Tuesday 1/19/16

Today was full of paperwork! First stop was to complete the adoption registration in the same building where we received Elijah yesterday. I teared up when the official handed us Elijah's adoption certificate, indicating he is officially forever ours. 

Next stop was the Provincial Notary Office where we did a lot of waiting around and then took a family picture. (I'm glad we pre-filled out most of our paperwork yesterday so there was little chaos or confusion.) We had a break for lunch and then back on the road again. We stopped at a building to take Elijah's passport photo, which he had to be roused as he had just fallen asleep. Last was the Public Security Office (similar in agony to the DMV) to apply for his passport. All of the children were ready to get back to the hotel and rest, eat, or play. We ended the day with washing laundry in the bathtub. So ready for bed tonight!

Today Elijah showed us that he can blow kisses! He also started saying "hey" when waving, especially after popping out from behind a corner. Such a smart boy! Elijah enjoys putting on our shoes and walking around as well as listening to his little music box and patting his hand to the beat. His laugh and smile are contagious. Everywhere we visited today, our CCAI rep was interpreting all the sweet things people were saying about him, like "adorable" and "good personality." We are so blessed by this little boy! We are definitely in love!
Funny mistranslation of the day: Phillip tried to ask for a little plate to put his pastry on and the waiter then proceeded to show Phillip how to use the tongs.