China Official

Well my girls are napping soundly.  That means dad is assigned to a Trust Mart run and blog duty.  We have had Ruthie for almost 24 hours now.  We're smitten to say the least.  We Skyped the boys this morning and introduced them to their new little sister.  Lawson was in full scale indian attire and Fletcher was his usual charming self.  They're going to be excellent big brothers for sure.

Today was another banner day.  Yesterday was Gotcha day (life-changing).  Today we re-visited the Civil Affairs office where the Chinese government took one last look over our adoption papers, interviewed us, took our picture for adoption registration, and declared Ruthie legally ours according to China law.

Aside from being China official, Natalie and I are beside ourselves as to how well Ruthie has taken to us. Yesterday she was the most "vocal" little thing in the Civil Affairs office - "outshining" all other children in the room that day - she was a "star".  She has a pair of lungs on her so Children's Choir look out.  Today we were a different family walking back into the Civil Affairs office. No tears, no fearful postures - just perfectly contempt to be with mommy - ever trusting and enjoying life.  Natalie and I sat in the same room where we just were the previous afternoon and were amazed.  God continues to be kind.

On top of this, Ruthie appears to be feeling much better.  On Gotcha day we discovered she had a fever and diarrhea (wonderful condition for Gotcha day right?).  Today, no fever, no diarrhea, and Ruthie's appetite rivals her brothers.  Here are pics from the morning (thank you for praying).
 

Girls require so much more to get ready in the morning.  Ruthie sat in the mirror with mommy - fascinated with her makeup bag.
After an exhausting previous day (it was exhausting for us - can't imagine the toll it had on her) Ruthie slept like a rock - nuzzled right between us.  Every now and then she would let out a deep sigh, low snore, or forcefully swing over rubbing her hands past our arms.  Special moments that we will cherish!

Walking with Rebecca (our guide/friend) and adoption group back to the Civil Affairs office.

Mom with Rebecca and sleeping baby.  We would be lost without Rebecca.   From the paperwork to visits to the pharmacy and everything in between.  If she were not there I would probably still be in a store somewhere wandering aimlessly through the aisles.

Preparing for our Adoption Registration pic.  Ruthie knows how to work a camera.

Just nineteen hours ago Ruthie sat in this exact room filled with 30-35 other children without parents.  Today she sits with Mom and Dad.

Sore gums and constantly gnawing on things equals teething

The curtain behind my girls is what separates the children from adopting families on Gotcha day.  It was through this curtain that Ruthie was walked out and delivered into our arms.

Our adoption group - now bonded for life in a special way.
From the right:
The Pattersons from Michigan with Savannah
The Grubbs with Ruthie
The Addingtons from Oklahoma with Jacii.
I am sure to yell "Gig'em Aggies" to the big guy Jay as often as I can.