Day 10 - 1st Consulate Visit

It seems as though we are starting to figure out a schedule that works for Siena.  It does not always work out the best for the things we need/want to do, but then again, keeping her on schedule is very important to keep her somewhat in control it seems. 
Today, I had to go to the US Consulate to file some paperwork, namely our affidavit that we would ensure that she get all necessary vaccinations that the US requires for new citizens.  Unfortunately, the US Consulate is about a 40 minute van ride from our hotel.  So Deborah finished lunch, etc. with Siena and then put her down for a nap while me and one from each of the other families in the group traveled to the business district of Guangzhou.  This area of the city seemed a bit more upscale and kind of reminded me of Beijing a bit.  The area we are staying in on Shamian Island is more of an area that has in the past been populated by westerners and their associated consulates.  This area is quite used to foreigners adopting children from China and lots of the shops cater to that need selling baby supplies, strollers, baby clothes, etc.  We got back fairly late from the US Consulate and then many of us joined our families at the pool for a late afternoon swim.  Then off to dinner at La Dolce Vita again (our favorite place) and had some pizza, pasta, beers, etc.  It is starting to dawn on us that we do not have much time left here in China.  We have our red couch pictures and oath ceremony tomorrow (Thursday) and then we depart for Hong Kong on Friday.  It is bittersweet.  We have settled into a nice routine here in China and enjoy having all the babies play with one another and we can lean on each other for support.  However, we do miss being home and really want to settle into our new schedule at our own home.  We had a fun time playing with Siena after dinner in our hotel room.  She loves to stand up and then fling herself backwards onto the bed.  She laughs like crazy and then we can tickle her and she begins laughing uncontrollably.  Sometimes I need to hold her down or redirect her efforts so she does not fly off the bed and crack her skull, and she hates being held down or directed that way.  She is a free spirit that I feel will be quite a challenge in the years to come. 

J