Saturday, May 12, 2012
QUINN'S U.S. MEDICAL EXAM
Quinn had his
medical exam today. This is a U.S. requirement and one step to
getting his U.S. visa issued later next week. Before his exam
began he had his visa picture taken. Quinn is a very smiley
little boy. However, his visa picture looks like a mug shot. It
really is that bad. It’s a keeper for sure!
The medical facility was about 30 minutes from our hotel. We
took a small van with another family who adopted a 19 month old
little girl. There is one word that I am determined to teach
Quinn before we leave China - SIT! He will not sit in a taxi, in
a van, on an airplane, in the tub, in the stroller etc. I really
think he just doesn’t like feeling confined in any way. His 1st
car seat ride should be a wonderful experience. Baba and kids –
bring some earplugs! You all have been officially warned.
I had to take Quinn through 4 stations at the medical center.
Each station took about 3-5 minutes. The station that impresses
me the most is the hearing/vision station. The doctor squeaked a
toy by Quinn’s ear – Quinn turned to see the toy – guess what?
Quinn can hear and he passed the hearing test. On to the next
station…and so it went. The final station was the vaccine
station. This use to be the dreaded station as children could
receive many, many vaccines all together at the same time. This
practice has stopped and adoptive parents are now allowed to
have their children vaccinated back in the U.S. as long as they
bring a signed/notarized waiver with them to China. The only
thing Quinn had to endure at the vaccine station was a TB test.
He screamed for 2 seconds until he was offered a piece of candy
by the nurse. It was literally like someone flicked a light
switch. He has shown everyone his boo-boo. He really was
enjoying all the attention. We have to go back to the medical
clinic on Monday so his TB site can be checked. So far, he has
had no reaction and all is looking good.
For lunch I took Quinn for his 1st chicken McNugget Happy Meal.
I wasn’t sure if he would even eat a nugget as he wouldn’t touch
KFC. He likes his Chinese food and is not venturing out very
much in the food category. His Happy Meal came with corn! I
found out he LOVES corn. He ate 3 of the 4 nuggets too.
Quinn would not take a nap today. He gets very silly and wound
up when he is tired. This was perfect timing as I had to attend
a paperwork meeting. Only one spouse had to attend, but since I
am it at the moment that means me. I had to take Quinn to the
meeting with me and some staff members from our agency played
with Quinn in the same room. OMG – he came out of his shell! He
was so excited to run around and play that his hair was actually
soaked. He wouldn’t listen to me (probably had no idea what I
was saying) and even walked into a glass door. God give me
strength as Quinn and Savannah are going to be quite a pair! He
has a true zest for life and a very fun-loving personality just
like Savannah. I don’t think we will ever have a dull moment.
Our laundry has been building up so we needed to get to Shamian
Island to drop it off. This would require a 5-10 minute taxi
ride. UGH – I was slightly anxious about doing this alone.
Another family asked me if I wanted to share a taxi with them as
they were going to drop off laundry too. This seemed like a
great plan until we flagged a taxi and were told we had to take
2 as we were not all going to fit. So, Quinn and I were on our
own. We made it with no problems and I felt like I was visiting
an old friend. I loved the time I spent on the island back in
2010. However, the island is not the same. It is rather
deserted. The White Swan Hotel is being renovated and many shops
are now closed. I asked around for Jordon and I was told that he
has closed. That was truly heartbreaking to hear.
Quinn and I had a nice visit with Judy at her shop when we
dropped off our laundry. She is offering her laundry services at
50% off. She will even deliver your laundry back to your hotel
if you are unable to return to the island. I found Disney crocs
(real ones) for Quinn and Savannah at Judy’s shop. Mickey and
Minnie. $5.00 a pair!
After chatting with Judy I went on a search for Krystal’s Shop.
It was still there! The owner remembered me and Krystal from our
last trip and gave me a big hug. Oh the memories. Krystal and I
shopped in this one little shop so much that the owner started
calling it Krystal’s Shop – everything was at Krystal prices
too.
It was then starting to get dark so I figured I better start
looking for a taxi. I will have to return to the island to
finish our shopping. I want to find little gifts to give Quinn
each year as we celebrate his Gotcha Day with him. I didn’t see
too many things for boys today. I had an easy time doing this
for Savannah. I am going to try to make a list of ideas next
time before I head back to the island. Hopefully, that will
help.
Our taxi ride back was uneventful. The taxi was beautiful! I am
not sure what type of car it was, but I felt like royalty in
there. Thankfully, we had very good taxi experiences today. I am
growing thicker skin as the days go by, but I would rather just
sit back and enjoy every moment.
For dinner we hit Starbucks. Another family told me they had
good sandwiches so I decided to try that for Quinn. He has been
living on noodles. I ordered him a tuna sandwich and he ate
about ¼ of it. He is not eager to try new things yet and he
could care less for goodies. Can you believe he does NOT like
M&Ms?! He spit it out – nobody wastes M&Ms……
Tomorrow afternoon we are heading to the pearl and jade market.
I have a special request from Savannah for a jade necklace like
her Mama’s. So, hopefully I will be able to find one just like
mine for her.
We may hit the pool tomorrow. Quinn LOVES the bath so I think he
will enjoy the pool. It is so HOT and HUMID here. My hair is a
natural disaster! I am in desperate need of a hat and anyone who
knows me knows……I do NOT do hats! I am in total survival mode
and that includes hair. Stay tuned for a “new” possible look!
|
Quinn learning the word "PIZZA"
Height and Weight Check
.jpg)
Ears, Nose and Throat Check
TB Test
Quinn and Ronald McDonald
Mama's Little Helper
(on our way to Shamian Island - Laundry)
Visiting an Old Friend
"Krystal's Shop"
Fun on Shamian Island |
