Day at Medical Examination

Today was another long day of activity.  The entire group had to take our children to the clinic for a medical exam.  This is required by the U.S. Government before we can take Maya home to the U.S.  There was a lot of waiting around, and then unorganized activity.  Each child had to go to three ENT test, weight and height measurement, and a physical exam.  The first two were no problem.  Maya was great.  By the way, she weighs about 15.5 pounds.  Tiny little girl.  The last part, the physical exam, was a lot more stressful.  For us and Maya.  The doctor removed most of her clothes and looked her over.  Maya was pretty freaked out.  Fortunately, all of her exams were fine.

After the medical check up, we all walked from the island to the main shopping area in Guangzhou.  The market was huge and people were selling everything from tea and ginseng, to tiger bones and live scorpions.  What a sight!  After the market, we continued on to a enormous commercial shopping street with a 6 story mall.  Really cool to see, but a lot of walking for not all that much to do.  We weren't really in the market for the latest Chinese fashion.  Finally, we made it to lunch.  Pretty good local food at a nice restaurant.  

We hung out in the room all afternoon to play and rest.  It was quite stressful to keep the large group together, and to keep up with our guide.  Sometimes I think she forgets we all have babies who need feeding and changing.  Both of us were spent and a bit edgy.

Around 6 p.m. we walked down to an American style restaurant and sat outside.  We met one other couple from our group that we've gotten to be good friends with.  They adopted a little boy, and have a 4 year old girl from a previous adoption in China.  Their little boy is a chunk.  All the locals call him a "Little Buddha"  We had a nice relaxed evening, and Maya ate well for us.  She loves the chicken porridge (Congee)  

Tomorrow is a free day.  All we have planned is pictures around 12:30 and a dinner cruise down the river at 5:45.  the rest of the day we plan to shop and take it easy.  Most of the group is more than ready to come home.  Sheila and I can't wait for all of you to meet Maya.  She is so great.  She is really making progress with us each day.  She seems more comfortable around me, but still has a ways to go.  She absolutely adores Sheila. (But who doesn't)  I have been so proud of Sheila for adapting so well to being half way around the world.  It isn't easy, and having a new baby is that much more stressful.  

I plan to take many more pictures tomorrow and Wednesday since we'll have some free time, and won't be so pressed for time to get places.  

Love, Maya, Sheila, & Tim