We were completely exhausted today. We only had a few hours of sleep last night and a full day of adoption business. Today was also the first day that our adoption group was all together again after being in the provinces of our children for their adoptions.
I think the only reason I was able to get out of our hard Chinese bed was the promise of a White Swan breakfast. As far as food goes, it is definitely the highlight of the trip. At breakfast we started seeing all of our travel mates with their new babies and children. There are 27 families in our group and 28 new babies and children. Just like us, people were very surprised at Sutton's size.
After a quick breakfast, we all headed across the street to have our children's visa photos made. Everybody was still excited about seeing all the new children. I was worried that Sutton wouldn't set up and look at the camera, but he did great.
After photos, we had to walk to the clinic for our children's medical exams. The clinic is run by the U.S. Consulate, but staffed with Chinese doctors. Each child has to go to three different areas. Children that are two years and older also have to have a TB test and children that are adopted under the Hague Convention also have to have all of the immunizations required in the U.S. Lucky for us, our paperwork was completed before Hague.
Before we left for the clinic, our guide Catherine told us that there would be over 80 families at the clinic. She also told us not to be polite. There are no appointments. You just kind of show up with your paperwork and pick one of the three areas to start. Just like everything else in China, it's complete chaos. Sutton did great though. The worst part was taking his temperature under his arm.
After the clinic we had to take our laundry to be washed. We are staying on Shamian Island, and the entire island caters to adoptive parents. There are small shops everywhere that do laundry, sell traditional Chinese outfits and squeaky shoes, loan baby strollers, sell baby supplies, etc. We decided to try Jordon's, and the owner was so funny. He told me that Sutton has cleft lip and palate because when he was in his mother's womb she drank river water. There were insects in the water, and they chewed through his lip. I was too tired to argue. Of course, when we adopted Layne, I was told she had cleft lip because her mother ate rabbit.
The rest of the afternoon was buying supplies at 7-Eleven and I had to attend a paperwork meeting. While I was at the meeting, Bobby took Sutton and Layne swimming. Layne was devastated that she didn't have Bobby's undivided attention. This is the first time she has gotten really upset, so I think she's doing really well.
For supper, we just went to The Deli Shop that is down from the hotel and grabbed a quick bite. To end our evening, we had to find Chinese outfits for Layne and Sutton to have their picture made on the red couch. Bobby wanted Layne to get a dress so bad, but she would not agree. We compromised on a traditional blue, cotton capri set. I think Bobby was disapointed, but Layne was happy.
I think the only reason I was able to get out of our hard Chinese bed was the promise of a White Swan breakfast. As far as food goes, it is definitely the highlight of the trip. At breakfast we started seeing all of our travel mates with their new babies and children. There are 27 families in our group and 28 new babies and children. Just like us, people were very surprised at Sutton's size.
After a quick breakfast, we all headed across the street to have our children's visa photos made. Everybody was still excited about seeing all the new children. I was worried that Sutton wouldn't set up and look at the camera, but he did great.
After photos, we had to walk to the clinic for our children's medical exams. The clinic is run by the U.S. Consulate, but staffed with Chinese doctors. Each child has to go to three different areas. Children that are two years and older also have to have a TB test and children that are adopted under the Hague Convention also have to have all of the immunizations required in the U.S. Lucky for us, our paperwork was completed before Hague.
Before we left for the clinic, our guide Catherine told us that there would be over 80 families at the clinic. She also told us not to be polite. There are no appointments. You just kind of show up with your paperwork and pick one of the three areas to start. Just like everything else in China, it's complete chaos. Sutton did great though. The worst part was taking his temperature under his arm.
After the clinic we had to take our laundry to be washed. We are staying on Shamian Island, and the entire island caters to adoptive parents. There are small shops everywhere that do laundry, sell traditional Chinese outfits and squeaky shoes, loan baby strollers, sell baby supplies, etc. We decided to try Jordon's, and the owner was so funny. He told me that Sutton has cleft lip and palate because when he was in his mother's womb she drank river water. There were insects in the water, and they chewed through his lip. I was too tired to argue. Of course, when we adopted Layne, I was told she had cleft lip because her mother ate rabbit.
The rest of the afternoon was buying supplies at 7-Eleven and I had to attend a paperwork meeting. While I was at the meeting, Bobby took Sutton and Layne swimming. Layne was devastated that she didn't have Bobby's undivided attention. This is the first time she has gotten really upset, so I think she's doing really well.
For supper, we just went to The Deli Shop that is down from the hotel and grabbed a quick bite. To end our evening, we had to find Chinese outfits for Layne and Sutton to have their picture made on the red couch. Bobby wanted Layne to get a dress so bad, but she would not agree. We compromised on a traditional blue, cotton capri set. I think Bobby was disapointed, but Layne was happy.
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We're starting to see some big changes in Sutton. He still can't crawl, but he lays on his back and pushes himself with his feet. He can definitely get where he wants to go. Just today, he also started reaching his arms up for me to pick him up. The best part is that he only does it to me. I think I might have a mommy's boy!
