Annabelle goes to the Police Station

Today was pretty interesting.  We ended up in the police station with our newly adopted daughter…

It’s not that we broke any rules or offended any high ranking officials.  We had to make a visit to the local authorities to get Annabelle a passport so that she can travel with us to the United States of America.  And since that was the plan all along, we thought we’d comply.

I’d post a picture, but the powers that be don’t want you taking any photos of their gov’t buildings or workers.  It has something to do with security.  I found out that the same rule applies at McDonalds, too.  Who knew?

The whole day was pretty chill.  We slept in, ate a late breakfast, went for a nice walk through the park near our hotel with the Roux (how do you make that name plural, by the way?) fam, bussed over to the Police Station, then had an early supper at Pizza Hut!  Annabelle had never eaten pizza, so that was a treat.

She’s a great eater–she’s a skinny little thing, so she has some weight gain to catch up on.  She can say, “Mommy, I’m full.”  But man, does she pack the food away!  She loves Pez.  I’m thinking of buying stock…

After supper, we came back to the hotel.  Lauren brought a dvd down to the room to watch with Annabelle.  The sat on the bed and watched Mulan in Chinese, with English subtitles.  It was so cool to hear them laughing together.

Kim and Stephanie took a walk and came back with SEAWEED pringles.  Um…yeah.  A few minutes later there was a knock at the door.  Room service showed up with a Chinese cake and a note from the Hotel Manager wishing Kim a happy and memorable birthday!  Yep, Kim celebrated big-time this year.  I don’t know how I’ll top a new daughter and a trip to China for next year’s birthday.  Maybe a trip to Mars?

We skyped with the kids before they went to school, then Kim gave Annabelle a bath.  I went for a run, and they were in bed when I got back.

We’re through with all the Chinese side of meetings.  Tomorrow starts our visits with the American authorities to get permission to bring Annabelle back home with us.  So much has happened in a week’s time…as I look at Kim and Annabelle sleeping in the bed next to mine, I definitely feel the love burst.  Last night Annabelle talked in her sleep.  I wonder what she said…

Here’s a picture from today.  Annabelle wrote a note to her brother and sisters.  Pretty cool…