Life is good!

It has been a great day!! Praise God. We signed the official paperwork to complete the adoption today :)

Ella Jijia woke up this morning and was rightfully concerned but then warmed up quickly. There was much laughing and communicating taking place today. I awoke from a nap to hear Ella talking in Chinese almost non-stop while she and daddy looked at pictures of animals online and made animal nosies together. I received my first kiss from my beautiful daughter. The guide was talking to her and asked who we were to which she replied - mama and papa (my heart leaps just thinking about that moment). Then the guide must have asked her if she wanted to give me a kiss. While I was holding her in my arms she leaned over and kissed me! Daddy is still waiting for his kiss. She turned her head away from him when asked the same question. If we haven't mentioned yet, she is a spirited little girl who does everything when she wants and how she wants. We don't have to guess how she is feeling.

We went shopping and out to eat this evening with Julie and Brandon (couple adopting from Hubei province also). It was a nice change of scenery for all of us as we were bored of our hotel rooms. Ella now has a new pair of shoes that fit her feet and a pretty new dress. We happened upon a popular Chinese local restaurant and had a good meal at a cheap price - great combination. The seating at the restaurant was sofas - we haven't sat on comfy furniture for a week. Emily, Julie and Brandon's daughter, started coming out of her shell at dinner and it was nice to be a witness to all of their excitement and joy. We were the source of amusement for two young Chinese boys at the table behind us. They walked over and practiced their English which was very good. They giggled as we spoke and then followed us out of the restaurant to ask for our telephone number? We politely declined but enjoyed the interaction.

Most people are curious and look at us - especially now that we have our children. Everyone has been kind. The traffic here in Wuhan is just as crazy as it was in Beijing. I'm starting to get used to the masses of people everywhere and even enjoying the bussel.

We miss home and Colin and Carleigh very much. While we are not able to read our blog from China (it is blocked as are most social network outlets), we feel your prayers and we send our love and thanks.