Last Night in Nanchang, Jiangxi

Today we did paperwork for the consulate appointment next week. Oh the paperwork! Shane and one of the dads, Jaime, watched over Ellie, Ann Elizabeth and Sophia. They did a better job than we did with the forms! We also went shopping for porcelain which is famous in this province and we also got some loose tea. The shopping experience is so different here. Each store is so little and basically sells one thing. The workers are so pleasant and helpful and they really move to help you. Hurried. Like I work! =) Several places we were offered chairs while we waited. Oh, I must add that, as I am a bull in a chinashop, Uncle Shu Shu babysat while I shopped. Seemed like Ellie and Shu Shu had a good time. When I got back, Ellie had learned how to suck on the nipple of the bottle and was starting to chew on the pacifier. She is teething and also the plane rides have us worried. I'm hoping she doesn't get too attached to it. Ellie was also now offering HIM kisses! Sigh, guess I would have had to share eventually! The nipple actually worked in helping her settle down and not scream and cry (despite the holding/singing/shushing/etc.) when it was time for bed. Many of the babies are still grieving. Ellie is so sweet. She climbs out of the crib so she is sleeping next to me, arms straight out, often kicking. If she wakes up, she looks for me and smiles. My heart just melts. Her grin is the best!
Let's see, Ellie loves mac n cheese and maple sugar oatmeal packets. Yay! She won't starve at home! haha
Shane swears she's gonna start walking in a few weeks. She is into EVERYTHING. I will have to re-baby proof the house. She and my nephew will be "partners in crime" for sure (thanks Sandra!) We can call them Team Demo.
Tomorrow is her 1st birthday and we will try and get pics of her in her cupcake outfit (from Giggy) with her cupcake bib (from Laurel). We fly to Guangzhou to stay in the famous White Sw.an Hotel. She will get a (very brief) medical check up there and the consulate will give her a visa so we can fly home at the end of the week. We also get to shop more! =)
I wrote Ellie a letter tonight, for her to read when she is older and I got all teary when I signed "Mom." Oh my goodness, I'm a mommy to a one year old! I couldn't be happier!