It's fun, though, to think back (I'm referring to my journal, actually) on this last day. I have to say, I was a bit depressed on this day. We didn't get the best nights sleep (again). I think that Scarlett is uncomfortable in the pack-n-play. It's pretty old and worn from years and years of adoptive families putting their babies in it. Nathan still wasn't feeling good, so he had a hard time sleeping, too.
We had to be up early to meet Helen in the lobby at 7:30 to head to our consulate appointment. This is a big day. The last step for Scarlett to become a U.S. citizen (besides landing in Dallas). Helen is awesome, and she got us to be first in line. We had to wait outside for security to open. It was super humid where we were standing. We were all sweating and it was super uncomfortable. There's noting worse than not feeling well and being that hot and sweaty. In line behind us was many other American families who had also adopted. It was neat to be together in this shared experience.
We finally got through security and up to the 2nd floor, window 8 where we were given the #1 card. Yay! There were 7 other adoptive families there- we were all given information at the same time and then took an oath together. We were called up to the window, and out of there pretty quick. The experience was a good one, I would say. Tomorrow afternoon, Helen will come back to the consulate to pick up Scarlett's visa and off we go!
After the consulate appointment, we went to get breakfast. Jenny, Christy, Kimberlyn, and Judah were there too. We enjoyed breakfast with them. One of my favorite things has been to eat our meals in that room and look around at all of the other families with their sweet Chinese children, on the same journey as us.
We headed to our room to get in an an early nap time. This afternoon we're going to Shamian island as a group for some sight seeing. Nathan and Scarlett had a nice long nap. I could tell that Nathan wasn't feeling good when he woke up, and offered to go to the sight seeing alone, but he wanted to come. First, we stopped at the wholesale market where there are many many many vendors who sell the jewelry they specialize in. I got a jade necklace, which I'd been wanting, so I was happy! Next we went to Shamian island. Shamian island is where the consulate used to be- the adopting families would stay in this old hotel and it was such a neat, quaint little island. It's too bad the consulate moved. We enjoyed walking around- taking pics of the statues that are all over the island. We went to a shop and got some great souvenirs. I got a tea set so we can have tea as a family. It was super humid there, so we stopped at the 7-eleven (they are everywhere here) and got some snacks and ice creams. We walked around just a bit more- there was a little park for Scarlett and Judah to play on- there were some rambunctious kids there, so they weren't really interested. We saw a few bridal parties doing their pictures on the island.
After hanging out on the island for a few hours, we headed to a last dinner together. Helen took us to a Cantonese place that she likes and she helped us order. The food was so good, as usual. I'm so going to miss the food here!!
We went back to the room and played for a bit before going to bed. Scarlett had a tough time sleeping- again, I think the crib is uncomfortable. There was also construction (yes, construction at 11:30pm) outside of our window and it was loud. I was getting super annoyed. Eventually, Nathan pulled her into bed with him and she slept good.
We start our travel back to the states tomorrow. We've got to get some rest!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.