We left Nanjing yesterday and made our way to Ghuangzhou. The morning started out OK, but JingJing decided she didn't really want to pack, she just wanted to go and ended up throwing a fit and crying herself to sleep on the floor. After finally getting around, we took off for the airport hoping she wouldn't be car sick. We got lucky and she fell asleep in the car. Once at the airport we got checked in and said good bye to our guide Michael. He has spoken english for 20 years. He was really good at it. But he can't come to the States for more than 2 weeks, because China won't approve it. They are nervous that anyone over 30 will simply leave the country and never return if they leave for more than 2 weeks, so Visas are only granted for 2 weeks max. Nanjing was nice but we were looking forward to being with the other families in Ghuangzhou.
JingJing seemed pretty excited to see the planes. And was excited to get on ours. Unfortunately we sat there for a half hour after boarding. She grew tired of being strapped in during that time. Once we were moving she settled down some, but started looking like she wasn't feeling good. Luckily, she feel asleep again. After a quick 2 hour flight we landed in Ghuangzhou where it was 57 degrees. We were welcoming the warm up. It was as cold in Nanjing as it is in Fort Wayne. Ghuangzhou became Mike's favorite city to fly into at nighttime. It is a large city and everything is lit up. There is a river running through the middle and the bridges are lined with neon lights. The buildings are lit up like the casinos in Vegas. It was really amazing.
Once we reunited with our guide from Beijing, Allison, we were off to the hotel. JingJing did the car ride like a champ. She talked to us and played games on the iPad. She saw a picture of Logan on Mike's shoulders and decided she wanted to try that as soon as we got to the hotel. And the hotel is really really nice. 5 stars! A number of Americans work here as well. This is probably one of the nicest hotels Mike and I have ever stayed at. It is huge. The Paralympics are here right now as well, so the hotel is full. You have to put your bags through an airport scanner when you get here. That was a little strange. There are 4 restaurants and some shopping. There is a Starbucks downstairs and the McDonalds down the street delivers we've been told. Tomorrow we are doing some local Thai restaurant for lunch with the group and it is supposed to be really good.
Today was her medical exam. All seemed to go well, except at the end when she got her TB test. She was not happy about getting a shot in her forearm. She cried for a good twenty minutes. For some reason she has been all about Mike today. She wanted him to carry her all day. Wanted to sit with him all day. Had to go downstairs with him to get bottled water and soda. Today has been the first day she has chosen Mike over me. We're thinking it is because I woke her up and got her dressed. She can hold a grudge.
After the medical we walked around Shamian Island. It was amazing. Mike and I both feel like we could see ourselves moving to Ghuangzhou. The city is really nice. Shamian Island is really cool. Lots of parks and old english style buildings. Mike posted pictures of people doing Tai Chi in the park. We ate outside. It was mid sixties and completely sunny, that was nice. After getting back to the hotel we did our final set of paperwork and paid our last fee. We should be getting her Visa on Tuesday or Wednesday so we can leave. She threw a fit while we were doing the paperwork. Mike took her back to the room with him to retrieve some papers he had left. She screamed and cried the whole way up to the room. She has some lungs, everyone looks at us, it is quite embarrassing. Once up in the room she learned how dad say no very sternly. Up to this point we've kind of spoiled her but she's testing us now that she realizes we are her parents, so it's time to start correcting her. She's not happy about it. So we've had a couple of meltdowns like we've anticipated with adopting a toddler. She doesn't like being told no, but the screaming afterwards is getting shorter already.
It's been a long two days and we are beat. She hasn't had a nap today at all so we are hoping she'll pass out early and we can get some sleep. Tomorrow should be relatively easy. We have a group photo and then some shopping and leisure. We are learning more and more Mandarin every day. We can't understand every single sentence or understand the songs she sings, but we are able to communicate much better every single day. And this girl loves watermelon. I think she ate a whole melon last night at dinner. That and about three things of Strawberry mousse. And everything she wears has to be pink. Talk about particular!
Unless her TB test comes back bad on Monday (which it looks fine, so we should be fine), we are in the final stretch and should be taking the oath to make her a US citizen, Tuesday at 1:30.
Pics from yesterday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mkrisher/sets/72157625495917105/
Pics from today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mkrisher/sets/72157625622228054/
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