Last Day, Last Ones!

Today was our last in Guangzhou. Kathyrn and I went to the bank and did some final shopping. Naturally, she napped throughout. We met up with Peter, Kelly, Sharon and Miley for lunch at the famous Cow and Bridge Thai Restaurant. Well, it is famous to those who come here to adopt and don't venture far! Actually, there was a TV crew doing a segment on the place while we were having lunch. Kathryn was really wriggly and fussy, not having gotten enough sleep while I toted her around. We came back and she helped me pack, then she went down for a real nap. I think she was snoring! It was sad to say goodbye to our good friends, but I know we will see them again soon back in the Bay Area. We're the only ones remaining from our group! We had dinner at Lucy's and then Kathryn went straight to bed. We take an early cab to the airport tomorrow morning for our 9:30 am flight. Due to the miracle of time changes, we will travel for 17.5 hours, and arrive at 11:00 am the same day in San Francisco.

Let's call Dad!

As we were getting ready for bed, I was talking to Kathryn about her Dad, that we might call him again tomorrow. Then she went over and got the phone! Perhaps she wanted to wake him?

Pizza Hut

Peter and Kelly have had a few meals at the Pizza Hut in town and asked me to join them for lunch. Very different from what we expect at home. There are two ladies that wait by the doors to open them for you and then you are seated by a hostess. There are lamb chops and steaks on the menu and your pizza may be served for you. The pizza (we were very adventurous and ordered cheese) was delicious and probably the same as you would get at home. When Kathryn dribbled a bit of milk down her chin, the waitress rushed over with napkins. Such service!

Rise and Shine!

Kathyrn has been taking naps in the crib, and will also go to sleep there at night, but wakes in the early morning demanding to be picked up, then goes back to sleep next to Mommy for a few more hours. She finally woke up from her 12 hour slumber today and we gave Daddy and Marina a call on Skype(video phone over the internet). Marina was excited to see Kathryn (and Mommy?). A couple of times I had to put her down and Marina would ask "Where did sister go?!" Kathryn happily waved her arms and Marina joined in. We can't wait to see them together!

Bumbo!

Realizing that I would be on my own for several days with Kathryn, we brought along a Bumbo - infant seat - for me to have in the room. Although we packed around it, it did take up some space in the luggage. We figured it was worth it if I needed to park her somewhere for a moment, and we could always donate it to someone here, and fill the space with purchases. We almost left the seat behind in Guiyang because she was not even willing to get down off of our laps. She screamed at the seat then, and the chance that she would use it seemed remote. Today marked another achievement for us as she was willing to sit in a highchair at breakfast and this afternoon had oatmeal and crackers in the seat, giving me a bit of a break. Tonight we had dinner at Lucy's near the hotel with Kelly, Peter, Miley and Sharon. Kathryn sat in the highchair long enough to eat some chicken congee and let Mom eat most of her dinner too. Of course no one had their cameras tonight when Kathryn and Miley paced the plaza next to the restaurant filling the evening air with the chirping from their squeaky shoes.

Mattel

The Mattel toy company put a playroom in the first floor of the White Swan Hotel called the Swan Room. They also give each adoptive family a Barbie. I had heard about the playroom before but not about the Barbie until we arrived in China. I have been surprised that I have not seen many families in there, but then most families are busy with adoption work, eating and shopping. I went in today with Kathryn - Jeff left for home this morning - and we were by ourselves for over an hour before one other family came in. Unfortunately, the room is somewhat of a tourist attraction, so it is not uncommon for people to bang at the door wanting to be let in. A hotel key is required for access. Although there were many toys in the room, Kathryn played with just a few that Mommy picked out before abandoning all for her favorite Little Bo Peep book. Those sheep just never disappoint! Where can they be hiding? Behind the flap? Hilarious! Those are Marina's 9 month pants that are too short but so baggy on her little legs! She has gotten very steady on her feet though! So about the Barbie... I thought it would be a Chinese Barbie, right? No! It's Caucasian Adoptive Mom Barbie! I just had to laugh at that! This one pictured is similar to the one we received.

It's (almost) Official!

Wednesday we had our final adoption appointment - the American Embassy. We joined 55 other families to get our last approvals and take our oath. Jeff and I raised our right hands, promising to take care of this soon to be U.S. citizen, getting a bit choked up, then we looked over and Kathryn had her hand up as well! No cameras are allowed inside, and perhaps that is best, something that will be captured only in our memories. We were given a brown envelope full of documents, and told DO NOT OPEN. If this were not enticing enough, one corner is cut out, so that they can check the paperwork without anyone else seeing it! It was given to us with an unsealed plastic sleeve...and then Jeff sealed it! I don't think he trusted me, do you? Kathryn becomes a U.S. Citizen automatically upon our first arrival on U.S soil -our landing at SFO. We are to stand in the Non Domestic Passports line, then turn over the documents there, and even though I am dying to know....it will not be opened! What a big day for Kathryn YingZi Anhalt! She becomes a U.S. citizen, sees her new home and room, meets her big sister, aunt and uncle and even two cats! What ever will we do for her the next day?

More Photos of Last Night

After the photos on the red couch, the babies toddled around together for a little while. It was past everyone's bedtime, but no one wanted to say their goodbyes.

The Red Couch Photo! (s)

It is just one of those things that many adoptive families do - take a photo of all the babies in the group sitting on the red couch at the White Swan. Some groups dress their babies up in Chinese pajamas, but we did the photo right after our river cruise with little planning, so the babies are in their usual clothes. We were surprised by one thing - there isn't just one couch, there are many! Makes sense, the hotel is full of adoptive families!

Pearl River Cruise

Wednesday night was the final night for Jeff, and also for Regis, Yvette and Carys. We decided to celebrate our successful journey with a cruise on the Pearl River. We had meant this to be a banquet to thank Chris for all his hard work, but as always he arranged for everything. The most we could do to show our appreciation was to tell him that we will always take good care of these sweet girls from his country. He reminded us that as our daughters are from the same orphanage they are like sisters, and should never go more than a year without seeing each other. We will make sure they know each other always.

Big Move

Tuesday we moved from the Victory Hotel to the White Swan. Both nice hotels but very different. The White Swan is kind of famous in the Chinese adoption community, and we wanted to experinence it. Our room at the Victory was small, but here we have junior suite which will give us some room to relax when Kathryn is sleeping, and room for her to walk around in when she is awake. A bonus - an amazing view! It was funny moving - they just piled our suitcases on a trolly and rolled them down the street! The picture of Jeff at the desk next to the bed, is at the Victory -just bath, two double beds, small crib and desk. The others pictures, are at the White Swan. We 1 and 1/2 baths with big soaking tub, King bed, larger (she can't climb out) crib and sitting (make that playing) room.

Making wishes

After our Buddhist Blessing ceremony, we lit some incense and made some good wishes for our new family. Here is a photo of Regis, Yvette and baby Carys making their wishes.

A Way to Remember

Part of the complex of buildings that comprised the Buddhist Monastery included this room where Buddhists can be remembered after they have died. Similar to a mausoleum but without any remains, each person is represented by a yellow slip of paper with a photo. There are some that are marked with red tape, to signify a space saved for a loved one that is still living.

Dinner with Daddy

Kathryn has been taking bottles from Daddy and spent most of Jeff's last day here yesterday cuddling in his arms and riding in the hip carrier. They will probably have to get reaquainted again when she and I return on Sunday, but I don't think it will take too long.

Blessing

We visited a Buddhist Monastary and Temple yesterday, and climbed to the top of a 1400 year old pagoda (okay only Jeff and Kathryn went to the very top). All three of us were blessed by a Buddhist Monk in a short ceremony before the three giant copper buddhas. As usual, Kathryn slept through much of the important ceremony.

Getting Around

Yesterday Kathryn was ready to wander away from us, not only in the room, but in the hotel restaurant and hallways. She is a bit unsteady on her feet, but she is very proud of herself when she gets going. "Ah!" she will proclaim.

Power Naps

After her medical exams today, Kathryn took a three hour nap. While I put her down, Jeff took the job of working with Chris to get our papers in order for our Embassy appointment tomorrow. When he came back to the room, he was so wiped out, he crashed too. I couldn't leave the room and risk her waking to find me gone. Good thing I brought a book!

Medical Exam

Kathryn had her required medical exam today. Chris did a great job of getting us in early so we didn't have to wait, by the time we left there was a line of adoptive parents waiting to see the examiners. There are three stations that each family must visit with their child, in no particular order. For one, they looked at her skin and measured her head. In China, strangers scold you if your baby has even a tiny bit of leg exposed. Kathryn is tall for her body size, leaving her pants a bit short, so I have been putting tights on her any time we are going out. It made for a bit of a scramble getting her undressed! The next station we visited was the scale. She weighed in at a mere 18 lbs. She is just a tiny thing, but seems very healthy. Finally we visited the hearing test. The exam consisted of a toy piano and a sqeaky toy. Kathryn was so upset by this point she did not turn her head at any of the sounds at first, concerning the examiner. Finally she showed her interest in the toys and we were given a stamp of approval. Phew!