Got a smile today!!!

A short note to everyone to say we are doing really well. We were back at the Chinese Office of Social Affairs today, to complete the final paperwork to legally adopt baby Jasmine Zi Wan. All of the families gathered once again with their children for an interview with an official from the department about why we want to adopt the children, and then a second interview with a notary to formalize the adoption.

When we passed the exam, I handed a pin to the notary-public, with a little China and Canada flag intertwined. We shook hands, and got a photograph with him. His country, his government, and his signature have brought so much joy to our lives.

All of this took place in a beautiful office, with lovely children's toys and posters around the room. One of the nannies from the orphanage had stayed overnight to check on the children this morning at the government office.

As she walked through the room, she touched each child, and spoke to them. Without exception all of the children smiled, they obviously adore this woman. She felt their foreheads to make sure they weren't running a fever. For the few who had a runny nose she spent time with the parents to re-assure them, and made sure the translators had her best advice and instructions.

I feel very fortunate to be picking up the torch from these dedicated women. The kids are in very good health, some are crawling, all are grabbing toys, they've been very well cared for. It was really wonderful to see how much the kids loved this nanny.

After all the paperwork was done, it was back to the hotel for some down-time. We took it pretty easy. It's been an action packed couple of days, and it was time for little Jasmine to settle in.

Yesterday she was poised, wide-eyed, and pretty much speechless. Today she gurgled, and blew bubbles, cooed, giggled, and laughed.

Wow...what a baby.