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Is this a Chinese spin bike?
This is how the day started...so sweet!
A hazy Guangzhou morning (view from our hotel)
Lilly's turn for her medical exam.
Some new (squeaky) shoes and a bowl of noodles after the tortuous medical exam
Anna with some of her fellow big adoptive sisters.
Some new (squeaky) shoes and a bowl of noodles after the tortuous medical exam
Anna with some of her fellow big adoptive sisters.
After a long night (Lilly was up several times. coughing, asking for milk, needing the potty), today has actually been a fine day so far. I got up early to go for a jog around the island (lots of locals out getting early morning exercise) and have some quiet time. We once again enjoyed the sumptuous breakfast spread, this time sitting next to the indoor waterfall. So much food that we haven't needed lunch the past two days. This morning, Lilly had her medical exam (a formality it seems, based on the minimal exam they performed). All 3 kids and I then did some shopping (got Lilly some cute "squeaky shoes") and got Lilly some noodles for lunch (her food horizons are expanding, however--halfway through her gigantic bowl of noodles she looked over at me and said in Chinese "meat?" Like, "hey Mom, where's the beef?" She then feel asleep after playing in her crib for a little while.
Our "red couch photos" are today, apparently a tradition in the China adoption community. Our group will get photos on the White Swan's red couch. We got Anna and Lilly each a blue silk dress for the occasion. We'll see how Lilly likes the photo op! By the time I post this, we should have the photos uploaded. (note added later: Lilly's blue dress didn't fit, but the pink silk noutfit I bought for my now high-school aged niece when I was living in Nanjing did fit her!)
This afternoon we will take care of filling out all of our visa paperwork, and tomorrow Jason and Kathy, our wonderful CCAI reps will take all of the paperwork to the US Consulate for the group. Once we get her visa tomorrow, our last formal event will be taking an oath at the US Consulate on Wednesday (Lilly's birthday). Then, we pack for home!
Even though we are tired and ready for normal life again, I have to say I am feeling quite spoiled, with such precious family time, wonderful food that I don't have to cook or clean up, a maid to clean our rooms and turn down the sheets each day, and time with a wonderful group of new friends to learn from and gain encouragement from (hopefully it's a two-way street in that regard).
Thanks again to all of you who have been following our journey, praying, sending e-mails, and posting comments. Miss you and love you!
11 comments:
Hi Amy, those children are just adorable. And I love the white shoes just as much as the red boots :) It is so nice to see how much Lilly is changing in such a short time. Love hearing about all the interesting and fun stuff happening with you all in such a far away place.
Great pictures! I remember feeling that spoiled too, it was WONDERFUL :) Tell Kathy the Clarks (with Lainey) say hello, she was our awesome guide! Enjoy the last bit of your trip!!
Once again Amy is counting her blessings! It is a trip of a lifetime, memories that will stay with all of you. I am glad you will have spring break when you get back, you are going to need that time to adjust.(Except Tom probably has to be back to seeing patients.)Ooh that's going to be tough on Lilly, hey. (she does like her daddy!)I Know she loves you all.
Amy and Anna we liked Lilly's new shoes. The new dresses on Anna and Lilly are very pretty. The pic's were very fun to look at! Amy, Editor and photographer of O.A.A. amongst many other jobs!!! you are doing great! Catalina's keep those smiles on, just a few more days left! Looking forward to these last few chapters. Love the Groop's
We are looking forward to you coming home as well...although it seems Florida may as well be China. We can't wait to meet Lilly!
Great pictures!!
Enjoy that pampering(no cooking, having your beds turned down)...I still remember it fondly!!
Sandra D.
Amy! I am loving reading about your adventure...Happy 3rd Birthday to Lilly...what a wonder-filled birthday present for a beautiful little girl...a family all her own! Enjoy your last couple of days...Blessings to the Catalina Five!!!!!
Amy! I am so excited for you guys! We can't wait to meet your new addition! Let me cook you guys some sketti or something when you return. Give me a shout - I'll bring the girls by to say hi to Lilly!!
Happy birthday Lilly!
You guys are probably packing up right now. We will be praying for your strength to endure for another day or so for the flight home.
Say hi to Tad for us when you get there.
G. Alan Groop said...
Happy Birthday to Lilly! I'm sure it was a fun day.
Good luck with all the flights home, hope all goes well.
Have a fun and safe trip back to Fl.
We will miss reading your blog everyday, it became a part of our day. I know it is going to be an adjustment for you when you get back.
I will come over and pamper you anytime Amy.
Thanks for all your work on the blog Amy. God Bless the Catalina's
Cindy
March 25, 2009 7:46 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILLY!!! Hope you have the best birthday ever :)
Happy Birthday Lilly! Joyeux Anniversaire Lilly! Hope you enjoy this day with your new wonderful family that will now and forever be there to love you and take care of you. Can't wait to see you all again(the neighborhood is not the same without the Cantilinas) and finally meet Lilly!!!
PS: We will see you when we come back from MS, we are headed there tomorrow night for 2 nights to look at schools for the girls.
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