we're back!!!!!!

Our GOTCHA DAY was Tuesday November 7th, so this is day 12 of being "Jade's parents"! Our first family photo, was taken about 10 minutes after being handed our little girl. Most of our first moment together were spent with Jade bitting on her tongue...we have since learned this is what she does when she is thinking deeply about something. She is a big girl! Just weighed in at 19.5 lbs. she is wearing 12 month clothes. The lavender outfit she was wearing when they handed her to us was 6-9 months...the pant leg came ended at her knee - just a bit short in the leg! The representatives from her orphanage presented us with a photo album containing the the two color photos we previously received along with two photos of the exterior of the orphanage. Our 2nd day of appointments involved being interviewed by the Chinese government regarding our intent to adopt Jade and then taking an oath to love and protect her. The officials were very excited that Todd is in the music business and the male official seemed very impressed that I am a lawyer. We also had our official family photo" taken which was scanned on to the document which officially 3rd day of appointments was an "interview" at the police station to make sure that we match our passports, etc. Actually, they did not ask us any questions...a bit odd. Some time in the midst of these three days we had many mile stones such as the first bath! We then had 3 days of rest. The first day we did not leave our hotel. The 2nd day we went to a Buddist Temple and a museum about the cultural activities of the province. The 3rd day we went to the zoo. The 4th paperwork day was to go to the Notary Office, verify all of the documents prepared thus far and get them notarized so that they can be passed on to the U.S. Consolate. Then we had another free day. Day 5 of paper work (November 15th) included her medical visit, an attempt at a group picture on the famous "Red Sofa" at the White Swan Hotel and a "paper work" party where the 9 families in our group spent approximately 2 hours filling out all the paper for the U.S. Consolate. The 6th paper work day was our coordinator Chris taking all our paper to the U.S. Consolate and us waiting by the phone to hear if their were any questions or issues relating to the paper work. Finally, Day 6 of paper work, day 14 of our trip, was taking out oath at the U.S. Consolate and having Jade become ours in the eyes of the U.S. Government. Since it was also Internation Adoption Day, they made a big celebration and had the Console General speak to us. It was very emotional. Day 15...back to the USA!!!!! We started our journey home at 3pm. The local plane at 6:30pm. to the 11:40pm International flight. The flight was 12.5 hours and the time change home is 15 hours backwards. Needless to say we are a bit tired. It is hard to explain that the happiest period of our life could also be one of the most depressing. The only way to describe Guangzhou is "grey".....It was so depressing to the senses....We are very glad that our family is home in one piece!