China Day 4: Official Adoption Day!

It's official!  After our one-day "harmonious period" with Lucille as the Chinese government calls it, we had our appointments back at the Civil Affairs office this morning to finalize the adoption.  Two interviews and several signatures later, Lucille is now officially an Adolphs kiddo!  The day was pretty low key after that.  We had a light lunch at our hotel room, did some minor grocery shopping, and Lucille took a nice nap.  She also had her first bath and her first taste of an ice cream bar (we'll let you guess which one she loved and which one was not appreciated).

One thing that's different from this trip from when we got Helen is that we really don't know any other families here.  We had several families that hung out and did things together pretty much every day from the start during our 2012 trip, and this time we've been feeling pretty alone.  And then, God met our desire for community today.  Heather posted on an adoption Facebook group to look for someone here with something specific we needed.  One mom happened to respond that is staying in our hotel!  Off we went to the 12th floor and we came across a family that was equally thirsty for a conversation with some westerners.  They invited us in and we spent about an hour just talking together as if we had known each other for a long time (Ella even ended up playing Legos and taking selfies with one of their daughters).  That's a big praise for today.

May 31 is a special day for another reason -- it's also our anniversary!  Today marks 13 years since our wedding day.  We went out to eat at Cow and Bridge, a favorite Thai/Chinese restaurant from our last visit here.  They completely changed the menu and fancied up the decor, but the four of still us ate a huge meal for about $15 USD. The past 13 years have been amazing, and we are unbelievably blessed to have welcomed four amazing children into our family.

We're seeing Lucille open up a *little* bit, but no major breakthroughs yet.  We got an almost-smile this morning, but it's like she realized what she was doing and immediately thought "not for you!" :-)  So while today's photos share a common theme and a common face, and though we've yet to see a big smile or hear her utter a single word, we're letting her warm up in her own time.  As we wrap up today's update, Lucille is coloring with mommy. Precious times with a precious little girl.