Homecoming 01/19/12

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Leaving Guangzhou*

Leaving their homeland, oblivious to the trappings of love that await them.

(Guangzhou, China to Hong Kong - 1/18/12)

We packed up our new lives in three suitcases and two baby carriers and made our way through a labyrinth of emotions, from exhausted exuberance to anxious anticipation, and arrived at the Guangzhou airport. My heart was sad to be taking these two little Chinese babies from their world of familiar to a universe of unlimited possibilities. They know not of my hopes for them, which for now will rest gently in my heart, where they will grow along with my love, immeasurable and constant.

*Posted 1/22/12- but dated 1/18/12 for documentary purposes

Wheels Up - Homeward Bound - Can't Post - waiting to board Hong Kong

Consulate - Day 12*

Pay no attention to the bedraggled parents holding the babies. They are thankful they are standing upright and their clothes match.

Today we went to the US Consulate to apply for the girls' immigrant Visa. We dressed them in their Sunday best and headed out at a very early 7:40 am. The main event took less time than it took us to pack for it. The girls were their usual easy going selves and enjoyed the social hour. From there it was back to home base for some giggle time during which we are total goofballs and laugh at ourselves almost as much as they laugh at us.

We did our rendition of a photo shoot and got some fabulous pictures. obviously they are very comfortable in front of the camera.

Zoe cracks me up

obviously, the camera loves them.

Red Couch - China Day 11*

Zoe and Poppi- Red Couch 1-16-12

It is a tradition among adoptive families to have their children dress in traditional Chinese outfits and have their photos taken while sitting on the red couch. This typically done both those families staying at the White Swan (on Shamian Island) , but since the White Swan is closing for renovations, adoptive families no longer stay there. But undeterred by this minor detail, a group of us got together and made the trip back to the Island and became a part of this long standing tradition. I am glad that we did because the girls looking so sweet in their traditional outfits.

They took it all in stride, as they do most things. The only thing that seems to rock their boat is a daddy that is too slow on the draw when it comes to bottle prep or a mommy that doesn't always get wind of a dirty diaper until it's right next to her ;(

*backdated for documentary purposes.

winding down - China Day 10

On Saturday, we ventured out of our hovel and found our way to a, well an excellently managed scenic spot. it was a park with a beautiful lake and a foot path winding along it. There were trees just like the ones from the Wizard of Oz, scraggly and old; I was so distracted by the beauty of my surroundings (-and by the fact that I was with Driveby tourist Dan, no time for absorption, must only get superficial glance and move on :)) that I was unable to read the markers for the trees and plants, so we will be going back tomorrow and I will do just that.
There was a group of older men and women doing some type of exercise (tai chi?) and it was mezmerizing to watch. The girls enjoyed every minute of their outing and contine to enjoy riding along in their carriers.

Later I tried my hand at bargaining with the people in some local shops by the hotel. I am sure they snicker as I leave their shop because bargaining is not my forte and they can spot me coming a mile away. Each person that I have dealt with has been so kind and helpful (yes, I know why wouldn't they be they know they are getting a bargain, and not me). But I enjoyed myself nonetheless.

Sunday brought with another shopping misadventure to the jade pearl market. It was overwhleming and intimidating because they give you the outrageous price on a calculator and then ask you to name your price which is also outrageous because I wouldn't pay anywhere close to the asking price for the beautiful blue jade necklace so I left empty handed and settled on another store in the pearl market where I got the girls pearl earrings, again making my wallet lighter and the shopkeeper happier.

The girls continue to flourish and we have learned the importance of sticking to a schedule with military precision. We are there lady and gentleman in waiting and it brings us great joy to cater to their every whim.

Zoe has gaines so much strength in these few days and has begun crawling with lightning speed. Poppi is growing more confident and her two-tooth grins make our days.

Inwill close for now as tomorrow comes early. We will be up at 5 and out the door at 7:40 on our way to our final hoop - the Consulate.


This how we all feel, tired and ready to come home. (Poppi)

Nothing more beautiful...