Consulate Day

Yesterday (wed) was our consulate day.  I was expecting someone a little more ceremonial than just going to an area much like a bank lobby with teller windows, and chairs.  The guy gave us our oath through his window, and then each family had some additional questions to answer.  It took about 30 mins tops and then we were done. You can't take photos, or even bring anything in there with you so there is nothing to note our time there. There were 3 of us from our group and 2 other families there from other agencies. They must have had something going on because there weren't any locals waiting to get in or another group set up that morning. The rest of our agency group goes this am. 

We also had our group and family photos done, then they boys took a nap. We headed to Shaiman Island around 3 pm with a few other families and did some shopping.  We got the chop sticks I was wanting and got Nian some additional silk outfits for the next few years.  The only thing I didn't get that I wanted was a tea set. I do like those big spoons they have so maybe we'll find some of those today when we venture out around the hotel today.
We learn new things about our little guy every day and we continue to build that bond of trust.  Nian likes to dance, he shares his food with both of us, and likes to wipe his hands on my leg. We're working on the meaning of a napkin but I think it's too much like a kleenex so he's not a big fan.  He does not like to have his nose wiped and stomps his food when he's really mad. He likes to walk down the hall by himself (no hand holding) and attempts the stairs the same way.  He does NOT like to be woken up, which means tomorrow morning will be a good time as we'll have to wake him up to get to he airport by 7 am.

We are looking forward to heading home. As much as we love this journey and enjoy the country and culture of our son's homeland, we miss some of the basics from home and our 4 legged little girl Isabel.  Living out of a hotel room for 2 1/2 weeks is not easy or fun. I look forward to brushing my teeth with the faucet, filling a cup of good clean water to drink, making my own food, just being able to get a drink out of the fridge instead o f going up 6 floors. The little things... 

Today is a down day for us.  We just have a group meeting in the am and then the rest to the day is ours.  We don't plan to do too much.  Maybe go to the park, shop a little, and of course start packing.  Sure hope our bags are lighter going home than they were coming. At least we know what to bring and what to leave at home for our next adoption.  It's always hard to decide what to pack when going to a different country with different weather at each city.  We went from chilly windy hat and glove weather in Beijing, to warm/humid weather in Guangzhou. I'm glad I packed some Capri pants. 

Time for me to get going.  There's a little boy here who's getting into mischief! I'll try to post some more pictures later today. 

Thanks for following along with our journey.  We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. 

Joe, Becky, and Nian