So, let's see what all has been going on since our last post.... Saturday evening we had dinner with IKE at a wonderful, local Cantonese restaurant. We had yummy eggplant and a beef dish that was to die for! All of the food was great but we also had wonderful company. A family from our group, the Levine's went with us and a family that IKE is working with was also there. It was wonderful to see IKE after he took such wonderful care of us and our travel group almost six years ago on our adoption trip to get Cupcake. We sent him best wishes from our travel mates!
Sunday, we had big plans to tag along with another family who was taking the subway to the Guangzhou Zoo. Well, as we were having breakfast, we were informed that many of the local shops on the Island would be closed after today for Chinese New Year.... oh no! So, shopping we did. We hit Sherry's Place for a few (well, a lot) pair of squeaky shoes. We got numerous styles in various colors. That was one of the things I wished I would have bought more of for Cupcake. Sweet Cheeks will be styling for a few years. Of course, we had a chop stamp made for Sweet Cheeks and bought many sizes of Chinese dresses for both girls to have matching ones. We had Subway for lunch! That was quite interesting.... meat and no veggies on the sandwich. My stomach is just now getting to feel better so I am not taking any chances on the veggies washed in tap water. Nuf said.
Last night, we again had dinner with IKE. He is so sweet! And he knows this area like the back of his hand, telling us where to shop, who to avoid and what constitutes a "best price." We went back to the same Cantonese restaurant and again had a wonderful meal. All for about $20. Can't beat that with a ballbat. Nana stayed behind and we brought her back noodles and eggplant for take away.
Sweet Cheeks has had diarrhea since we have had her. I was convinced it was the runny eggs but I am wondering if it might be the formula. Anyhoo, we got some tea to stop the diarhea which seems to be working but she does not like to drink it so we will see how it goes. Otherwise, Sweet Cheeks is doing great. She has gotten vocal about what she does and does not like. She seems to be quite a picky eater. Boo! But she is adorable and I love her to the moon and back!
Today, we had to be in our room at 9:00am and stay there until we had the OK call from Veronica. We tag teamed breakfast with Dad and Cupcake going first, followed by me, Nana and Sweet Cheeks. It was difficult finding something that Sweet Cheeks would actually eat and then I gave her the eggwhite from a hard boiled egg which she loved! Finally, my girl is getting some protein.
After breakfast and the OK call, we commenced for the famous RED COUCH picture at the White Swan. This was a picture taken of all the children from our travel group as well as a group shot. Only problem being, Sweet Cheeks fell asleep midway through and was not a happy camper. Those pics ought to be pretty funny.
Now, we are waiting for our Consulate Appointment which is in a few hours. After we take our oath, we are officially finished with adoption proceedings - YAH!!! Just a formality really. So that is the rest of our time. Tomorrow, we get Sweet Cheeks' visa, hop a train to Hong Kong, spend the night and then hop a plane bound for the US of A!!!! Can't wait to see friends and family at home. It has been a long two weeks and we are excited to introduce our Sweet Cheeks to everyone.
Cupcake is having a great time and does not want to come home. She thinks living at the White Swan on Shamian Island, making lots of friends, having a hot breakfast with whatever she wants, someone to make your bed, is pretty spot-on! I tend to agree but I am ready to go.
Some observations we have made while being back in Guangzhou: shopping is much more expensive now and it seems many shops have spread out away from the White Swan. There is not as much negotiating as there once was which is sad. As you walk around, the majority of the families are here adopting special needs babies. Another thing, has been the stories we have heard of adoptions that went wrong and second referrals being done while the families are here in China. Six years ago, things were much different or we never heard the stories. Probably a little of both, I am guessing.
We have met quite a few families with older daughters, the same age as Cupcake, and they are back for little sisters. It has been a God send meeting them and having some girl time for Cupcake. It is always intersting to me, how the girls act with one another. It is like they have been friends for years.
We have had a wonderful time with our travel group and have certainly made some lifelong friends. We are already talking about a reunion!!
PS - No hate mail, I will update pics later this evening:-) Love you all!
