I never thought I would be so happy to be in Guangzhou!!!!! Zhengzhou was a great experience (other than the hotel) and I am glad we got to see a real city here, but we had all had enough. The air was awful and there just wasn't enough to do. I almost cried at the airport when I saw a play set for the girls to play on. The flight to Guangzhou went well, Jessie told HaiYang several times that she was going on a plane and had to wear a seatbelt.... she got in her seat and buckled up with no problem and fortunately she fell asleep 10 minutes in and stayed asleep the whole way. I did forget to give her a diaper just in case, well we left a wet seat on the plane, I am sure there was a very unhappy passenger on the next flight. I was sad to leave Jessie, for one I just really liked her and I was terrified to be without a translator for HaiYang, I cried when we parted, she probably thought I was nuts. Our new coordinator is very nice too and is help-full with the language as well. We have learned to say a few words and listen for a few things from her so that is also helpful.
We are at the Ch*na Hotel (Marriott Hotel) it is definitely one of the nicest hotels I have ever been in and we have a HUGE suite, so we are much more comfortable now. We are with 2 other families from our adoption agency - we had all contacted one another prior to the trip so it was almost like meeting friends? Anyway, both very nice families, one adopted a 10 year old boy and they have their 12 year old son with them, both nice boys. The other family adopted a 4 year old boy and have their 6 year old daughter with them. She is a cute little girl and the girls all seem to be having fun together.
Saturday was the medical appointment, needless to say HaiYang hated it, sober at first and clinging to me, which was nice since she prefers Dave most of the time. Once they started the exam she was just a crying mess started out scared then turned angry, it wasn't very pleasant. She had to get 4 shots and a TB test which we go back to have read tomorrow, no bump so I think we are in the clear with that. The clinic was on Shamian Island which is were we stayed during our past trips, it was nice to be somewhere familiar. We spent a few hours at a park after the medical, it was good for the kids to get to run around without the fear of being run over by a car or bike!! HaiYang was really cute at the park, there were a few little boys she really liked and seemed like she wanted to help them, we think maybe she was used to helping the little ones at Hope or the orphanage. Tessie has also made it her job to help with the little boy from the other family. He is blind so when we are out it is easier for him to be in a stroller, Tessie always wants to push and even shared her cookies and snacks with him. He is a really cute little guy and already making so much progress, his Mom works with the blind so he is in really good hands.
Today we went to another park, it was gorgeous and huge. The first part was just a really pretty park with trees and a boat rental area, we opted for the motor boat rather than the paddle. HaiYang really liked it, Tessie was worried we would tip and it wasn't water you would want to fall into. After, we came to the exercise area, it was packed! They are all over Chna, the equipment is for exercise rather than play and tons of people use it. Lucie had to show off her monkey bar abilities and received a small applause. There was also an amusement section, I couldn't refuse L & T again after the zoo so we agreed to do a few rides. Several in and HaiYang went crazy when she couldn't go on the bumper car with Lucie and Dave, I had to turn to Elsie for help - after the rant was over Elsie said, "oh wow she has very bad temper", no friggin kidding. We finished off with a little craft that settled her down and made everyone happy. On the way back I picked up lunch at McD's, yep that is correct, it is our 3rd McD's meal since we arrived here. I know that sounds bad but it isn't easy to get a small lunch anywhere else and honestly, even I was happy to have some chx nuggets. HaiYang loves fries with ketchup!!
This evening we went to a Cantonese Dinner with one of the other families. It was one of those restaurants that had 50 aquariums full of every imaginable creature - Lisa they even had frogs for you and Tessie had me take a picture to prove it, very gross. No we didn't eat frogs, snakes, bugs, worms, alligators, turtles or any of the other things I can't name but we did have a great meal of pork, beef, veggies, rice, buns and watermelon. HaiYang ate up a storm as usual - she loves watermelon and keeps stealing Tessie's off of her. She is pretty well behaved at the table, aside from stealing from Tessie, which surprises me since I doubt she has been in many restaurants, and likes fussing with the chopsticks, spoons and cups.
Bed time is becoming more challenging each night, I think she figured out that there are other things happening after kids go to bed, she has really started to fight it that last few nights, just like her sisters. Although since we have been here the girls can't seem to stay awake until 8:30, I wish that would last at home, ha, it won't. I don't even want to think about what our new bed time ritual will be.
Well only 4 more days here and we will be on a plane, so far our flight hasn't changed, if it does we'll let everyone know. Can't wait for you to meet HaiYang.
Love and miss you all!! xoxo
