The Chinese part of the adoption is complete.Today we went back to the Civil Affairs building to complete the Chinese side of the adoption. It was all pretty laid back & easy.
Most of the paperwork was filled out the day before, so there was just a few things to finalize.
First we went & had the interview...were we happy with her, did we understand the info we were given from the orphanage, did we understand she was considered special needs and that we were fine with keeping her (duh!!!), and that according to Chinese law we could never abuse or abandon her...did we understand and promise to never (duh, again!!! There's no way we could give this little cutie back, or abuse her....she's perfect!)
Next we went to take a family picture that will be attached to the adoption paperwork.
The last thing we did was see the notary. He had to fill in some more paperwork, he asked us why we chose China for adoption, how much money we make, and again whether we were happy with her and made us promise to never abuse or abandon her.
We were finished with that around 12:30, so we hurried back to the hotel to get Kalia some lunch, then layed her down for a nap. After that we checked out the bookstore a couple blocks down. It's 3 stories high and has 1000's of books. We were hoping to find some nice picture books of China (Hunan province in particular) and maybe some children's books in Chinese/English...but we didn't have any luck. We'll keep looking (any BTDT's have any ideas where to find something like this???)
We did have to cross the street to get to the bookstore. I was a little nervous (ok...a LOT nervous), but it was fine. We put Kalia in the baby carrier, and she seemed to really enjoy it. She LOVES to be outside. It was a little cooler and the wind was blowing...she thought it was pretty cool!
We came back to the room pretty early, ordered room service (pizza and shredded beef with red pepper...very spice & very good, and some congee for Kalia), then went to bed. We had to get up very early to head down to Chenzhou to visit the orphanage.
You can order Chinese/English chidlrens story books online from the US or UK. There are lots of dual language books available Chinese being only one but they are in characters and not pinyin. Our local library also has a selection so try that option as well. Glad things have gone smootly. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip now as a family:)
ReplyDeleteHi Brandi!
ReplyDeleteKalia is just beautiful. Congrats on the Chinese part being done. WooHoo!!!!
We were in China in February, 2008 and had good luck finding books in Chinese Characters, Pinyan and English. They even came with a DVD in Chinese. Maggie was mesmerized by the cartoons. We had to laugh because they were like fairy tales, but some of them were kind of scary. We found them in the shops in Guangzho. Just go in and ask for them.
Make sure you stop by the stores: A Gift from China, Sherry's Place (for the coolest squeeker shoes) and Jennifer's Place. Soak up some retail therapy for me!!!!
Hugs, Laney - Henderson, KY
We found some of those books in Guangzhou.
ReplyDeleteThose same people did our paperwork in Changsha!
Kalia is sooo cute! Can't wait to meet her!
Love all the pics Brandi, keep em coming. She looks so great! And you're getting some great advice about stores to shop at in Guangzhou.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading one families blog that they hunted all over for dual language books and evenually found them at Walmart.
ReplyDeleteKalia is adorable. Congratulations
Sandi
LID 3/27/2006
Brandi,
ReplyDeleteShe looks terrific. I loved seeing all the pics.
Lisa LeMasters
11/27/06
MOMA- HURRY UP AND GET HER HOME!!! I MISS U AND DADDY!! HOPW U,DADDY, AND KALIA GET HOME SOON!!! LOVE YA LOTS!!!
ReplyDelete~AMANDA