Ready to Come Home!

We're not sure why we are here for 5 days when we have only 2 hours of paperwork, a 15 minute medical exam and a 1 hour consulate appointment, but alas, we are here. Trying to make the best of it, but we're certainly getting tired of wasting time.



So, there's nothing much to report and not even any great pictures to share. Sorry for the boring blog entry! From my experience being on your end of a blog, boring news is still better than no news!



We have 2 more full days here. Everyone in our group is still doing quite well. The girls continue to thrive. Attached is a photo of the kids in our group. From left to right. Sha-sha (New name Amelia) is 2 and very lively and happy. She talks a ton and loves to be the center of attention. Eden is next. She is 2. Her family lives in Wisconsin, about 45 minutes from our house in Racine. She has had a tougher adjustment, but is doing well and full of smiles. Emma is next with Evelyn sitting next to her. We just met Evelyn's family here in Guangzhou. They also have their 4 year old daughter, Olivia with them. In the back of the photo are Sophia and Maren, 8 month old twins. They are very sweet! So that is our group.



We have made a couple of trips to the Starbucks down the street to have a treat and enjoy an "American" experience. Yesterday we went to the mall in Guangzhou to do some shopping. They call it "Time Square" but it is a far cry from New York City. On the weekends, I'm sure it is quite busy. We stocked up on some more noodle, cookies, and Coke, all of which have become staples on this trip. We also bought a couple of DVD's in Chinese and English along with some Chinese music for Emma.



Emma continues to become more and more fun each day. She loves to listen to music, play the tickle game, play in the tub, and to laugh. She loves her pacifier (called a "dummy" by Australians) and we try each day to get it out of her mouth for a little longer each time. It once had been her security, but is now used mostly for sleeping. She is a very happy little girl and we feel so blessed that she has joined our family. The boys are going to have a blast with their new little sister!



We have been doing some shopping and bargaining. It's quite humorous how "kind" the shop owners are. I've never received so many compliments in my life. Apparently, I am a young and beautiful mother with a gorgeous child. Over and over and over, the same "kind" words. Apparently the theory is the more flattery, the more money spent. If you're in need of a self-esteem boost, visit the shops around Guangzhou.



Thanks for continuing to send email and comments. They keep us sane! Have a great day!!



P.S. Sending through a photo of the "squatty potty" which is prevalent in China. Please note that this is an extremely clean one and a bit of a rarity! This is a bit of a challenge for a two year old and her mom! I have only appreciated a real toilet more once in my life, after an 18-day wilderness trip!!