It's official! She is a Hofmeister!
Today was the official ceremony where we got the adoption decree and all things are final. We had a great morning with her, but when we went back to the same room where we initially met her, she gradually became more and more nervous. She kept waiting at the door looking out as if expecting to see the orphanage workers come and take her away. She was very sad and withdrawn from us. Our facilitator tried to get her to come to Dana and she refused. Luckily she needed to go to the bathroom and Dana was her ticket out of there. When they came back, Dana was holding her and held her throughout the rest of the ceremony. Once we left the building, she bubbled up and began to smile again. She must have been thinking that she was going back to the orphanage. We are supposed to visit the orphanage on Friday, which is good and bad. Good to be able to take pictures of the people who have cared for her and to see her bed and playmates. Bad, because of what feelings that will generate. She was one of the nanny's favorites, so we are not looking forward to the fallout from that visit.
We went shopping to get her a few clothes and possibly an umbrella stroller. Coolest thing at the supermarket (sort of a Walmart has everything store) – the carts were all like a quad rolling suitcase, you can roll in any direction. That is something we should definitely import from China! It is so easy to pull your cart out of someone's way if you can go sideways! Interesting observation at the store – there was a line that wrapped around the store – almost like a Black Friday event. We asked what they were waiting for, and apparently there was a special on eggs. Everyone in line was a senior citizen and our guide told us they have the time to wait for such great deals.
We were going to buy a stroller – but it was $30 for an umbrella stroller. We just thought that was a bit much, so we will attempt to find one elsewhere. Failing that, Dana will have a really strong left arm by the time we get home.
Back to the hotel and she took off her shoes and backpack without issue. She put her shoes next to ours and put her backpack by her Build A Bear's clothes and then clapped her hands to congratulate herself. It became naptime and once we tucked the bunny in, and she could see what was coming there was no issue with naptime – YEAH!! She slept for over 2 hours and we finally had to wake her up.
She is loving pushing the elevator buttons (we only let her push the doors closing button). We will have to break the bad news that she will have to share this privilege with 3 other kids when we get home. J
Orphanage director presenting our official adoption decree.
Ellie feeding her bunny. She has developed this cheesy smile for the camera now.
