Consulate Appointment

Today was a big day…basically what we’ve been here so long for; our consulate appointment! We woke up early (again, ugh!), and headed over with several other families to wait a long time. Little Miss was daddy’s girl today and mostly had eyes for him.

We brought in a super small mesh zippered bag containing nothing more than our passports, two diapers, wipes, and a small thing of snacks. No electronics with two kids.  She even had to drink her water before we could take it in! We went through a bunch of security and steps, all to sit and wait for 90 minutes. In a very loud, crowded room. We were almost the very last people too, since we had a slight issue with one of our papers we had to get redone.

It was pretty crappy, and not at all fun, and felt like basically another unnecessary process in this whol adoption gig. But it’s done, and tomorrow we will get her Chinese passport with her visa in it, the Hague adoption certificate, and the brown visa package. This contains a bunch of paperwork in it and is sealed and stamped. If we open it we are in big trouble! But as soon as we hand that package over to US customs, and our girl steps foot on American soil, she’s an American! Hooray!

Although a little bittersweet, because the Chinese don’t recognize dual citizenship, so she looses her Chinese citizenship. After spending two weeks in this country, I’m rather glad it’s going to stick with us.

After getting our things from the hotel room we grabbed a quick lunch at the noodle place again, one of our favorite restaurants here (along with Oggi’s pizza, and the Paddy Field). C stayed and watched the girls while I ran to the pearl and jade market.

It’s a massive six story building with no AC, filled with all kinds of precious gems and pearls. It’s crazy! Pearls are traditional for Chinese women to wear when they are married, so we wanted to be sure to get a pair for both our girls when they are married.

And of course that pink Buddha…

We had one other random thing we wanted to get for our boys, so our guide and I jumped off the van with the other families to grab a taxi to the store, and then back to the hotel. It was nice to take in China for a minute and see the normal every day side of it.

After the crazy cab ride and treasure hunt, I met up with C and the girls and four other families for pizza. I cannot say enough how grateful I am to have so many great families we get to do this journey with. This week has felt kind of like summer camp, when it could have been really hard and taxing. It still has those moments,  but the laughter and camaraderie make it seem so much less so.

After dinner we wondered through a few alleys and picked up an extra piece of luggage to take home the gifts from a guy randomly selling them in an alley. #becausechina

I love how views like this can be on one block, and then views like his on the next.

I can’t wait to see my boys, and my dog, and my BED (apparently China hasn’t heard of pillow-top), but I really am going to miss this country.

I’m looking forward to a bit of a slower morning. We don’t have anything major to be up early for, but C is getting up with some guys to go to the top of this big tower here. I’m sure he’ll snag some great photos to share! After that we check out here and head to Hong Kong.

We’ll spend the night there, and then head to Disney HK in the morning. We debated a lot about doing Disney, but decided to wait and see how Naomi was doing before we bought tickets. With it being on the way home, way cheaper than home, and Naomi doing AMAZING, it’s a done deal! Plus our biggest motivator was EK.

I really cannot do justice to how incredible she has been. Tummy aches, different food, and being ousted as the baby have all been handled in stride and with grace. We’ve had a few meltdowns here and there, but with everything she’s been dealing with, she’s been awesome! So Disney seemed like a great way to reward her.

I’m hoping I’ll have another chance or two to update the blog before we touch down stateside, but just in case not…

We are so grateful for all of you that have followed along, supported us, cheered for, and prayed for us in this wild ride! Thank you doesn’t do it justice. You’ve played a part in making our family, and helping rescue a little girl.