Thursday- last day!

Michael's fever is gone! Today was uneventful. We went for a walk and to the pool. We are packed and set for tomorrow. I have never wanted to go home more than I want to now. My parents are picking us up at the airport. Chuck will be picking Aibhlinn and Patton up on Saturday. Can't wait to see them! I miss Aibhlinn so much. No new pictures on iPad but took some of Michael's baby album. Yes, they took pictures! Michael was found outside a box factory. He had a hat, a blanket, a bottle and $100 with him. He was 2 days old . The man in the picture is the policeman that turned him into the orphanage.

Wednesday

Today was our consulate appointment. One would think there should be American flags waving and the anthem playing in the background...but no, it was very simple. You wouldn't even know where you were except for the one American flag. We had our appt. with another family. They had a 13 month girl. We stood and said an oath then waited to be called up to the window. The clerk went through our paperwork and we were free to go. Michael will get his travel visa tomorrow. When our plane lands at Newark he will be American.
We were back by 11 which was good because Michael had a slight fever. He slept for some time and we skipped the pool. Hopefully he is more himself tomorrow. He has had a long week.

Tuesday

Only a few more days to go...we are missing home! Today we went sightseeing in the morning. Spent the rest of the day in the room, walking around outside, and going to the pool. Tomorrow we have our consulate appt. but hear from other parents that it is not the big deal you think it would be.
Michael is doing great...he is such a character. He loves to mimic. He is beginning to know his name and says oh-oh now when he drops (or throw) things. He eats like a horse...we have heard boys from the Shangdon province grow up big and tall. Today he had his first pizza! Chinese pizza but still pizza!

Monday

Today was Michael's medical appt. The med center was very busy but there is a separate place for adoptive children. Michael weighs 24 pounds!
We spent the rest of the day hanging in the room and going to the food mart. (we came across seaweed flavored potato chips) spent some time at the pool- Michael loves the water.
We had dinner...at an Irish pub! Great place run by an Irishman. Will be sending more time there.
Tomorrow we go to a museum.

Sunday

We went on a tour of a local park on the side of a mountain. We took a cable car up and walked down. The scenery was beautiful and there was a nice view of the city. At the bottom we had a real Chinese lunch. The food was good. It was served family style. The hot tea was delicious. Tomorrow we take Michael for his medical appt.
These are some pictures from around the hotel.

Saturday

Just came back from a walk...much more walkable in this city. However pedestrians do not have the right of way. Very hot... Will head to pool soon. Michael is such a toddler...he is into everything! We have to block things and move things up.

Guangzhou

We just checked into our hotel. The flight was a little over two hours. Typical flight with a one year old but Michael did sleep for the last hour. Guangzhou is a huge city...love it! I know I said our last hotel was fantastic but this takes the cake. This hotel is top notch and there is so much to do. You couldn't go outside at the other place. Our guide Jack seems really nice. Will get more pictures of Michael up tomorrow.

Our day Tuesday

Tuesday was a long day. We left early to fill out some paperwork for Michael's passport. We then caught a train for a two plus hour ride to another city along the shore ( I think where Michael is from) to go to several government offices. Michael had to have his picture taken several times and he was not a happy camper! We jumped in and out of cabs several times. Driving here is insane! We were able to catch an earlier train back here...was glad about that. Didn't get back to the room until almost 8. We put Michael to bed and ordered room service. I had a burger. Did not taste like a burger so did not finish. I did however have the small salad that came with the burger. Wished I didn't later that night! Spent most of wednesday in bed. Michael was a very understanding little boy. He has been so great. Our guide asked us how we got him....in his experience only 1/100 children are somewhat healthy and alert. We are blessed! On Friday we leave for our next destination- Guangzhou. That is about a thre hour flight. There will be many more adoptive families there. I only met another American here....I think I made her nervous because I ran up to her to ask if she is adopting...she said yes and I started asking her a million questions.it was just nice to talk to someone besides our guide:)

Eating

Michael loves to flop on the floor when he wants a bottle. He also will fall asleep on the floor! He eats fruit and teething cookies but that is about it...I'm sure he will love solids once he tries them. He had cheerios for the first time this week.

Our day Monday

What a crazy week. Monday we walked down the street to another hotel to meet Michael. It was amazing to see him for the first time! We have been looking at his picture for so long. It was very emotional. We took him back to our room to have some time together. We played on the floor and looked at his photo album that the orphanage gave us. Michael sat so quietly. After awhile he tried to stand. I held onto him so he would not fall. Little did I know that he could walk! He took off and was all over the room. Around 4 we met our guide to go to walmart. We walked through the old part of the city to get to walmart. What an experience. The buildings were beautiful but it was very crowded and there were food vendors everywhere with everything you could imagine. Walmart was insane! There we got a stroller and diapers. We then found out stores do not take American credit cards (great) so John our guide paid.
Will write about our Tuesday adventure soon...Michael just woke up from nap. (he sleeps throughout the night!)

Thursday

Figured out how to get pictures up! Will post more about trip later.

What a long journey...about 24 hours. The hotel is fantastic and the staff is very helpful. We just had the breakfast buffet which is really three meals in one. Michael will be here soon. He is traveling here by train. There are about 6other families meeting their children today. Will post a picture when we can!

Hello! Welcome to our blog! We finally travel to China on June 2nd. This has been a six year journey and I can't believe the time to meet Michael is finally here! We will post updates and pictures. Enjoy!