Cuyler is Here!

Well the Harris family has had an extremely crazy busy and moumentus day! On Tuesday we went back to the registration building and signed the documents that finalized our adoption and we are now Cuyler's family forever! Everything happened very quickly and was very organized. After a few photos, it was back to the bus for a short trip across town to the notary office. After another round of documents and photos with the Chinese officials, we received the notarized version of Cuyler's adoption certificate. Again, everything was very organized. Cuyler has slowly been warming up to us with a few smiles and a couple of words and he loves to eat! In the afternoon, we hopped in a tiny mini-van with another family for a 2 hour drive to Luoyang where Cuyler's orphanage is located. Riding in the little minivan gives you a totally different perspective on the madness and chaos of the traffic in China. Luckily we had a very good driver and we made if safely to Luoyang. First, we went the central police bureau building to start the paperwork for Cuyler's passport. Afterwards we were fortunate to have enough time to visit Cuyler's orphanage. We arrived at the orphanage and were welcomed by the director. We gave her a duffel bag of clothing and other donations we brought with us from the states. Next we took an elevator to the 3rd floor and we were able to see Cuyler's playroom and the large room where Cuyler slept every night. We were allowed to take pics and video the whole time. A lot of Cuyler's nannies and caretakers were there to greet us, he was all smiles the whole time. It was so great to see that Cuyler was well-cared for and loved at this place by many people. When it was time to leave, the nannies handed Cuyler back to Samantha and told him, "here is mama". Cuyler gave his mama a super big grin and was excited to return to his mom and no one else. Cuyler already knows his mama!! We were so happy and thankful that we could visit the orphanage. An organization called Half The Sky works in the Luoyang orphange and before we left, the director handed us a file of pics and progress reports of Cuyler's first 2 years! What a treasure and gift! We now have many new photos of Cuyler and we will get the file translated when we return. It was time to leave the orphange for the long drive back to the hotel. It was like we witnessed a miracle in Cuyler. His face and eyes transformed into pure happiness in the car - he was so happy! He began talking and babbling and laughing while sitting in our laps. Cuyler somehow understands that we are now mommy and daddy and big sister. He somehow knew in his heart the he was saying goodbye to the orphanage and hello to a new chapter in his life and is embracing it! Cuyler is the bravest and most courageous little boy I have ever met. It truly was a momentus and great day for us.