October 17th

We heard our little angel cry for only the second time! She was not fond of laying down for a checkup. Lila was such a big sister holding her hand and crying with her. Once again, it was thought that we were adopting Lila. The doctor even asked if they could talk to each other in Cantonese. Everyone is intrigued by our girl, especially her curly hair. We had to complete the medical exam as part of the American Visa process. The new clinic was much nicer and efficient. 

After the girls napped we took a taxi to Shamien Island. Tess loves to ride in a vehicle. She has been talking and singing. She even did a dance when she stepped out of the room for the first time in sneakers. Shamien Island was very sad for us. This is we're we stayed with Lila and it was so lively. We went there to eat at the Cow and Bridge Thai restaurant, only to find in its place a Carefree Vegetarian restaurant. My favorite shop Emma's Place was also closed for business. We did shop at A Gift from China, my other favorite. However, the prices were much higher. It was dark and we were the only tourist around so we ate at Lucy's. both my girls can eat. Unfortunately we have no photos because I forgot to put my photo card back in the camera. 

Lila is such a great big sister.

October 16th

We were privileged to be invited to visit Tess' orphanage this morning. Ms. Qiu who is in charge of adoptions is a very sweet woman who took very good care of us. The excitement of Xiao Yun's return was astonishing. Our girl has been undoubtably loved. We visited her classroom. She was in the Half The Sky program. Then went to the 4th floor were she lived. We met her Nanny's. One nanny took care of her and two others in the playroom. Two other woman took care of her eating, sleeping,... I was amazed that the room next to her dining room and bedroom was a station where the doctors and nurses were working. We met her nurse. Tess was very happy to see her friends and caregivers yet very happy to leave with us. 

October 15th

It's official, Tess Xiao Yun is our daughter. We returned to the Civil Affairs office to officially sign the paperwork and promise to never abandon her. We also met with the Notary to answer a few more questions about ourselves and why we want to adopt our little sweet pea. She is such a sweet pea. She is so easy going, quiet, smart and curious. She loves to be outside. When we met in the lobby and I put her down, she ran through the lobby and out the door. She is amazed at the busy streets and starts talking as soon as we are outside. After our appointments, we shopped at the grocery store, Tess napped while Lila went to the playground, and then found the beautiful pool area. No surprise Lila loved the pool, Tess stuck her bottom out and shook her head no at Daddy.

October 14th: Adoption Day

One amazing and blessed day we had. Of course we were graced with a little Chinese cultural experience as well- a trip to the bank to exchange well we will say a lot of cash. Lori and I went since 1 person is not allowed to exchange that amount. We had to redo the form because we used a dollar sign, the process was astonishing to watch-the inspection and counting of each bill. As an accountant Lori watched very closely and found it all very interesting. Good thing she brought her bag because our fat stack of money would not fit in the money belt. Now the blessing and moment we have all been waiting for. We were at the Civil Affairs Office for about 5 minutes when I looked into the curtained doorway where the children wait. There she was! The lady she was with recognized me right away and graciously pointed me out to her. We were waving back and forth.

From that moment she was such such a peaceful soul. She held tight to the family photo we sent her. She was not scared at all. There was a lot of emotion and small commotions in the room as many families were receiving their children as well.

Tess Xiao Yun is such a beautiful little girl, just like her sister who we couldn't be prouder of.

The director of the Guangzhou Social Welfare Institute was very sweet. She had a genuine love for Xiao Yun. She smiled as she spoke of her saying "she is sweet, and very smart." "She is a good eater, sleeper, everything." She is afraid of "what you call Arbi" and dolls. "If she is upset just give her a snack and take her outside." She gave us a priceless treasure: a baby book of her life. 

We are all so in love with her!

Guangzhou

Not sure if my sides hurt today from laughing or coughing out the sickness I've been fighting. We have laughed a lot today. We had a pleasant train ride to Guangzhou after I almost had an elevator tragedy. The man was really being kind to hold the elevator door opened as we walked through. Only he held the close door button, equalling one huge jolt to the body. Our guide, Matthew took amazing care of us this weekend and Lila captured his heart. Anyone surprised? We were greeted at the Guangzhou train station by Jocelyn who remembered us from our trip for Lila. That was only after Lori was caught smuggling 3 bananas into the Country and was written up by Immigration for it. We decided to actually have dinner tonight and decided to stay in the hotel for it. Lori has decided that the picture books are not doing the restaurants any justice. Japanese hibachi should not be displayed by raw steaks and lobsters. And Chinese menus should not use the word congealed so much. We were adventurous and ate at the Chinese restaurant using the picture menu. The food was delicious and the service and Lori eating with chopsticks kept us laughing. We really should have had a camera or video. Please say a prayer for our baby girls, tomorrow after both their worlds will be changed.