March 8 Last day in China

Today we traveled by bus to the US Consulate and pick up Emily's visa to the US. She will hold a dual citizenship until she reaches 18 years old. We all took the oath and congratulations to all new parents! After our return, we had diner with our new friends to say goodbye and be very thankful that we all met under such diverse circumstances but we all share one thing in common, our Chinese daughters will be loved by great parents and will have a future where they can reach the stars and the moon. After 16 days in this country, we can't wait to be home.

March 7 Group picture af all the babies

This was a lot of fun. You have 10 screaming babies ages 10 months thru 30 months, all dressed in Chinese outfits and all smiling, screaming and not knowing what the heck their parents are doing with them. See for your self!

March 3,4 and 5 Free weekend

We woke up late and rested. The jet lag is finally disappearing. We decided to visit the new/old town with 3 of our friends and their babies. We took a taxi (cost was 1.50US) for about 10 minutes. Walked thru the shops street vendors. Great shopping and great bargains. They all seem to be staring at us, specially Ken because he is so tall, and of course our babies with their American parents. I must tell you that we felt like stars on Hollywood. At some point we wanted to take a picture of the 3 babies together sitting on their strollers when suddenly we realize that we had company behind us, about a group of 25 people just staring at us. We quickly broke the moment and just walk away with our precious treasures. The next day, Ken and I took the small ferry across the river and wonder around. A lady asked me if Emily was my first daughter and I said yes. She told me she gave birth to 3 babies by kept only one and since I was an American that I should have more than one so she won't feel lonely. Well, I will think about that later :) After diner, we went to the playroom and Emily stared to walk, just like a drunken sailor, all over the place. It's a mayor improvement from a week ago. We bought her some squeaky shoes and she loves the sound of each step. Our little girl has finally decided to show off her new learned skills.

March 2 Medical exam

This morning we all went to the doctors office and Emily had her medical exam. She is a healthy, good appetite, funny little girl. She did scream with all her might when the doctor check her lungs and heart. The weather today is a bit humid and hot. We strolled along the Shamai river, had Cantonese food and shop more. We will have the weekend off (no government appointments) till Monday. We'll try to visit more places and just hang loose. I must tell you that I have no idea how am I doing this blog since the instructions are in Chinese. I apologize if the spelling is wrong. That's the reason I haven't sent any pictures yet. Will try later on.

March 1 Sightseeing of Buddhist Temple and Provincial Art Craft shop

Today we visited The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. It was built more than 1450 years ago.. At that time, the Buddhist monks adored the tranquil life so they rename the Temple of Tranquility. There were many beggars at the entrance, it was a little sad. Inside the temple, the monk blessed our babies to good health, prosperity and happiness. It felt weird, but I guess its no harm. An old lady suddenly pick up one of the babies and walked with her on her arms inside the temple. She just wanted to wished the baby good spirits but our CCAI rep took her back right away. It took us all by surprise and at the end with no consequences. Later on, we visited the Cultural and heritage museum of the Chen Clan Academy. Many arts and crafts displayed throughout the separate rooms and gardens. After touring around, we all went shopping for Jade, souvenirs and Chinese clothing at a upscale department store. Back at our hotel, Emily took a well deserve nap of 2 hours. Today, she finally sat on the stroller, play with other families babies and seem happier and the days before. She even learned how to share her toys with mom and dad and smile shyly. It's a good start to great times.

Monday 2/26

Today, Emily woke up with a great appetive. She ate everything you placed in front of her, including cheerios. She ate congee, rice puding and banana bread. We bought her some american toys but she preferred a gallon of fresh water (Mommy mommy I'm thirsty!!!!) and the caps of the water bottles. The we were off again to the same office as yesterday to meet with the goverment officials. We promise to care and never abandone her. We promise to take good care of her and after a few interviews she was declared officially our daughter. YEAH!

Back at the hotel, we wonder around and had lunch at at Thai restaurant. The weather has been cloudy, moggy with rain mostly in the mornings. Polluted is another way to describe it. Not much sun either. Yesterday, we saw a few mountain on the horizon, for just about half an hour. Other than that, people are friendly and nice. Lots of street vendors, lots of cars and bicycles that run in all directions. New and old building next to each other. It's just an amazing city.

Emily has been very serious and crying a bit. I think she has been grieving. She has a very serious expression on her face and just want us to hold her thigh with we don't have a problem with it. We hope that she will come out of her shell and show us the beautiful girl she already is. Will keep you posted.

Ken and Lilly