Before allowing them to leave the country (and enter the US), each child is required to have a medical check up/exam and TB test. Thankfully our guide is extremely efficient and well-versed in helping us process the paperwork and needed details for this to happen smoothly! A team of doctors, specialized in pediatric care and focused on the area of adoptive children, did a number of routine assessments and checks to make sure Hannah was in a healthy state. Because of her thalassemia blood disorder, we requested some additional blood work and labs be completed to help us understand her current levels and needs as we prepare for departure. Parents aren't able to go along with their child for the blood draw but Hannah did well going in by herself. She is a brave little girl who has much experience with getting poked by needles!
After this morning round of appointments, we had some time to relax and explore some of the area around our hotel. One area is known as "the garden", and is a beautiful natural area of landscaping, walking paths, a pond filled with fish, some beautiful architecture, and a large waterfall. Seeing the need for our kids to get some exercise and stretch our legs a bit, we spent some time outside enjoying the sun and beauty. Once you came into this area from the outside, you would never have known we were in the middle of a bustling, hustling, car and taxi saturated area of a large metropolitan city in China! The beautiful trees, flowers, water, and grass provided an opportunity for a few pictures and some time to unwind from the ongoing demands of appointments and checkups.
Later in the afternoon we were taken to another government/civil affairs office to pick up the official notary book and adoption decree, and then head out to visit a few shopping markets with our guide and other families who are with our agency.
Our guide took us to some of the more traditional, old town markets, where many types of jewels, stones, and silks were being sold by various vendors. One of the first shops we all stopped in was a reputable dealer of pearls, and they had plenty! This small store was filled with rows and rows of bags that had varying types and sizes of pearls. Nathan and I tried to come close to even estimating how many pearls were in this store alone....not to mention the 10-15 other stores we could see within eye sight. (our estimate - impossible!) If you love pearls, this is your spot to find them!
After looking over some options, we picked up a beautiful pearl necklace and earrings for Hannah as a gift for when she's older. While they were preparing the necklace, we joked with Joshua how his future girlfriend (and wife) may like to have something like this. Joshua, who is in a funny stage where the thought of kissing, love, or having a wife is seen as "ewwww - gross!", seemed pretty intrigued with what they were doing! Someday your perspective will change, Joshua, someday. = )
Overall, we had another great day here in China, and the appointments are getting closer to being finished! Enjoy the photo updates of our day here!
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| Almost a set up for a photo shoot, but it's actually just for her passport photo |
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| Hannah getting a pep talk from our guide to explain she will be pricked |
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| Photo with the nurse! |
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| Our afternoon walk "in the garden" in front of the waterfall |
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| Joshua is pretty interested in these pearls...for his future wife? = ) |
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| She likes them! She likes them! (but are being saved for later!) |
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