Paperwork, Patrick Swayze, and Firsts

Our first night with Charlotte was a dream.  She prefers to be held right now and would cuddle up close, taking everything in.  I gave her a bottle and she fell right to sleep and slept through the night, with no issues.  This morning at breakfast, she seemed to enjoy trying new foods, and really liked French toast and bites of my omelet.

Today we completed all of the paperwork in China, and the Chinese government officially recognizes us as Charlotte's parents.  As many of you know, Wade has a gift for being organized with paperwork, and all of the ladies at City Hall (which is actually government officials meeting in an apartment), would say, "Your husband is so handsome and so smart with paperwork.  He reminds me of that actor in the movie Ghost."  So, Wade has been admired for his Patrick Swayze looks and his penchant for filling out government forms.  If only they could see his dancing and pottery skills.

While we completed the paperwork, Charlotte played happily on my lap with the elephant toy which Margaret picked out and came out of her shell a little bit.  She also said her first word for us, which was, "Mama."  It was a beautiful sound!

After we got the forms done and her passport applied for, our guide suggested we drive to the place where Charlotte was found as an infant.  What was supposed to take 30 minutes took a couple of hours.  Our guide and driver knew the general area (like knowing where Norcross is in relation to Atlanta), but didn't know how to get to the actual park.  They stopped a few times to ask and nobody seemed to know how to get there.  Finally they found a man on a scooter, who guided us, all the while stopping pointing to a place and then starting over again.  It was definitely an adventure.  I so appreciated our guide persevering in finding the place because I think Charlotte will want to see and know that part of her history.  She was left on a sidewalk right across from a school and police office, and our belief is that the parents knew that she would be taken to safety in the midst of such a crowded place.  I pray that God would supernaturally let them know that she is loved and cared for, as I'm sure they had no other option.  Many families here don't have the resources to care for a sick baby, and they know that the government can hopefully get them the care they need.  I can't imagine having to make such a heart wrenching decision.  While we were in our marathon car ride, Charlotte cuddled up and took a nap.  I'll post some pictures of her in front of the place where she was rescued at the bottom of this post.

When we returned to the hotel, I played with Charlotte, while Wade went to get lunch, and she laughed for the first time with me.  She lifted up her toes and I played "This Little Piggy", and she giggled and held out her toes again.  She seems to have moments where she is able to open up and smile or play, but there are also times when she seems overwhelmed and will cuddle up or sleep.  We are grateful that we have the freedom and time to let her needs dictate what we do.

The rest of the day will be spent around the hotel, walking around a nearby park, and venturing out for dinner.  Tomorrow we will visit her orphanage and meet her nannies.  Evidently, it will be hard day for the nannies, as she was a favorite with them.

Have a wonderful day! Love to all,
Maran and Wade

 Bonus shot of the first smile we caught on camera.  Or should I say the first one that MaMa caught on camera while Dada was out of the room.