Today we finalized our adoption in the eyes of the Chinese government!
Overall, the day was very uneventful in terms of the adoption process until about 3pm, at which point we traveled to several offices and signed a handful of forms. Happily, our agency's representative, James, tries to have most of the paperwork done by the time the families arrive, so it is primarily signing, swearing (oaths), and paying the various fees. It is SO nice to be with an agency that takes such good care of us!
After our official duties, we made a trip to (you wouldn't believe it without seeing it....) Wal-Mart! Yes, they have a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Nanchang. While it is a very different store, it is still very recognizable, and has everything we needed, from diapers to snacks to things we didn't recognize and probably wouldn't want to.
Sydney's personality continues to emerge as she gets more comfortable with her surroundings. She is the ham of the group, and everyone laughs when she smiles and laughs. I think she is getting more comfortable with the idea that we are not leaving her every time we put her down, but we still have progress to make on that front before we will even be able to put her in a high chair during a meal without her crying. She really wants to be in our arms at all times. It is extraordinary how aware of and interested in other people she is.
Below are some photos from the day, starting with breakfast at the buffet downstairs in our hotel. 
Then we have Sydney's first nap and first bath. 
Fourth is a picture of us with the orphanage director and her assistant who traveled with the babies and answered some questions for us today, as well as taking some clothing and bottles back to the orphanage which we brought to donate.
The fifth photo is Amy singing a hymn to Sydney, and Sydney trying to sing along. 
Sixth is the room where all of the families waited for the notary at our last official stop today. 
Next is Sydney playing and trying to stay awake. 
Last is my favorite. 'Nuff said...
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Registration Day in Nanchang
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23 comments:
Rollin and Amy, I am overjoyed for you! Thanks for the updates.
The pictures are an overwhelming display of your joy and blessings, especially (to us fellow fathers) the last. God is VERY good, indeed.
We love the pictures!! Sidney is sooooooo cute!! Our prayers continue. God is so Awesome.
Love from the Koren's
Thank you for taking the time to share your incredible journey with us. Getting to see the three of you together is wonderful. I have tears of joy in my eyes. God bless your beautiful family!
Congratulations guys . She is soo cuuute and happy. A perfect match for everyone. Hope to be able to hold her soon.
Harry
Rollin,
From one Dad to another, I love the last picture.
I have tears of joy in my eyes for you and Amy.
Enjoy these days and all of the Blessings our Father has provided your family
Lots of Love
In this happy adoption we see but a dim picture of how good the Lord has been to us, and our hearts rightly are full of joy.
When I was in college, my mom once wrote to me, "when I think of how much I love you, and then consider how small that is compared with God's love, I am undone by the enormity of it." So it is when I consider Sydney, or Josh and Beth, or (especially) my own children.
I love you guys.
Sydney looks so comfortable in your (you and Amy) arms and in your care. What a blessing...I know there is something miraculous going on with the Lord causing His love through you two and Debbie to please her and give her a sense of security. I love love love the pictures! Your love and joy just jumps on the computer screen...and to think that Sydney is just bathed in it with your hands and arms and smiles surrounding her all the time.
We love you and continue to pray...
Mom and Billy
Dear Rollin and Amy, You have just received one of God's greatest gifts. Sydney is equally as blessed to have such loving Christian parents. I wish you all the best and look very forward to meeting little Sydney.
Lynda
(your Dad's old secretary)
I could hardly see the lower pictures as I scrolled down the page, my eyes are so watery and my heart is so full. It feels awesome being privy (sp?) to this union. Thank you so much for keeping us updated throughout, especially with the pics since I'm so visual. Wow, I am truly in awe. I couldn't be happier for you. My favorite pic is the one with Sydney sleeping on her Mommy. Many hugs and kisses to all three of you!!!
Wow!! What a Blessing!!! She is an absolute angel!! Madeline is very excited to meet her new friend. We can't wait to see her and you guys. We'll be praying for your safe return!! Again, you are truly blessed.
Lowell and Missy
You may get tired of hearing from me/us, but I just LOVE cherishing this "play by play" with you all. Though, I have always said the most precious sight in the whole world to me is a man with a baby, as a mom to be I just melt every time i see Sydney in Amy's arms. It's like Sydney's HOME! On a humorous note, thanks for clarifying about the swearing (oaths)! Like the Beneful dog food commercial...SO HAPPY!
These pictures are great! She is so cute! I can't wait til y'all get back and we can meet her!
What a blessed time for you guys! Sydney looks so comfortable and happy. The look of joy that you and Amy have in the pics just jumps out and grabs me! I know that you both will be perfect parents, always trusting God to lead you in everything. God is so awesome and just continues to give us his gracious love. Y'all are in my prayers.
Carla
Congratulations and a hearty AMEN to all of the other comments posted! We look forward to meeting Sydney in person, and will continue praying for God's blessings on your return trip and ongoing voyage of parenthood. -- Much love from the Beals.
Amy, remember how I told you that Jim and I had stood at the foot of Erin's crib, when she was first born, and were overwhelmed with the strength of the love we felt for her. That love shows in your faces now, so beautifully. Welcome to the beginning of a wonderful journey.-Joan
Rollin and Amy,
Like many others, the pictures have brought tears to my eyes. You have been on a long journey, (both physicaly and emotionally). Can't wait to see all of you! Praise God for His Goodness!! Vicki
She is such a hugger. It's so obvious how full are your arms and hearts. It's meant to be.
Amy & Rollin,
Well, I just echo all that I have heard. It is especially sweet to me, since I was adopted at the age of 7 years. May God bless you and I know you will enjoy this wonderful journey of children.
She is so sweet and beautiful. May God give you traveling mercies and we look forward to meeting the newest Bredenberg.
Love,
Larry & Ellen Perry
Dear Amy & Rollin,
Congratulations! We're so happy for you all. Sydney is absolutely beautiful!!! This was my prayer for her this morning: "That God may strengthen Sydney with power through his Spirit in her inner being so that Christ may dwell in her heart through faith so that she might be rooted and grounded in love and may be able to comprehend with all the saints the width, length, height, and depth of God's love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowlege, that she may be filled with the fullness of God."
We love you all. Can't wait to see you back home!
Blessings,
Marlys
Dear Sydney,
Welcome to the family! We are eager to see more pics and hear of your journey to your new home.
Amy and Rollin,
Wonder and Awe! She is beautiful and you are beautiful with her. Have lots of fun and we hope to meet her in person.
Love, Aunt Lori and the
Gorcenski Family
We love hearing your story and seeing all the pictures. Sydney is so adorable and looks so happy. We can't wait to meet her in person!
Luv,
Max and Susan
How wonderful is our Lord! I rejoice with you as we have also experienced the joy of adoption, bringing our son home from Russia 5 years ago. Amy, thank you for sharing your thoughts on adoption with me, your patient, and for allowing me the privelege to pray for your precious family.
Blessings to you in the name of our faithful Lord and Savior.
Alicia Cornell
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