Official Adoption Day

We had a hard time with our internet connection last night, sorry these pictures are late! Tuesday morning we left early to go back to the civil affairs office. Everything went so quick, we were in and out of there in no time. We paid our money, had our official picture taken for the adoption certificate, and met with the officials to promise to always love and care for Addison, to never abandon her, provide her with a good education, and never abuse her. They asked us if this child "was satisfactory to us"? Of course, we both said "YES!!" Then we left that building, went to one more officials office, and made the same promises, paid a little more money, and we were done! I don't think I realized the seriousness of the day, until I had time to reflect on it later. What a precious gift we have been entrusted with. Wow. God is so Good to to bring this little blessing into our lives. This is not a road I ever envisioned walking down, but when God stretches us, the blessings we get in return are priceless. I pray we can live a life worthy of this calling! Ok, onto the pictures (which I know is the only thing everyone wants to see anyway! :) ) The document is our official Adoption Certificate. Alyssa spent some time playing with Addison on the floor yesterday, and we saw the first few glimpses of her funny personality. She has been SO quiet, and withdrawn. For a short while she would laugh and smile with me and Alyssa. I had a hard time catching her smiling because she would put her head way down and then give this funny grin. I think I caught one good one. She makes this funny scratching thing with her fingers, too. Everything she sees she scratches at. Unfortunately, she does it to her nose in her sleep. We have tried to trim her nails, but she will have no part of that. We're trying!! I think that's all for today . Wednesday we are doing some more sight seeing. The day should be a little more relaxing then all the previous days. Thanks for all the prayers, comments and e-mails. They are definitely getting us through this time. Love to everyone!! Becki, Russ, Alyssa, Riley AND Addison!!