Enjoying Time Together:)

Yesterday afternoon we had another storm so we had to stay in the room and we were able to spend time getting to know each other.  I had purchased an Adoption Travel Chinese book through my agency's store and it came in handy yesterday as I laid on the bed with Jin Qing, and Jerry sat by, we went through various foods so she could tell us if she liked them or not.  She also tried to teach us how to say some of the Chinese words and phrases.  It was a lot of fun and really helped her to get more comfortable with us.  She also spent time doing Jadyn's hair; her first official ponytail!  She looked so cute:) 

Then, we ordered in dinner and the girls watched Tinker Bell on the computer.  All three of them loved the movie!  It was adorable to watch them sit around the screen and giggle at funny parts of the movie.  I am not sure how much Lauren and Jin Qing understand as far as the language, but they certainly understand the story line:)

Before bed Jin Qing asked to take a shower and then she washed her clothes in the sink.  I certainly would have preferred to have done her laundry for her, but she didn't let me know that she was even doing this.  She had them hanging to dry this morning when I awoke.  She is such a sweet girl and so well-mannered!  Truly a gift!!!

Today, we will take a walk around the city and then meet Grace at 3:00 to go and apply for Jin Qing's passport.  Then, we will grab a bite to eat on the way back to the hotel and we'll see if they want to head out for another walk tonight or catch another movie:)

Tomorrow is a free day and we'll probably head over to the island for some sightseeing and shopping. 

Finalization of Adoption...

Today we finalized Jin Qing's adoption and we feel so relieved that she is officially a member of our family!  She has been so in our hearts for months, but now the paperwork is completed and we will only have a few more steps until we are on our way to Wisconsin to welcome her to her offical new home:)

We were the first to arrive at the notary office so it went pretty smooth.  Then we went on to the market to get her some PJ's, clothes and a suitcase.  She is incredibly small framed and the shorts and pajama bottoms I brought do not fit her.  She is probably a 7/8 in shorts, but she may be too tall for that size pants.  I think we will have some interesting shopping ahead of us when we get home:)  She is so helpful and kind.  Last night at dinner when the dumplings arrived at the table she served everyone first and then took one for herself:)  She helped with the shopping today and unloaded the cart and carried a bag of groceries.  She is very sweet and I love to listen to her speak in Cantonese - it sounds amazing!  Jin Qing has tried to talk to Lauren, but we were told that Lauren speaks a native language called Fujianese.  Lauren likes to sit next to her in the van when we drive anywhere:)  I know that all three of the girls will get along just fine based on what we are seeing here so far:)

I gave Jin Qing a bag of Bath and Body Works items today and showed her what they were for; she seemed to like them and when I took them into the bathroom she followed me, took my arm and said, "Thank you Mama".  I just about cried right there on the spot, but didn't want to frighten her so I held it in and gave her a hug:)  Oh my; she is a sweetheart, just in case I haven't said that already! LOL!!!

Tomorrow afternnon we apply for her passport and the morning is free time.  We will take a walk and explore some of the city with Jin Qing -

Here are some pictures from today -

We are Truly Blessed!

We left to go to the Civil Affairs office at 2:00 p.m. and it was about a 20 minute drive.  When we arrived there were 6 other families there to meet their children, but next week there will be 35!

We met Jin Qing today and she is such a sweet young lady!  She adores Jadyn and certainly has taken on the role of big sister quite well already:)  She is shy and doesn't like to have her picture taken, but when you see her smile it just simply melts your heart.  She was a little nervous, but said to be happy to be joining our family.  She arrived at the Civil Affairs office at about 2:50 p.m. and she was very tired.  She is easy going, gentle and kind.  We completed the necessary paperwork and came back to the hotel just before 4:00 p.m.  Then, Jerry and our guide Grace, took Jin Qing to the 7/11 for some drinks and snacks to hold her over until we can shop tomorrow. 

We headed to an early dinner and she had a good bowl of wonton noodle soup then we came back to the room so we could rest and get to bed early.  She is tired and we have to get up early to head back to the Civil Affairs office tomorrow for the final paperwork.  We cannot believe how blessed we are - truly having three sweet angels join our family through the miracle of adoption!

Exploring Guangzhou...

Today we took a couple of walks around the city to see the sights and stretch our legs.  It was a beautiful day and very busy as it is still the Mid-Autumn Festival.  There are many street vendors selling roasted chestnuts, some other food that is made from a batter poured into a mold shaped like little balls, corn on the cob and coconut milk in the shell. 

We get many looks, but most people are just curious.  Some will say "Hello" and some try to speak to us in Mandarin or Cantonese, but unfortunately, we only know a couple of phrases so they are short-lived conversations:)

We are getting so excited for tomorrow!!!  We meet our guide at 2:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby - I know the day will seem endless until that time, but once we get to leave in that van we will feel so relieved:)  I wonder what Jin Qing is thinking about today...is she nervous, scared, happy, anxious, sad to leave her friends???  Her brothers are so excited for the time they will be able to see her on the computer!

Well, I've got to get Jadyn down for a nap.  Here are a couple of pictures from today -

This dealership is located across the street from our hotel -

Our Hotel - The China Hotel; A Marriott Hotel -

 

A Crazy Intersection We had to Cross:)

A Wine Store inside our Hotel - 

The girls enjoying an ice cream treat from the 7-11 store - 

A Day at Shamian Island...

Today we decided to spend a few hours on Shamian Island; it is a nice place to relax and shop. We visited many of the shops that we visited last year, but fortunately, the island is no longer under construction. When we were here last year they were renovating many of the buildings and sidewalks for the Asian Games that took place last November. It was very difficult to maneuver around to the shops, but this time it was much better. It was very busy, but the weather was fairly nice.

As we were walking down a center square we heard a "Hello", and as I turned to see who it was I realized that it was Jordon. I said, "Hello Jordon" and he immediately smiled and began to ask about our daughters. He owns a shop on the island and does your child's name in Chinese characters for free - it is beautiful. Below is a picture of him writing Lauren's name. We spent a while talking with him and looking through his shop; he carries the adoption barbie doll just in case anyone is still interested in attaining one after the White Swan closes for renovations. I believe he may be one of the only places here that sells them - RMB130.

We ate a late lunch at Lucy's and it was actually very good! Then we found a shop that borrowed us a stroller for the duration of our trip - truly a blessing since Jadyn seems to either fall asleep or ask to be picked up within 30 minutes of venturing out. We made our stop to Jenny's Place; they are truly nice people there! About two hours after visiting their store I heard "Hello Suzanne", and it was Jenny's husband calling out while riding his bike across the street:)

We came back to the hotel and did our laundry and then ventured out to the play area in the courtyard of the hotel. They have a nice swingset and play set for young children to play on and there is a soft rubber floor. We met a nice family with four-year old and one-year old daughters. The wife is Chinese and has lived here her entire life and the husband has lived here for seven years. He came to China for work and that is how they met. Their older daughter has been fluent in Mandarin, but just began speaking English last year since she began going to an International kindergarten. She was quite good now!
Here are some pictures from the island -