The hardest part of this adoption phase has been the paper days. Having to bounce around from government building to government building all day with a two year old is exhausting. We started Wednesday in Beijing by climbing into the van with our guide Helen and going to the civil affairs office. This is the part where we recieved Barrett's "red book". The red book is the official paper that states Barrett is our child according to the Chinese government. It has a picture of all three of us and a certificate looking page within. After checking the spelling of everything written over and over, we jump back into the van and head over to the notery. The notery is the outfit that translates all the official paperwork to English for the consulate to be able to read. We waited a short time for them to bring the first draft out to proof read. We caught Erin's name miss spelled thankfully. Apparently if any name, DOB, or any other important bits of info are incorrect, it means bad news when it comes time to get Barrett's US Visa in Gaungzhou. We lost count how many times this was stressed to us. Erin and I have never focused so hard in our lives proof reading documents. Once that was finished we grabbed a quick Chinese meal and headed off to the police station to get Barrett's passport photo taken. The police station in Beijing is where many things occur. Drivers license, visas, passports, and other countless requirements. This place was not only huge but bustling with people. After his photo was taken, we headed back to the hotel. Not the most exciting day but it was certainly the most important day. From the time we recieved Barrett on Monday morning to Wednesday late afternoon, he had not gone "number 2". To end the day, we had to give Barrett an enima. Boy did it do the job! He was not too happy with us but after it was all over, he had a whole new energy we had not seen before.
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