Nov 30, Adoption Day...it's official!

Unfortunately for Ethan, there's no backing out now. He's stuck calling us mom and dad for the rest of his life. Was a little anti-climactic since all we did was paperwork and then got to take a quick picture with the notary official who presented us our adoption certificate. Still, very thrilled that he's officially a Reuter. We talked to the girls this morning and they got to hear some of his jibber-jabber which they thought was cool. He had a great night last night once we figured out his bedtime routine. Tried several methods....rocking, bouncing, and going for a walk to no avail. Finally Chris popped a bottle in his mouth and laid him in his crib. Wa-lah. Works for now but he'll have a rude awakening once we get home. Ever heard of bottle mouth? This kid could be the dictionary definition of it. Suffice it to say, his poor teeth could use a little fluoride. Anyway, he only woke up once freaking out that he had no idea where he was or who we were. It's pretty heartbreaking that we love him so much and totally feel like he's our son, but to him, we are still strange and a little scary sometimes. But it's getting better. He has warmed up today even more and will tolerate a little cuddling. Most of the time he is such a happy guy...so sweet and smiley and playful. And quite the charmer. Everywhere we go, Chinese women crowd around Ethan going ga-ga over him. And he smiles and waves back to them, which makes them go even more ga-ga! He has learned the "I'm gonna get you" game. He likes to sneak over and smack us on the leg, then starts running away. We went to the Lotus Center today (Chinese Walmart) and picked up a few toys for him. Mom really blew it in that department. Only toy I brought for him was a one of those textured teething stuffed animals. He acts like it is way beneath him to play with it and prefers playing with the hotel phone. We finally unplugged it from the wall and let him carry it around. Seemed like a good idea until he puked on it and now it doesn't work. Oops. Anyway, now he has a toy phone and some baby leggos and he's having a blast. Tomorrow we take a 4 hour round trip bus ride to visit his orphanage. He only lived there for a few months before being sent to the New Hope Center, but still was where he was taken into care. Chris is loving life becoming a dad again, but the lack of acceptable food choices is starting to wear on him. The hotel has some western food for breakfast so for him breakfast is truly a feast and he spends the rest of the day a little hungry and a little cranky:) This is already a long trip for all of us. Missing the girls and ready to come home now that we have Ethan. Unfortunately we're not allowed to leave the country until Dec 9th. Enjoy the pictures!