Melynda's Birthday

This afternoon we all went to the American Consulate for the swearing in ceremony and thus the adoption is done and visa issued so we can travel back to the States tomorrow. The whole event was nothing more then waiting in a room then a group swearing in and then leaving. It took longer to get there then to finish everything. It was a little bit of a let down, but good to know everything is done!

After that our group went to Lucy's for one last group dinner and yet again another birthday party. This is Melynda. She turned one. She came into Civil Affairs with Claudia on Gotcha Day and the care taker was crying when she handed them over to us. Claudia clearly remembers Melynda and it is clear that they are friends. It is weird to think that they knew each other before they knew us. Melynda was described by the orphanage as obstinate...she cried in her referral picture and cried on Gotcha Day. Soon there after she became a Daddy' girl, almost snubbing her Mommy, but as each hour and day pass you could see Melynda changing. She laughed more and more. She let her mommy hold her for short times and by today she knew for sure who her mommy was..it is amazing to the transformations these little ones have made in this short time.

Dinner was another bittersweet gathering. While it will be so exciting to leave..living in this "cocoon" as Jim calls it these past weeks was like a second home. We all shared something that is hard to describe. I was in a room when five women became Mommies and five men became Daddies for the first time, that i something that I will never forget. In this short time we have found friends. Our guide Grace will be so missed. She helped us through this process and dealt with all our complaints and too became a friend. I will miss all these people and babes and only hope we continue to watch our children grow.

I will also miss the China I have seen and the China I have yet to discover. I hope to return again when Claudia is older and bring Colton along too...It is a unique country with unique and fabulous people. Much different from the US, but for the most part very warm and welcoming. Plus the food has been outstanding. I am unsure how I will deal with US takeout again??

Right now I am packing and getting everything ready for our journey home. We will be up at 5 am and then on our way home to introduce Claudia to her brother. I miss him dearly but realize that we did need this time to get to know our daughter. While not every moment has been easy, I would not trade it for the world. Cha Lian is bright and funny, likes to head-but and when she smiles and reaches for me I just melt. She is where she was always meant to be..so now I am off to finish packing and maybe stop in a shop or two..Ciao!

Oh yeah I posted today's photos below..enjoy!