Wow! I can’t believe we have been gone for 9 days… and we have had Madison for 8 days. Our time here in China is flying. We have fallen into a semi-routine and most days it is easy being a family of four but, we have our moments of difficulty. I have to keep reminding myself that she won’t be two forever and to cherish every smile, laugh and even the tantrums. Madison was very spoiled by her foster family and is use to having all the attention all of the time and getting whatever she wants whenever. She loves Jake but, is also a tad jealous when we are giving him attention. We are trying to teach her that we love them both and that yes she is our little princess but she is not always in charge! Jake is doing extremely well and is being very flexible with no melt downs. He really has embraced the big brother role :)
Day 9
We began our day with a quick breakfast and then a trip to the clinic so that Madison could have her TB test read. Her TB test was fine but, she does have a lump on her shoulder where she got one of her injections and a rash on her tummy which caused 3 doctors to look at her (which she did not like). It was determined that since she didn’t have a fever she was fine and it was probably a reaction to one of the shots and that I should give her more water. After that experience, I keep praying that we can stay healthy until we get home, I do not want to have to go back to the clinic for anything especially nothing serious!
We decided to walk around the island and explore before our 1pm meeting with Seiw Mei and her staff from Christian Action (CA). CA is a nonprofit organization that co-manages Madison’s orphanage in Xining. Seiw Mei is amazing and so is her organization, they have saved many children’s lives. We met in our hotel lobby and then walked to a restaurant called Lucy’s for lunch. There were lots of pictures taken by the CA staff and of course Madison was showing off for all of them. It was so wonderful to meet Seiw Mei and have her blessing and send off. The work they do in Madison’s providence is amazing and it was easy to tell by listening to Seiw Mei that she truly loves not only the work she does but also the children she is helping. Please take a few moments and Google Christian Action and check out Siew Mei’s blog, under the about her section, is a picture of her holding Madison when Madison was baby.
After lunch and goodbyes it was naptime and then off to dinner with two other families from China Adopt (a website, I frequented during our wait). We ate at a great Italian restaurant and it was nice to get out with other families and have adult conversation. After dinner we explored a new part of the island and found a shop called Jenny’s (which came recommended from another family) who had the best prices on dresses and actually everything. I spent 25usd and walked out with two bags of stuff… ahhh..how I love to shop especially for great deals!
Day 10
Today we slept in until 9am; finally we have adjusted to the time change. Both the kids wanted to sleep more (they are so my children!). Once everyone was up, we headed down to breakfast in our jammies and finally didn’t have to rush through it to go meet our guide. The only thing on the agenda today was suppose to be that we had to wait in our room between 10:30 – 11:30 in case the US consulate had questions about our paperwork but, in addition to that, they decided to move everyone’s consulate appointment to today instead of tomorrow. So now instead of shopping after 11:30, I decided to nap Madison early so that we would be ready to go to the US consulate at 2pm. Our guide was not available today so he had one of his colleagues meet us at 2pm and walk us to the White Swan hotel to catch the bus to the consulate.
There was about 35 families being sworn in today and it took two large buses to get us all to the consulate. The consulate was about a 35 min ride away and once there we were led upstairs to a security check point. Our guide had prepared us well, no cameras, phones, electronics or water. Going through this security check point was much like the airport, all jackets off, belts off, and everything out of our pockets…they did let us keep our shoes on. Once past security we were brought into a room with chairs facing a bank of teller style windows (with glass) with numbers above them. It reminded me of the DMV except this room had a small play area with toys at the back. Then they started calling children names which of course were hard to hear and understand. When your child’s name was called you were suppose to go up to the window with your passport and be verified and then sign some paperwork. We of course were one of the last families called up and
while we were waiting Madison decided to throw a fit and lay on the ground and cry. All the newbie parents looked at us like we were crazy and should do something but, those with older kids smiled kindly with that been there done that look. In case you are wondering, the reason for the fit…because we said “no more M&M’s”. She already had eaten at least 20 or so plus some hard candy (see how spoiled!) As I told the people around me, I have been here and done tantrums before with Jake and it really is par for the course and we expect it and she won’t be two forever. :)
Once all the families were verified a consulate officer came out and talked to the group and then had us stand up raise our right hands and take the oath. Then it was back to the bus for the ride back to the hotels. Once back it was time for dinner, shopping and dropping off our laundry.
Now that we have completed our oath, Madison’s visa will be ready for pick up on Wednesday and then we are free to head home on Friday. Tomorrow we will go to the park in the am and hopefully shop in the afternoon (and maybe even McDonalds for dinner) and I promise to post pictures with tomorrows post!!
Missing everyone (and face book)terribly!!
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