First Word

Well today was Ruby's 'Little Snappers' swim lesson. She learned how to do the 'Humpty Dumpty', which is when I coax her to 'jump' (but really fall into) the pool and I catch her. By the end of the lesson she loved it and would readily jump in the water to me. When we got into the car to go home I was repeating some of the commands we use in class. I said, "one, two, three, under!" I was looking at her in the rear view mirror and saw her mouth form 'under'. I was so excited. So I kept trying to get her to say 'under' the whole way home. She said it several times and I even got it on video! She now says it most of the time when asked. How odd one of her first words would be 'under'!

Tooth Peeking out...

A top tooth has started coming through! I am anxious to see what our little girl looks like with more teeth!

More Developments

Today Ruby was dancing to a toy we bought her in China. The toy is very loud and Jackson turned it on to see and hear it. Ruby would hold on to the edge of the bed, let go and bounce up and down then, of course, she would plop down on the ground. It is a start, though! The other development is that Ruby can wave now. She has had the 'jist' of waving but would wave with her hand towards her mouth. Now it is a deliberate wave towards a person. She watches as her wrist moves back and forth.

She's Standing!!

Ruby has been trying hard for the past three days to stand on her own. Finally tonight she would pull herself up on the side of the bed and purposely let go of the bed and actually stand for a few seconds. She would be very pleased with herself and smile and laugh!

Last Day

Today is our last full day in Guangzhou. We are ready to leave!! We were ready to leave a week ago! We had a late breakfast, came to the 'free Internet' store and will pack today. We got to talk to our little Jackson this morning which we always look forward to. We are anxious to see everyone at home and get home just in time to celebrate Christmas with our families. :)

Sobering Moment

Today we went to the US Consulate. We went to a waiting room with about 75 other people. An American worker came out and told us what we are supposed to do when we get to the states and had us take the oath. What a long haul, but well worth the work and effort. With tears in our eyes we finally had come to the end of our journey. She just needs to plant those precious little feet on US soil and it truly will be over. :) This evening we went on a Pearl River Cruise. It was nice. It was the perfect event to give us time to relax and have an enjoyable evening. When we returned to our room we ordered out Papa John's! :) We have ordered that a few times when we were tired and didn't feel like going anywhere.

Visa Paperwork

Today we completed the paperwork necessary for Ruby to get her Visa to come to the USA. We filled out the form that allows her to become a citizen as soon as she lands on US soil. Thank God we are almost there!! That night we went to the Thai restaurant. Yummmy Green Curry with chicken. :)