Today, it's official: He Hu has a family, after more than five years without one. He has a mama, a big brother, two big sisters, and a daddy at least in the practical sense (coming soon, once we've gotten married and satisfied all the legal adoption requirements, he will also have an official daddy). Not to mention assorted grandparents, an Uncle Daisy, a Cousin Esme, and many more!
The official who registered the adoption -- the finalization of the process -- said the formal words, something like: "The adoption is complete, and you are the parent of Dang He Hu." I smiled and thanked him very gratefully and he added, ex tempore, "You have a very pretty boy." His smile was very kind as he said it and we shook hands once again.
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, compared to some prior days. Lunch and laziness and then a long walk all over various stores. A late dinner and to bed! Big day tomorrow: we are heading to Shaolin Temple, the home of the Masters of Spinjitsu -- I mean Kung Fu Panda -- I mean a thousand-year-tradition of Buddhism coupled with a world-famous school for Kung Fu.
HeHu has been doing great today. Still very much the little guy we hosted and full of quirky little busy habits. He loves being picked up and carried and, unlike when he was with us in winter and seemed to feel mainly triumphant about scoring a carrying session -- I suppose because they were fewer and more prized in the orphanage -- today a few times he tightened his arms around me and snuggled his head against my shoulder and hugged me while I carried him. Just soaking it in, I think.
Charlie says of HeHu, "I know why he loves hugs. Because he didn't get much hugs in the orphanage and he loves your sweet warm hugs."
Charlie continues to be a great travel buddy for us -- well beyond what I might have predicted -- and I continue to be so proud of him!!!!
And "Baba" is doing amazingly in the Daddy department. Just amazingly. I figured he would -- but I don't know if HE figured he would.
Wish us luck for the long car ride tomorrow! It's not H's strength, owing to his violent tendency toward car sickness. Everything that antihistamines and Dramamine and ginger and Sea Bands can do will be applied.
The official who registered the adoption -- the finalization of the process -- said the formal words, something like: "The adoption is complete, and you are the parent of Dang He Hu." I smiled and thanked him very gratefully and he added, ex tempore, "You have a very pretty boy." His smile was very kind as he said it and we shook hands once again.
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, compared to some prior days. Lunch and laziness and then a long walk all over various stores. A late dinner and to bed! Big day tomorrow: we are heading to Shaolin Temple, the home of the Masters of Spinjitsu -- I mean Kung Fu Panda -- I mean a thousand-year-tradition of Buddhism coupled with a world-famous school for Kung Fu.
HeHu has been doing great today. Still very much the little guy we hosted and full of quirky little busy habits. He loves being picked up and carried and, unlike when he was with us in winter and seemed to feel mainly triumphant about scoring a carrying session -- I suppose because they were fewer and more prized in the orphanage -- today a few times he tightened his arms around me and snuggled his head against my shoulder and hugged me while I carried him. Just soaking it in, I think.
Charlie says of HeHu, "I know why he loves hugs. Because he didn't get much hugs in the orphanage and he loves your sweet warm hugs."
Charlie continues to be a great travel buddy for us -- well beyond what I might have predicted -- and I continue to be so proud of him!!!!
And "Baba" is doing amazingly in the Daddy department. Just amazingly. I figured he would -- but I don't know if HE figured he would.
Wish us luck for the long car ride tomorrow! It's not H's strength, owing to his violent tendency toward car sickness. Everything that antihistamines and Dramamine and ginger and Sea Bands can do will be applied.
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