My Sincerest Apologies...

...for not posting sooner. I have been most properly chastised by my dear friend Michele for not posting more promptly. (Michele, are you even an official follower of this blog?) :-)

That aside, things are going much better here. We have booked our flights, we arrive home Wednesday night at around 8:45PM in Appleton. Anyone is welcome to meet us at the airport, but in the first few days we are home, if you call to visit and we can't see you, please understand, we will definately have some adjustment!

Libby is doing much better. While she still likes me to hold her, Matt and Libby have definately reached some compromise. If I am not able to hold her, she will now allow Matt. Matt has also taught her the "nose" game, and just like Gus, she has the advantage in the game having the flatter nose then Matt! She is definately 100% Mongol, as she has the Mongol glare down if she is unhappy with Matt, I have not yet to receive it, but I am sure my time will come. In addition, she is the best eye roller I've ever seen on a child under two. I don't know how many times Matt has gotten the eye roll (although, again, I haven't been on the receiving end of it!)

Last night she slept through the night in her own crib, which has been the first time since we've had her. She actually slept 12 hours straight. It was such a blessing, as waking up 5 times a night with a little foot in your face isn't conducive to a good night's sleep! (As cute as that little foot is!) She also has lots of smiles for us during the day now. She seems to be feeling a little better then she was, and you can tell she much more happier.

And dear Rachel, I do believe you have gotten your wish for the "Sassy" little girl! If she isn't getting her way, she lets you know it! If she doesn't like what she is eating, she will simply spit it out, even if she liked it the bite before. She is so incredibly different then Gus!!! I don't think two children could be more different. The first few weeks we had Gus, he never cried, with Libby, you just expect it! Gus detested having his diaper changed and his shoes and clothes off, but Libby relishes it. The children in Mongolia are kept bundled up, wearing tights under their shorts even on the warmest days. It was hilarious the first time Libby realized she had toes. She played with them for hours!

We had the adoption ceremony Friday night, and it was amazing, so touching! The nanny and the Dr. from the orphanage gave speeches and presented us with Mare's milk. Also, two government officials and a US embassy official attended the ceremony. May hired throat and "violin" performers, and it was awesome! When you hear recorded music of throatsingers, it makes you laugh and think of Jabba the Hut, but when you see it in person, it so amazing!!! Totally Impressive! The music is almost hauntingly beautiful.

After the ceremony, I felt as though I had a better appreciation of the government's interest in the welfare of the Monoglian children. While it is obvious that they want us to instill the Mongolian heritage in our adopted children, it is more important to them that the children grow up to be productive, very well-educated individuals who are polite and act responsibly. During the long wait for our children, it was easy to think that the government did not care enough about the children to hurry the process up. But I no longer think that is true. After speaking with the officials, it truly is the structure of the Mongolian government that causes the delays.

Yesterday we attended the 4th of July celebration given by the US embassy officials. It was actually a quite large affair that convenietly was held directly across the street from our hotel at the apartment complex where all the embassy officials live. I will assure you, it was definately the most unique 4th of July celebration I have ever attended! There were Mongolian girls dressed as German barmaids handing out pitchers of beer, Mormons (American and Mongolian) walking around everywhere, and Mongolian children singing "The Beach Boys" Surfing USA in their Asian voices. It was hilarious! The funniest thing was seeing the Mongolians, Americans, Military, and the Mormons playing tug of war! We did have American hot dogs, hamburgers, even brats with potato salad and baked beans. We were told that a Congressional Delegation was passing through Mongolia last week and delivered the Brats and Hot dogs by plane.

Well, better get back up to the room to get ready for our dinner out. Tonight we are having Los Banditos, which is said to be the best Mexican joint in UB. May has her doubts, but Matt and I convinced her to give it a try!

And Michele, I will try to post again soon!

Beth