Official Adoption-- She's ours forever!!!!!

This afternoon we had our appointment with the civil affairs officer and swore to care for Sihua forever as our own child.  We all has our finger prints on the paperwork and she is confirmed to be our daughter.  The ceremony was very emotional for Ryan and I as we officially became her parents.

Our day was very full as we visited the orphanage this morning and then hurried home for a quick nap for Huahua .  During nap Ryan ran to the grocery store for grapes for Huahua and tried to find Subway.  When he returned it was time to leave and didn't realize we would have pictures taken at the civil building,  So since Lifeline families stick together--the guys shared the same shirt for pictures!  It's so wonderful having another couple to share this experience with.  As we were waiting for our appointments, Huahua had to go BaBa! (that's poopy!)  The other mother explained there were only swatty potties at this building.  Oh no, I thought!  This would be our first experience of this and with a two year old.  She managed perfectly until I realized there was no toilet paper!  The other little girl went and got some tissue out of my purse for me.  Again Lifeline families stick together!!!  We're here for each other.

It was amazing moment to hear she is officially our daugther!  Huahua enjoyed getting her finger all messy with ink too.  Right outside the civil affairs office is the huge water exhibit timed to music and every time we leave the building there is a show going on as if planned for our departure.  Beautiful celebration of our gifts of adoption!

Both Lifeline families--Notice only one father can wear the shirt in this picture!  

Huahua entertaining the troops while awaiting our appointments

She was attached to the gift bag.  Loves to carry things around.