A Beautiful Day in China! January 14, 2009

Good morning from Guangzhou!

Kaelie and I called it a day and turned in early last night, around 6:30 pm. We had a great day but we were both totally exhausted.

We had most of the day free, so we spent the day exploring Shaiman Island. This is a beautiful part of the city. Everywhere brides and grooms were having their wedding pictures made, the streets were quiet except for the occasional honking of a car horn, and the people were just so friendly.

My travel group has been so kind to allow me to hang around with them. Yesterday, Donna, Joe, and I went for a stroll around the island. We wandered into Jenny's Place. This is a beautiful little shop right around the corner from the hotel entrance. Jenny is so sweet and kind. I bought Kaelie two outfits and a pair of squeaky shoes. I see more squeaky shoes in my near future, as Kaelie isn't walking yet and I KNOW that she will love to squeak around once she is going everywhere. She loves toys that make noise, and I bought here a traditional drum toy in Jenny's as well. Jenny also gave me a rattle with jingle bells on it, Kaelie loves that too.

We wandered on down the street to another shop called Susan's Place. Susan's does same-day laundry, so I might be wandering back down there later today. I bought Shelby and Jeremy beautiful matching traditional Chinese outfits, and I bought Kaelie two winter outfits here. In China, it is very important to bundle and wrap the babies appropriately, so they won't be cold. The children are accustomed to being very warm.

Next, we strolled down the avenue and wandered past the Polish consulate and several former consulates, including the American and German consulates. We made it the beautiful White Swan hotel, where many adoptive families also stay for their adoption trips. We've heard, though, that the White Swan is much more expensive than the Victory, and the rooms are smaller and not as comfortable. The lobby of the White Swan is beautiful, and we found the Mattel play room. Stephe, Chrissy, and Giorgia were already there, so they let us in and we played with the girls.

Lunch at Lucy's was next. By this time Kaelie was taking a great nap! I had the grilled cheese sandwich and American-style fries, and it was a great taste of home! I didn't know grilled cheese could taste so good!

At 3:00 pm, we boarded the bus and headed out to make our applications for our daughters' passports. We received our adoption certificates and also received a VERY IMPORTANT paper for the consulate. Allison said, "Keep it well." The appointment went very quickly, and on the way home, Allison explained that she ordered pizza from Papa John's for dinner. It was so good! Then, off to bed for a happy mama and sweet, sweet baby!

Gotta run, baby wants a bottle and dry diaper!

Love to all, Karen

Jenny and Karen

Donna, Jenny, Karen

Kaelie in the stroller

Lauren and Kaelie

Beautiful Baiyun Trees are all around Shaiman Island

Donna in the lobby of the White Swan

Precious Panda Sisters in the Swan Room...Karen and Kaelie, Stephe and Giorgia, Joe, Donna, and Lauren

Happy Girl!

Kaelie loves balls, but she needs to pick on one her own size! :>)

Donna, Joe, and Lauren at Lucy's for lunch

Princess Giorgia

Joe and Lauren