Just chillin'

Not a whole lot going on today - just relaxing and chillin'. Oh ya, we did become the official and legal parents of Elani today. That was a big deal I guess! We had a couple more appointments today; just more hoops as we continue through the process. We have a good many more appointments scattered over the next ten days.

Though today was not a very exciting day from an adventure standpoint, it was pivotal for a couple reasons. First, we became Elani's legal family. Second, we learned some important things. Some were about life. Some were about the process. And some are completely worthless except for blog material. Here are the things we learned:

One: Elani cried today! In our circumstances we think that is a good thing. It absolutely breaks your heart, though. She whimpered a few times today and little tears ran down her cheeks. It was not an angry cry but more of a sadness. It was the most heart-breaking thing you ever saw. She did get 'er going in a full out cry a couple times and that, too, is good (we think). Her little mind and body needs to express whatever they need to. This must be a very difficult time in her life; she is loved but everything is so new and foreign. Our hearts break when she cries from sadness but I think we'd choose to have it this way.

Two: No funky spice! Last time in China there was a funky spice in EVERY food that about killed us. This time, no funky spice! Guangzhou is somewhat western and we are finding the rights spots to go. It is so cool not planning your day around toilet availability.

Three: Introduce yourself to everyone. Abby and I are making a point of introducing ourselves to all adoptive families we run into. One family, we learned, lives near Dupont, Washington and the husband (Jeff) works at State Farm in our claims department. What a small world! We learned this by reaching out...good lesson there. Then the thought occurred to me Jeff and I may be able to expense this trip since we talked about business today. You never know unless you ask. And, you can also become a case study on how to get fired. I'll have him try it.

Four: Do not order sodas while eating inside your hotel. We got completely hosed; they were the most expensive Pepsi's I have ever had. Five sodas cost the same as our entire Cantonese meal. Yowsers! Well, you gotta get hosed at least once on a trip like this.

Five : Buy black market stuff! We bought four new release movies for $2.50....total! Toy story Three......$.60. Yes - that's sixty cents. And they did not even explode our computer. This deal made up for the Pepsi's. And supposedly we're going to a "market" where you can get the newest electronics for the same type of deal. I, Mr. Naive, asked the guide, "So, that must be because they are made in China and the low labor and lack of exporting brings the price down?" He said, "Well, not really. They get the stuff from Hong Kong and bring it back via speed boat." Oh. Good to know.

Six: And last, but not least.....look behind the lingerie! Yes, Maddie and I went out to a very local market to get formula and a bottle. No one spoke English. I mean no one. This place was completely authentic and crazy. Believe it or not, we found the baby bottles in the lingerie section. Now, as to how we learned this, that is complicated. The point is, think outside the box. If you need eggs, try looking by the motor oil. You never know.

We're doing great. Kiersten wrote the nicest thing in her journal today. She described Elani as "perfectly perfect." I think that describes all four of them. Until tomorrow.....thanks for checking in!!! We love the comments. Thanks!