Life continues...

We've been home almost two weeks now. I am on my "maternity" leave. Amelia has adjusted beautifully. She gets along with all the family, and seems to enjoy the attention and all the fun that each new experience brings. We have lots of things to take care of ... doctors, dentists, etc. etc. But all that will come with time. For now I am counting each moment and experience (except the ones at 2 a.m.) as a blessing to treasure! Here's a few pictures.

Oath-taking...Seeing grandparents..Home-coming

On September 9, at 3pm everyone in the group boarded a bus for the US consulate. We got to the consulate about 35 minutes later. It was a relatively easy process. First we went to a window and then they confirmed our identity. We then waited and finally a representative came out and had us take an oath. There were approximately 50 families total swearing in that day. I was the only Chinese. This appointment made our adoption final in the eyes of the USA . We couldn't take pictures or video of the event. After that, we received our packet of documents which we are to give to the immigrations officer at San Francisco Airport.

We saw Grandma and Grandpa on September 11. Amelia loves them. Who wouldn't? After all, Grandma's cooking is the best in the world.

On September 12, we arrived in San Francisco. My DH Bing and DS Jonathan, holding a big doll, were waiting to meet us. It was the most beautiful scene. We are finally home.

From China: 09/08/2009

This afternoon we took the traditional “red couch” pictures. The red couch is in the White Swan Hotel. Most adoptive groups that stay at the White Swan Hotel get their pictures taken on one of the red couches. Amelia is so cute.

From China: 09/07/2009

Mattel toy company has set up a special playroom here in the White Swan Hotel, where Amelia met some new friends - other adopted children. They had an absolute blast running around in there.

From China: 09/05/2009

Amelia had her medical exam on Saturday- necessary to get her visa. There were 4 rooms to go to- General Exam, ENT, Height Weight and Temp, and PPD test. The doctors and nurses are very friendly, but you can tell she has a fear of people in white lab coats. She was in tears as soon as she saw them. On Monday, her PPD was read - it's positive. Yes, there is a red bump on her arm. She had to have a chest X-ray - it's negative. I am extremely relieved.

From China: 09/04/09

The first plane ride for Amelia from Hefei to Guangzhou. Our guide Erin is a very sweet young lady. She helped us so much.

From China: 09/03/2009

Amelia Facts:

1. She has a great laugh! Her whole body laughs.
2. When she is sad, there is no one sadder.

3. She has the cutest little nose.

4. She has many mosquito's bites.

5. She is very curious.

6. She likes to talk.

7. She loves riding in cars. No car-seats here and crazy traffic. Not for the faint of heart.

8. She loves her bath.

9. She sleeps perpendicularly on a bed.

10.I love her so much !! How is that possible? I haven only KNOWN her for 36 hours!

From China: Photos

From China: Uncle Chris in Hefei

Uncle Chris 舅舅 came to Hefei to see us on Wednesday. We had fun together.

From China

It’s 5am Wednesday morning and Amelia is asleep. The last few days have been the most beautiful, wonderful moments of my life.

Let me start with Saturday Holt orientation. There are eight families in the group. I am the only one going to Anhui, the other families are going Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Shaanxi. We are all eager, excited, dazed, and ready.

Monday, “Gotcha Day”. I left Beijing on a 2 hour flight to Hefei in the morning. I arrived in Hefei at 12:30 p.m.. After checking in the hotel, I had 2 hours to doll myself up to go and meet Amelia. Strangely enough, I wanted to look pretty for her. I made it to the Civil Affairs Office. Shortly after my arrival, Amelia accompanied by the orphanage director and a nanny walked in. She was dressed in a blue plaid shirt, a pair black pants, and a pair of sneakers. She is precious. Moments later, I had a chance to speak with the director and the nanny. We could communicate without problems, even though their Mandarin is heavily accented by the local dialect. I emphasized our gratefulness for their good care – how it was obvious Amelia was loved. It was heart-breaking to see them go. Amelia was upset the first day and she asked me to take her to her foster Mom.

On Tuesday, I was interviewed by a Chinese official, and promise that I will never mistreat or abandon her. After all the paper work, Amelia is officially mine on Chinese side.

Amelia is very attached to me by Tuesday. She is an absolute chatter box. She calls me Mama. Last night, after reading a story, she held me and said: "Wo Ai Ni, Mama" (I love you Mama).

In spite of her apparent ease at joining me, she is still undergoing a tremendous transition. She's been through so many transitions: from her birth mother, to the orphanage, to foster care, and now to us. When she wakes of shrieking, I tell her, "Amelia, I am here. I will never leave you. You are safe."