Yesterday after the big day Joey slept from 5:45 pm through the night until about 5am.
The formal adoption was finalized today. All sixteen families, with babies this time, boarded a tour bus and traveled 20 minutes to the Adoption Registry Center of Guandong Province located in the Provincial Civil Affairs Office. It was like entering the Dept of Motor vehicles. Joey was the 480th adoption in this particular province in 2007.
This was the same building we were in yesterday when we received Joey. The purpose of today's trip was to finalize the adoption and was a very legal and bureaucratic process compared to yesterday's emotional event. It was a three stage process which really began the evening before when we filled out several forms.
First we had our "official adoptive family picture". (Again, similar to the DMV.) They did not offer us a copy, if they did we'd have our Christmas cards done. Next we met with the Registry Official who verified our background and asked a few simple questions including whether we were satisfied with the child and confirmed our intent never to abuse or abandon the child. Our second "interview " was with another young female. I really think the entire country is run by young adults less than 30. Guess I'm showing my age. This young lady, the Notary Public, asked similar questions. She also asked if we were pleased with the child and understood my humor when I asked what to do 15 years from now when we may not be so pleased. The Notary and one of our guides had a brief exchange about Joey and the Notary agreed with our guide that Joey was (phonetically now) a "fate zee" - fat boy!
After an uneventful 3 hours we headeded back toward the bus to return to the hotel. As we loaded several Chinese women came over to see Joey and rubbed his cheeks and legs.
Prior to the morning's activities we did all have a nice breakfast at the buffet - which is great. Joey rapidly transitioned, with all 94 teeth, to scrambled eggs, carrots, fruit, french toast, crackers etc. He still gets a couple of bottles of formula daily and we recently figured out which bottle/nipple gets juice into him. A major breakthrough. Such are the trials and tribulations in Guangzhou.
He is perfect in every way - except one -but seems to be working on that major development as I type this note. We'll keep you updated. I'm not really sure how MB would document that occurence!
MB and the boys!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Joey is adorable!! It has been great reading your stories and knowing that all is going well. We are so happy for the 3 of you! We'll continue to check your "status" in China! :)
Such wonderful news! Thank you for sharing. How old is Joey? I can't seem to find that in your messages. I hope you will post lots of pictures of Joey's development in his new home (for those of us who won't see him for awhile). My best wishes to the three of you and your new-found happiness, Joey!
Post a Comment