pushes it right back at you with her tongue. She didn't like eggs, but liked watermelon. (Sounds like Elizabeth!) We did see hints of a smile today, so we know one is in there! I have a feeling her sisters may be a great help in finding them.

We were able to go to the local Wal-Mart Supercenter. Yes, even here! We all bought baby supplies and snacks! Chinese Lays, Chinese Chips Ahoy, some bottled water and chocolate. There are many in our group having trouble finding something they are willing to eat. We were able to order pizza from Pizza Hut tonight. The American standard on the menu is Pepperoni and Cheese, otherwise you start venturing into some kind of fish and other items unidentifiable by me.

McDonalds and KFC are also found here. KFC is everywhere and hugely popular. The Chinese are not fans of ground beef according to our guide, so McDonalds is not as popular. The fries are still the same though.