Home Stretch

Today was a long, busy day.  We had to get up early for our appointment at the US Consulate here to apply for Tallulah's immigrant visa.  They will put this visa in her Chinese passport and when she touches down on American soil with it, she will automatically become a US citizen.  This appointment is also now done in a brand new, nice facility.  I may have forgotten to pack green for yesterday, but I did not forget to pack red, white and blue for the girls today.  Tallulah did not forget to poop all over her red, white and blue outfit before we left, so she wore red, white and...black.

 

Daddies and Daughters before the appointment

 

 

Afterwards, we went to ShaMian Island for more shopping and lunch. 

 

 

 

We passed up the "Scoop Your Own Lunch" place, as well as the "Fried Pigeon" place and ended up at Lucy's where it became clear that Tallulah likes French fries.

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight, we went on the Pearl River Cruise with our travel group and of course, my aunt and uncle.  It was the perfect night for it...clear(ish), balmy and warm.  Guangzhou turns into a whole new place at night with all the lights.  The girls loved it, especially Tallulah!

 

 

G is still not feeling well, but rallied with the help of Motrin

 

 

The CCTV Tower (4th tallest free standing structure in the world)

 

This pic cracks me up.  It looks like Evie is wearing the coolest hat ever.

 

The boat was beautiful, with lanterns hung everywhere and this lady playing what apparently what is one of Tallulah's favorite beats.

 

 (I look a little nuts right here.)

 

It was lights out at the orphanage at least an hour ago.  Who knew life went on outside?!?!

 

Riverdancing.  Literally.

 

 

When we got back to the room, we said goodbye to my aunt and uncle who are heading home tomorrow.  We've obviously read all the research on attachment and bonding and know that it is recommended to not let anyone else hold, touch or feed your new baby for weeks or even better, months.  Normally, we follow the recommendations pretty closely because, well, these kids' beginnings have too many challenges already.  But we broke the rule tonight to let my aunt hold Tallulah before she left.  Below is probably one of the greatest spontaneous pictures of all time.  Do you think they have been waiting for this all their lives or what?  ;) 

 

 

 

Uncle Frank got to hold her a few days ago when she saddled herself up onto his lap, but I was busy running late, er, getting ready for an appointment so I didn't get it with my camera.  I know my aunt did get it with theirs though, so I'll have to post that when we share SD cards. 

 

The rest of our travel group also heads home tomorrow.  (We still have 2 more days here.)  We really have been so blessed to meet and share this amazing experience with these families and their sweet new daughters.  And I'm so grateful that our girls have had each other's familiar faces around to help ease their transitions. 

 

 

 

So what did you have for breakfast today?