Sam is Officially Ours!

This morning we went back to the Civil Affairs Office to complete the paperwork for the adoption. They asked us questions like why we wanted to adopt from China and if we promised never to abuse or abandon Sam. We then had to print our right thumb in red ink and stamp it over our signatures. We gave them all gifts. The orphanage director was there along with two other care givers. We gave them gifts. Director Gu presented Sam with a jade pendant on a red string. The pendant is a dog because Sam was born in the year of the dog. She also gave us a copy of the note from Sam's birth mother. It seems she did name him Hao.. and it also has his birth last name which is VERY unusual!! I am attaching a picture of the note. She also gave us a picture book with pictures of Sam they had taken at the orphanage. Sam was asleep until the very end and when he awoke and saw her he started crying really hard and arching his back. She kissed and hugged him. We thought he was upset because he wanted to go back to her, but she said no... he is upset because he thinks I am going to take him back to the orphanage. It absolutely broke our hearts to think that he thought we were giving him back. After the Civil Affairs office we went to the Brocade Museum. Nanjing is known for their hand made brocade material... and it is very lovely. We saw some awesome costumes worn by former Emperors. Sam is still eating very well. This morning for breakfast he had yogurt, congee, watermelon, and eggs. For lunch he ate noodles, rice, and steamed eggs. Of course in between meals he ate cheerios, gerber graduates sweet potato puffs, and gerber fruit treats. That boy can put down some groceries!! He also takes a bottle with formula first thing in the morning. He is so sweet and lovable and he smiles alot. He loves to give us kisses. Right now as I am writing this Sam is taking a nap with his Daddy. Nick is head over heels for Sam. I can't wait for everyone to see the two of them together.. they are really alot alike in their personalities! Sam started walking for us this morning. We have to hold his hands because he is a little wobbly. We will not be visiting the orphanage hometown because the road between here and there is under construction and it would take five hours with the detour. Instead we are going to sight see some more around Nanjing. We fly to Guangzhou Saturday... and then home next Thursday. By the way we love getting emails and comments from everyone. Enjoy the pictures and we will post again tomorrow.