Day 7 Yinchuan

Today we spent the morning at the orphanage, Civil Affairs office and Public Notary's office signing documents and preparing for Emma's Chinese passport so she can travel to the U.S. next week. I was not mentally prepared for our visit to the orphanage today. Not that we saw anything other than happy children in the lobby with the nannies but because I hadn't prepared myself for the finality of going there today. I have thought of what it would be like going there but I guess you can never really prepare yourself until you are in that moment. When Emma started to cry when she saw all her nannies it broke my heart. She wasn't crying because she wanted to leave but because she wanted to stay with her nannies and the Director of the orphanage. It was so hard to see her so sad and grieving for them. She left in my arms willingly but she was truly sad and weepy. It was also so sad to see the other children with virtually no chance to be adopted. Most of the children that we saw today had down syndrome or some other major special need. I was a mess when we left the orphanage mostly for Emma, knowing we were taking her from the people she loved but also for those children that will grow up without a family. Adoption is so hard. So many emotions are felt during this process. It is not all happy but definitely worth it. I know Emma will have a wonderful life us that she wouldn't have had if she stayed. Knowing that makes those hard feelings easier to experience. Nothing can sugar coat those feelings though for the unwanted children of Ch!na left behind. They way heavy on your heart.

We were planning on spending the afternoon sight seeing with our guide but we changed our minds and decided to go tomorrow instead. All of us were feeling a little sad, overwhelmed and just needed to have a quiet afternoon. We had lunch at the hotel and all of us took a nap after. Tomorrow is a new day. We will sight see in the morning before our afternoon appointments.

Emma continues to do great despite todays orphanage visit. She is so funny, happy, playful, and MISCHIEVOUS! She is definitely testing the boundries with us. I think we might be in for it when we get home. When she does something she is not supposed to do (throw noodles on the floor, throw her baby on the floor, or if we tell her no) she laughs and laughs and laughs. I mean belly laughs. Oh boy!

 Lily is handling the big sister roll fairly well. She has been a huge help making Emma feel less nervous and scared. She has been so sweet holding her hand or rubbing her back when Emma needs comforting. The reality of having a little sister is sinking in though. Sharing has been difficult for Lily. We know there will be growing pains. I just pray those pains aren't too painful for Lily. She has been our little princess for the last 3 years. Now Emma has arrived and needs our attention too.

Now for the pictures.....