It's Official...US Citizenship

Day 11

It was a very early morning as we all boarded the bus for the US Consulate around 7:20 AM.  It was a 40 minute bus ride to a very average looking office building.  The only sign that the consulate was even here was a small american flag on a sign by the escalators. We waited around to go up, we waited to get into the consulate area, we waited to get through security, and then we waited until a woman arrived and talked to us about the current state of US adoptions from China.  The interesting news was that last year, 65% of US/Chinese adoptions were special needs children.  This year, that is already up to about 73% of the adoption cases.  She asked us as parents to raise our hands to take an oath, and then we waited to be called to the window one by one.  We were a little on edge, hoping we would not have any problems.  The woman at the window was very sweet and talked nicely to Anna Mei.  She looked through all papers, stamped all the appropriate places, and asked for an official signature.  That all finished, she said congratulations and sent us on our way!  Our guide will pick up Anna Mei's official Visa and passport from the Consulate tomorrow, and we will be ready for travel!

Photos from day 11

(If you can't see the Flash slideshow above, click here.)

After the consulate, it was off to another park to walk around, tire out the kids, and give the babies something new to see.  This park was full of winding paths and beautiful flowers.  Someone turned up the heat here, and a low 70's day was completely uncomfortable with about 100% humidity.  We hoped for a dip in the hotel pool, but were disappointed to learn it was not yet open for the summer season.  At this point, I collapsed due to a nasty sinus cold and a rocking headache.  Chris was very kind and took all four kids out on the town while mommy got a very much needed nap.  Where should they go? Back to play games at Dong's shop!  A few chinese checkers games later, and they left happy (Dong was too, as he made a few more sales!)   Dinner out, and an early night for everyone.

As for Anna, well, we are putting her on the floor much more often and she is standing and moving much more.  She cruises along while holding on, and she crawls when she wants something.  She is developing before our eyes.  We can't wait for her hair to grow in.  They obviously shaved it right before we met her.  Now, it is softer and growing in a little bit.

Tomorrow we visit the zoo and have a cruise on the Pearl River at dinner time.  It will be our last day of sightseeing in China.  Wednesday we pack up, and get ready for a very early and very long Thursday.