Monday, February 16, 2009

The big happening for today was heading off to Caiya’s medical exam appointment. In order for us to obtain a visa for her to come to the U.S., she must have this appointment. We went to the local clinic. It was very busy, but Echo got us through all of the paperwork and stations very quickly. I mention ‘stations’ because we had to go to three different areas/rooms to conduct the exam. The first station was to sign a piece of paper and have a doctor check her eyes and hearing, by using a squeaky duck. The next room was a questionnaire about her known health. The third room was the actual exam where they checked for motor skill development and listened to her heart. She had the specialist come in and listen to her heart, since she does have repaired congenital heart issues. He told us she still has a murmur, but sounded and looked great. The fourth station was height and weight check: 11kg and 88cm tall.

After that, Jeremy and I went to a store on the island called “A Gift from China.” It is the absolute best souvenir shop in GZ, started by a family from US/England and adopted from China. I had the opportunity to talk to the owner when we went back for the second time today :). She even said that she sees dozens of adoptive families and children daily and to her, Caiya is adjusting very well to us, and seems very happy!! :)

It is the first charity gift shop in GZ and proceeds from purchases go directly to the orphanages here in China. They also have a website from which items can be ordered.

Lauren set out to find a gift for all of her classmates today…and she succeeded! We shopped a lot, bargaining and looking for great buys, ate, took naps, and walked some more.

Our last adoption appointment will be on Wednesday. It is Caiya’s visa ceremony. This is where we get her visa to come to the US and they give a little ceremony since she’s being adopted. We are dressing her and Lauren in traditional Chinese clothing…so pics are sure come!

We are looking forward to getting back home! It’s been great here, but we miss home and McKinley May (dog). My mom and dad have kept her while we’re here, and they keep telling us we’ve lost a dog!