She is perfect!

What a wonderful day. We are in awe and amazement. We have already gotten her first smiles. We are so thankful we learned some Chinese words because she smiles when we say "gwai"(english spelling) which means "good girl." The kids taught her to do high fives and to blow kisses. I am SO glad we brought the kids. It has made Sarah Beth's transition so much easier. She is absolutley adored. The kids have already shed tears over sharing her.

She has only cried hard one time but I know the grieving will come. When she woke up from her nap on my chest she started crying. Big crocodile tears of sadness for her foster mama but she is doing so well now. We found out she has been in foster care since she was 3 months old and had many foster brothers and sisters so she is used to a bigger family. She is so beautiful and healthy. Even some precious rolls on her thighs! She is very skinny and long.

Our guide Jophy was amazed at her height. She stood next to Josh and said, "she fit in here!" I am mesmerized by her eyes. They are so big and bright which everyone comments on. Jophy said, "Her eyes match your family." God is so amazing to even confirm that by our guide. Even the smallest of details our Father pays attention to. She looks right into our eyes too which make us melt! So peaceful, God truly has answered every prayer.

She is a thumb sucker and rubs her tummy when she is tired. Just like Abby only she sucked her fingers. Once again down to the smallest of details, God has chosen her for our family. Chad held her while she sucked her thumb and he rubbed her tummy until she fell asleep in his arms. She slept between us(does not want her crib, high chair or stroller yet) and I kept waking up to look at her. What a beautiful baby sleeping so peacefully. One time she was on her back with her hands above her head just like Noah. Chad and I giggled. She just called out but is not quite awake so I can keep blogging!

She will not take a bottle from us but will eat. She likes cereal, rice and noodles. Chocolate too(smile) because Josh gave her an M&M. She opened her mouth like a little bird for more!!! She did let Abby change her diaper, but was very sad when we tried to change her clothes. We expected that based on others' experiences.

(Sarah Beth just woke up and is a little upset so Melissa is holding her and I will finish posting)

We spent the afternoon and evening strolling around Shamian Island (the Pearl River flows through Guangzhou and Shamian Island is a very small island in the Pearl River where most families who adopt stay) doing some shopping. The kids are learning to negotiate pretty well. The sights are interesting as well. We walked into a restaurant that serves seafood where you pick what you want and then they pull it out and prepare it. We were a little grossed out by the snake, worms (think mutant earthworms about as big around as your thumb), and eels.

Doug, Josh and I bought some knock-off watches from Belinda and I mentioned you. She asked "D-O-U-G, Doug?" and gave a hearty laugh.

There is a really nice park around the corner from our hotel that we visited too. Sarah Beth let us put her down and she would walk around the park with the kids. I know that Melissa mentioned it earlier in this post, but we are so glad we brought the kids as they have been a tremendous help and seem to bring Sarah Beth comfort as she adjusts. Most of the pictures in this post are from the park. The other one is of Josh, Abby, and Sarah Beth in our hotel room.

As I wrap-up for now, I wanted you all to know how much your comments have meant to us. They have encouraged us, they have made us laugh, and they have brought us to tears. We miss you all and realize that our homesickness will grow as our time in Guangzhou passes.

Sherry, Melissa wanted me to let you know that before we left to go get Sarah Beth, she was listening to music to settle herself and the song you referenced in your comment was the song she was listening to--"Our God Reigns". He certainly does.