Day 2/3

Day 2 : October 28 - Tuesday   Yesterday we spent the majority of the day traveling around to various places.  . We first headed back to the civil affairs office to receive our adoption certificate and to finalize our adoption. One thing that totally caught us off guard was the the adoption officer specifically came up to us with our guide and started speaking to us. She wanted to know all about REX. She wanted an update and she wanted to see pictures. She said that she was worried about him when they found out he was so sick and thanked us again and again for bringing him to America to receive his life saving surgery.  I was shocked bc if you know anything about the orphan crisis in China then you know her remembering him is beyond my comprehension. She ended the conversation with thanking us for adopting Remy and said " you can come back !"  We then went to the notary office to do some formality stuff. We basically gave them a gift , they took our money and got a picture with each family. Then it was back to the hotel for a rest before we had to head out to the police station to apply for Remys passport. Everything. Went very smoothly because our guides are amazing and we don't have to do a darn thing but show up when they tell us.   It's fabulous to be working with the number one Chinese adoption agency. I love them. LOVE them.  We were pretty tired once we got back to the hotel but met up with several of the families and allowed the kids to play in the hallway of the hotel. Remy fell asleep in her crib while sucking her thumb. It is the cutest thing ever ! She has slept great the past two nights. It's heaven ! 

Day 3 : OCt 29 

Today we met Clay for breakfast in our hotel. He is the founder of Remys foster home. I can not tell yall enough how much this man means to our family. He was so encouraging - reminding us that the agape love of Jesus is what makes this bonding process do able.  He reminded me a lot of my grandfather.  Just a kind kind man. He looks like Santa - no lie - and he has the most gentle spirit.  After visiting with Clay we came up stairs to allow Remy to play with a new toy - a baby doll. It was so sweet to watch her rock , pat and feed the baby.  This afternoon after naps we are headed to swallows best to meet her nannies and the people who have cared for her for the past two years. 

 We got back from swallows night early ebbing. It was a wonderful trip hard at times but so necessary in our little girls grieving process. Jordan and I both felt it important to go as this is where Remy spent her first two years of her life. Heather , the director , met us in the hotel lobby and escorted us there. The home is modest and clean and full of sweet babies longing for a family. The workers were so excited that we came back to say goodbye. We spent a good 3.5 hrs there and boy was Remy happy. She immediately recognized the area the minute we got out of the cab and starting saying the name of one of her friends    Once inside she was non stop. Playing with everything and everyone. It was so amazing to see her little personality even shine brighter whe she was among her familiar surroundings. We got to talk to her primary caretaker among other young college aged volunteers. They were quite impressed with Jordan's Chinese and I was so proud of him ( Connie - you would be too )  When it was time to leave she immediately started to wimper. We let them take as many pictures as they wanted and we of course wanted to do the same. We were gifted a beautiful photo album in which contains Remys youngest baby picture we have of her. I was so grateful. What a treasure to show her as she grows. As we were leaving and walking down the stairs , her cries were loud ; screeching ; reaching her arms out for her nannies as we carried her down the stairs. It was heart wrenching. If I could take away the pain I could but although it is hard --- and I mean it royally sucks --- jordan and I both feel such a vital part in her healing process .  It provides closure for her  and even if it means a few more rough days ahead for us  parents , we know that this could be a turning point in her attAchemnt towards us.  Remy cried until we were to the cab. Jordan gave her a sucker to help the sobs and she quieted down and nestled into my arms until we were back to the hotel. She ended her long emotional day with a nice warm bath because what woman doesn't love to soak in the tub after aong hard day. 

This morning , Thursday - little miss slept till 9 am. !!!!! So where are we in this whole bonding process : Remy favors me  still. She won't accept food or toys from Jordan. I must hand it to her. She doesn't like Jordan to touch her let alone sit close by. Although we are working on that. We've been doing a lot of side by side playing and we try to manipulate circumstances in which she has to accept a toy out of Jordan's hands   Sometimes she falls for it and sometimes she doesn't.  She continues to show us that there is really no physical evidence to merit her label of brain damage and I am amazed at all of her abilities. She is tiny. She weighs about 18 pounds and fits into 9-12 month clothing. The size 3 Toms I brought her are to big. So I imagine she is more like a size 2.  I adore her. She is the cutest little thing ever. I just think that we are going to have be really patient.  Thanks so much or the continued prayers. 

And the minute I finished typing this.... Remy decided that she would tolerate jordan holding her for the first time without tears.  Thank you Jesus