We spent our last day in Hefei just packing, really. It took a long time, and even though we had the AC cranked, we were still hot. I decided I needed to have my workout clothes on for the task! Our flight left at 4pm, and we left the hotel at I think about 1pm. Our guide, Erin, handed out the kids' passports once we got on the bus. It's a Chinese passport, but she will get the US Visa stamp after our consulate appt, like I said. Nothing too eventful happened on the travel. Well except our flight was delayed, and then we had to sit on the runway for an hour - UGH!! So I don't think we got in the air until 6pm, landed at 7:20. Oh, James said note to self - do not put newly adopted, apt to melt down child, in a sequined tank top when you go to the airport for her first flight. Meltdown ensued after going through security, and James got all scratched up by the sequins trying to hold on to her. Again, separation anxiety from her friend Emily, who was on the bus with us, and behind us in security. Luckily, Emily and her family were on a different flight, and will be going to a different hotel.
I'm now writing on Saturday night, 9:30 pm. Guangzho seems really cool so far, and we are loving our hotel! It's quite an upgrade from the holiday inn in Hefei. Pretty luxurious all around. Normally, the hotel is not such a big deal, but we actually do spend quite a bit of time in the room on this trip, so it helps! We have a suite, with sitting/living room and office, 1 bedroom and gigantic bathroom. Lots of space to spread out with all our toys and games! There are tons of adopting families here, the staff are super helpful, and almost everyone speaks some english (yeay!). Also, the city just feels fresher than hefei. Probably because we are pretty close to the ocean, and they get a lot of rain here. Good and bad in that, but I like it better here for sure. Oh, and our location is awesome. we are not on "the island", but smack in the middle of tons of restaurants, shops, mall, movie theater, etc.
Cora and I went to her medical appt this morning. James and Sophie decided not to go, since we were warned it could be a very long wait. I figured they could spend a few hours exploring on their own, which ended up being a good call. I hoped as long as our new guide, Richard, could explain to Cora where we were going, and that we'd be back to see Baba and Sophie, that we'd be okay.
I was right, Cora did awesome with the whole thing. She was happy to go with Richard and I in the car, checking everything out all the way. We were only at the medical center for about 30 mins tops. Richard zoomed us through somehow, and Cora was an absolute angel. She got her eyes checked (passed the test, which was very interesting), had ENT checked out, and a quick body exam. Oh, and had to have her blood drawn for the TB test. Even with that, not a tear was shed. She had her lollypop, and was really just taking it all in stride. Richard was quite impressed, I have to say. And we even ran into Emily, and she kept it together! I think she was too distracted to think much of it, so I was thrilled about that.
We came home, and she was all smiles to come back to our room to see James and Sophie. I am her security blanket, but James is the one she loves to see, and is so quick with a giggle for him. We all went to subway (pics attached), and then napped, and hit the pool in the afternoon.
It was an awesome day. We went to dinner with our new BFF's from Atlanta - had pizza and beer, quite delish! And then did some reading books and practicing writing numbers to wind down for bed. We're learning Cora loves to write her numbers, seems to be a soothing thing for her, and she's darn good at it. She will count, but oh so quietly, so we can barely hear her. She still is not talking much - a tiny bit in mandarin, and a few words in english. Mostly just makes funny noises and faces and laughs. She is such a character, and really fits right in with our family. Have I already said how head over heels we all are with her? Probably, but as each day gets better and less stressful, we get to just focus on getting to know her. She still wakes up with the scared look, and it shows up here and there throughout the day. But wow - it's like night and day from just 6 short days ago.
We go to the safari park tomorrow, and that's all that's on the agenda. We're all looking forward to that! Cora freaks when she sees a dog on the street (excited, not scared), so I can't imagine what she'll think.
Good night, and to my Anderson clan, have a wonderful day today at Paul's wedding. A big shout out to my little bro and his beautiful new wife, Kristin. Love you guys!
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