Monday, August
27, 2007
MEDICAL EXAMS, STARBUCKS,
AND SHOPPING SPREE IN GUANGZHOU
Today the babies had to get their medical exams bright and early
at
8:00 am. We all walked to the appointment as the office is close
to the
hotel. When we got there we went right in. There are 11 babies
now in
our group as we have combined with the Jiangxi group from our
agency. I
honestly haven’t heard that much crying in one room since Gotcha
Day.
Not that I blame them though, I can’t imagine what they thought
was
happening. Each baby had their height and weight checked first.
Then
each went to a separate room to get their physical examination
done,
very briefly. The last stop was the ear, nose and throat check.
None of
them appreciated that final step. Tongue depressors are mean
things!
All babies passed their test and we promptly left to go back to
the
hotel for breakfast.
Next we were on a shopping mission. There is no way we can come
home
without souvenirs and gifts. So before we did that though we hit
the
Starbucks. It was nice to have a cup of familiar coffee. We did
fairly
well with our trip, found some unique things and some bargains
too.
After Ju-lie’s nap we went back down to the White Swan Room.
This is
a
room furnished by Mattel for the families with babies who stay
at the
hotel. It is a large, carpeted room with cute toys and lots of
floor
space. It was such important time spent there as she and Baba
(Daddy)
made breakthroughs in bonding. She has mostly favored me up to
this
point when life is stressful in her baby world. However today
when
scary Elmo spoke to her, she clung to Baba for protection. Very
cute
and made him feel like her hero. After all that’s what Baba’s
are
right? I think she is over stimulated by talking toys as she has
had
very limited exposure to them. We took this for granted and went
right
in last time. BAD IDEA! But today was much better for her and
now we
know what to do to help her feel comfortable. In fact they are
doing so
well that Baba gave her a bath tonight and both had fun. Life is
good,
what else can I say?
As I type this update we have the curtains open in our room on
the 14th
floor and the view is outstanding. Every hotel is lit up with
colorful,
moving lights as well as the suspension bridge over in the city.
Even
the edges of the river have lights all along the retaining wall.
Our
hotel is on Shamian Island so we look back at the mainland and
what a
spectacular sight. I will surely miss this and I know Ju-lie
will too.
It is so soothing to gaze upon for a restless baby.
Tomorrow’s adventure is going to the doll market and shopping
for
pearls. This ought to be interesting. They probably just love to
see
adoptive parents coming. A common practice is to get one item
for now,
one for when they are older, one for a keepsake, one for big
sister…you
get the idea. Then on Wednesday we are taking a dinner cruise on
the
Pearl River. This also happens to be our 20th wedding
anniversary. A
wonderful way to celebrate and we are looking forward to it very
much.
No matter what though, there could be no better treasure to have
received after 20 years of marriage than our precious Ju-lie
Grace. It
is my prayer that as her parents we will set the example for her
and
our sons to follow. We are each others best friend and life
partner. We
place no one before each other. So, for now, good night or good
morning
from Shamain Island.
PRAYERS: That all is peaceful
at home with our boys and Dad. That all
the babies continue in their bonding with their new families.
That baby
Christina (and Mommy and Daddy) sleeps better tonight, she is
having
teething pain and some night fears.
PRAISES: For each baby passing their medical exam. For
Mitchell getting
the team he had hoped for in 6th grade. For Patti who so
graciously
took him and her son back to school shopping so I won’t have to.
For
all the wonderful cooks who are keeping Dad and Matthew
well-fed. For
our family and friends who are keeping us in prayer and who sign
our
guestbook. We are so thankful for each and every one. |
|
Exam room
Height & weight check
ENT check
Anxious Parents
Fishies at the waterfall
View from our room |
