Adoption Day

At the Civil Affairs Office finalizing our adoption of Lei Qing Quan.  Leiney Grace Qingquan is now officially our daughter.

Leiney Grace is signing her name.  This lady was the same one who did this part of the process for Lilly's adoption back in 2007.  She commented on how beautiful Leiney Grace is and on her pretty handwriting.

Sealing the signature with a red thumb print. After leaving Civil Affairs, our guide explained to Leiney Grace that I was officially her mama and that I would like her to have an English name. She embraced her new name and said it was her "favorite".

Leiney Grace is enjoying the digital camera.  I thought she was planning to just take a picture of me, but then she walked over and got in the picture with me and proceeded to snap this shot.  Well-done I would say!

Celebrating our official Adoption Day with Mcdonald's.  Aunt Lulu is already tired of Chinese food.  Leiney Grace enjoyed the fries but did not like her cheeseburger very much.

At Wal-mart with Amy's daughter, Julia.  Julia and Sam have been superb with Leiney Grace.  At Wal-mart, we did find an umbrella stroller that will accomodate Leiney Grace's long legs.  At first, she didn't want to get in the stroller although her beautiful grin remained as she shook her head "no", but after our guide explained why we wanted her to ride in it, she complied.  This will allow us to avoid the big and bulky wheelchair.

We tried swimming in the heated pool, but it was still too chilly for my taste.  Leiney Grace had fun and smiled and laughed the entire time.  It was a short swim and our only swim.  Leiney Grace got a bit too cold which of course further compromised her low oxygen levels.  She was really panting after we got back to the hotel room.  Aunt Lulu helped to warm her up as I gathered clothes and turned up the heat in the room.  The smiles returned shortly thereafter.  I will not make that mistake again : (

We had Chinese food at a restaurant across from our hotel. Amy and her family joined us, and we all had a delightful evening - except for little Lulu who is still grieving!  Leiney Grace took this picture of us at the table.

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Back in the room, Leiney Grace started blowing bubbles.  She loves this!

Time for bed!

Today was another wonderful and amazing day.  I am amazed at God's goodness.  I truly do not deserve the blessing I have received.  Leiney Grace is such a delightful child, and I am so honored and blessed to be her mother.

We have been Skyping with our family back home.  Leiney Grace blows kisses to Baba and her siblings.  She calls them "Jie Jie" or "Mei Mei".  I simply can not wait for the reunion of our family.  What a celebration it will be! 

I will end with a quotation I read last night from a novel I am reading, Meet Mrs. Smith.  It explains fairly well why I have just traveled half way around the world to adopt my 8th child.

"I expect to pass through life but once.  If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now and not defer or neglect it as I shall not pass this way again."

Praising God tonight that I have been so richly blessed by His child.