Our Last Days in Guangzhou

Get comfortable, folks, 'cause this is a long one!

Yes, this is going to be one loooong post! First of all, I can't believe I forgot to tell you about Tuesday's big event...our LAST official appointment in Guangzhou! We went to the U.S. consulate and waited in a big room with lots of other Americans and their Chinese children (I almost said "orphans" but they are not orphans any longer!!!) One by one, they called each family up (by the child's Chinese name...you had to listen very carefully) to a window where we had to sign a paper. Once everyone was finished, someone from the consulate (an American woman) came out to talk to us about ??? (I was in the bathroom). Then the whole room stood, we raised our right hands, and we repeated an oath that everything we said in our adoption documents was true. There may have been more to the oath, I don't remember. (There are a lot of things I don't remember...I think it is "momnesia!") (I CAN tell you what I ate at every meal, however. I have an uncanny memory for food.) Anyway, after the ceremony, Angie from our group cried a little because she was so relieved that it was our last official appointment. I would have cried too, but I have been on cold medicine so I am a little out of it.

We have all been emotional lately. I am feeling a mixture of homesickness, anxiety about the coming flights, sadness about taking Zoe from her homeland, happiness about taking Zoe from her homeland, excitement about seeing the boys and dogs and cats and family and friends (and our new master bath which is coming closer to being finished...thanks Dale!), and a sense of relief about the adoption roller coaster of the past 5 years coming to an end...all tempered by a heavy dose of cold medicine.

Yesterday (Wednesday) we got up late and Skyped for awhile with the boys. I think they are getting a little tired of Skype. They don't play "tickle mommy" or "feed mommy" as much with the screen. They barely look when we say hi. Either the novelty has worn off or they are just kind of mad at us for being gone so long (not to mention appearing on the screen holding a new baby). I do love the screenshots you can take with Skype:

While I am talking about the boys, let me take this opportunity to tell you how incredibly grateful we are that so many people have helped take care of them while we are in China. It has made our time away from them bearable, knowing that they are happy, well-cared for, and that they are having fun on a daily basis! Mom, I know you must be worn out...two more days!!! Special thanks to Grandma Claire; Jamie, Jenny, and Karen; Mini and Danielle; Megan, Maya, and Langston; Kristy, Guy, Tristan, and Claire; Kelley and Steve; Judy; Emily for keeping the business running and Katie for filling my shoes; Miss Rachel; Miss Heidi for being "on call"; Polly, Sassy, Max and Josh; Christine, Roger, and Campbell; Eric and Lynn and the boys; Jen and Edwin; Jill; Dale; Lois; Patti C. for the dinner!; Keith and Patty for the lunch!; and our awesome Floraville neighborhood for their offers of support to mom and the boys; and all of you for your prayers, words of encouragement, blog comments and emails. Sure hope I didn't forget anyone. I guess this proves it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes all of Southwest Ohio (and Northern Kentucky) to take care of twin two year-olds!

Since we had no appointments, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with Jeff, Melissa, and Anna Joy. Zoe was her usual playful self.

Kevin cleaned out the breakfast buffet in an attempt to put some weight back on.

We took a few pictures of the elevator Zoe enjoyed so much, and some other random photos.



Then we took a walk to explore the other big park in Guangzhou, called Yuexiu Park. We discovered many gardens, shaded paths, historical monuments, and some concrete goats that we can't quite explain.

The sun was out (finally!) and there were many scenic spots for picture-taking.

When Zoe went down for her nap, Kevin and Jeff went out in search of (more!) baby formula and a few more of these super-soft baby jammies called Yehoo, made out of bamboo. This is a picture of three helpful salesclerks trying to help Kevin find the right size!


Last night we had one last dinner in Guangzhou with most of the group. We ate at a traditional Cantonese restaurant in the hotel.


It was very good (and cheap!) but before the food even came Zoe became uncharacteristically fussy. She felt a little hot and sweaty too, so Kevin took her upstairs to nap.


I was very worried that Zoe was getting sick right before the long trip home. I ate quickly, went upstairs, and gave Kevin his Chinese take-out from the restaurant. He wanted to do some last-minute shopping for gifts on Shamian Island, so after he ate he went back downstairs to try to find someone from the group to go with. (He ended up taking a cab there by himself and riding the subway back, no problem.) Before long Zoe woke up and smiled at me as if to say "I was just kidding! See -I'm fine!" I put her in some new hand-me-down jammies from Anna Joy, and then she spent some time playing and reading her peek-a-boo books while we waited for Daddy to come home so we could Skype.

While we were playing, Zoe discovered her legs!!! At first, she was a little unsteady, but after a few tries she was standing unsupported. I took these pictures so we could surprise Daddy when he got back:


This kid has come a long way in just 10 short days. When we got her, she wouldn't put any weight on her little bowlegs, and barely even rolled over. Now she is standing and, boy, you should see how well she rolls around. But the best part is that she is happy, smiling, and enjoying every day. We think she might even like us! :)

I'm full of surprises!