Sweet Smiles

Been seeing more of these today.

 I thought I'd try to balance the pitiful faces in the medical exam pics with some happy and peaceful moments. :~) 

Medical Visit- Thursday

Jenna has been more expressive today.  We've seen more smiles and tears than any other day. The tears were shed primarily at her medical visit, and once again, she recovered quickly.  The medical exam involved very little, but she simply didn't want anyone to mess with her.  Who can blame her?

The calm......

....before the tears.

10.05 kg ~22.7 pounds

After we got the "healthy" report, Simon took us to Flower City Square - a very beautiful, modern part of Guangzhou. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at some shops where Jonathan was able to purchase a shirt.   For those of you who know Jonathan well, you know this made his day!!  We then had a dumpling lunch before heading back to the hotel.  Jenna took a nap and David took Ella and Jonathan to the pool. Tomorrow we get to visit Dongguan Social Welfare Institute where Jenna has been cared for up until this week.

Wednesday, Part II - Police Station

The only pic taken at the police station before David was told to put away his camera. :~)

Hanging out in the hotel room

We were happy to visit the police station today.  Since this visit didn't involve lost passports, it was completely stress-free.  Getting Jenna's passport was the last thing we needed to do for the Chinese government.  Thursday we visit the medical center for a physical that is needed for US government.

Getting a Little Wild with a Mid-Day Post

We've had nothing on our schedule so far today.  We go at 3:00 today to the local police station to apply for Jenna's Chinese passport. We all slept late this morning.  I had woken up yesterday morning at around 2:45 and wasn't able to go back to sleep, so I was pretty excited to see that it was 6:00 am when I first woke up this morning.  We've been hanging around the hotel: at breakfast here, the kids swam  a little, and we walked around the hotel's garden area. Jenna is napping now along with her Dad. :~) 

Floating Flowers are at each elevator

Hallway leading to our room

The water was a little cool:~)

Catching a smile on camera is hard....

...but we'll keep trying

Calm Day in Guangzhou

On Tuesday, we left the hotel at about 9:30am to go back to the Civil Affairs Office where we received Jenna on Monday.  There we met with the registrar and notary officials.  We had two separate interviews that were brief and to the point.  We pledged to care for Jenna, provide her with a good education, and to never abuse or abandon her.  After signing a few documents we were on our way.  We went to a shopping market that reminded me of a flea market and wondered around.  Then we headed back to our hotel.  Jenna went to sleep almost immediately, and we lounged around the hotel the rest of the day.  David and Ella went and got some real Chinese take-out :~) and we even ate in our room.
We've caught Jenna smiling a few times, but it's hard to capture on camera.  She has eaten pretty well considering her huge transition and continues to be very easily calmed if something upsets her.  She had a bath last night which she was quite unsure of but adjusted well after finally making it in the water.  Ella offered to throw on her bathing suit and jump in for moral support which I know helped a lot.
So, nothing terribly exciting --but we're good with that. :~)

Waiting in the hotel lobby to go to the Civil Affairs Office

The street in front of the Civil Affairs Office

On the steps of the Civil Affairs Office

Meeting the Registrar to sign documents

We promise to care for her always.

An elementary school near the Civil Affairs Office

View out our hotel window. We're on the 28th floor.

Unsure of the bath

Jenna Day

What a great day! Jenna has been such a trooper today.  She cried for a very short time when her nanny told her bye and has had a couple of sad faces that were easily remedied.  We haven't gotten to smiles yet, but we feel we are moving in the right direction.  She's been very alert and taking everything in.  Ella and Jonathan have been fabulous. Everyone is in bed except for me, and I'm headed that way as soon as I publish this post.

On our way to get Jenna.

Heading into the Civil Affairs Office

Waiting for Jenna

The calm before the babies arrive.....

Of course, more paperwork

And, here she is with big sister Ella.

Jenna and Mommy

And big brother Jonathan

Most of the family:~)

Simon is translating information from the orphanage Officer of International Adoption and a caretaker.

Sweet faces

The Civil Affairs Office became quite a busy place!!

Jenna and Daddy

Jenna's agreement that she wishes to be adopted

Jenna's orphanage caretaker

Ready for bed