Wednesday!

Wednesday

Today was our Visa Appt at the US Consulate in Guangzhou.  It went VERY well and now we are just waiting on Charlotte's passport to be returned.  Should be ready by tomorrow afternoon then we'll leave for Hong Kong.  We've decided to take a Van over instead of the train.  For one thing, I'm pooped and it'll be easier, also for the different/new experience.

We didn't get any pictures at the Consulate, as our guides requested we leave all electronic devices here at the hotel.   We could have, it would have just meant we would have needed to check it in and out.  Which would have slowed things down, so I guess I see why they suggested it.

Charlotte fell asleep in the bus on the way back, which was well and good.  She got a quick nap, we got back, gave her a quick bottle before having to run downstairs to do group pictures.  Which I totally disagree with.  We were pretty much the only ones who didn't have a whiny baby and that's because I refused to go down beforehand.  Too bad.  Kid comes first.

Robyn and Charlotte got all dressed up in their outfits we got yesterday and we got pictures of us and everyone.  I tried to get the two of them together, but neither could sit still long enough.. ug.  I'll try again at home!

For now Charlotte is napping, Robyn is resting and I did some straightening up of the room, to prep for packing.  David went out to get more Dollars into RMB.  We have plans to go out to get some Mediterranean food later and crash.  Not much else to do around here.  Gosh we miss Shaiman Island, so much better to walk and stroll around.

Zaijian,

~Donna

Baby Babble...

Pictures from yesterday and Today

She had a blowout.. and we had to purchase some clothes.. Love the Chinese Red Star with the Louis Vitton pants!

Love Shaiman Island

Medical Center.. yes that is Mickey Mouse

First day in stroller.. she's talking to herself.

Just before poo everywhere..and yes the stroller too.  We found a hose to wash it out.

Zaijian

~Donna

Happy December!

Medical Day
Monday!  Today we had our Medical Appt.  All immigrants wishing to go to USA have to do this.   It was in a new place, much bigger than it was the last time we were here with Robyn.  Charlotte woke up with a few hives..I made sure to give her benedryl in the morning so that they wouldn't be there for the exam.. and they weren't!  And so far none since then!! yippyi!!  but NOW our big girl is running a fever.  Stupid smog is killing both Robyn and I.  We sound like a bunch of junky smokers coughing.  It totally sucks.  I got this last time.  China is the poster child for pollution.  UG.

Both Robyn and David took a nap then we went to this amazing Indian Restaurant called the Ice Cube Grill for dinner.  The rest of the group went on the Pearl River Cruise.  Robyn wasn't interested and we had done it last time.  Turns out it was a good idea, some folks got a bit sick from the Papa Johns they ordered to eat on board.  Our food was awesome!  OMG so dang good.  It was just a $3 dollar cab ride and the meal was about the same price as say Olive Garden.  but MAN so dang delicious!  I had some marinated Chicken Kabobs and David had Curry Mutton and Robyn some flatbread pizza.  the Naan was awesome.  We think we'll go again Wednesday.

Today.. Tuesday.  It was a group trip to the Pearl Market/shopping area.  We purchased our pearls then left the group for some shopping on our own.  I got a couple of shirts.  I did well packing for everyone but me.. oh well.  Then we took a cab over to Shaiman Island and did some fun shopping for Robyn.  We really miss that area.  It was so much nicer there than here.  It was nice to be able to walk around the area.. lots of pedestrian "park" type areas and places to eat within walking distance.  The White Swan looks so pretty all redone.  While we were out we had our first blow-out.  Charlotte poo everywhere and on the stroller.  UG.  We also visited our favorite shop from last time and Mr Dong remembered us!  So very cool.

We are back in the hotel, Charlotte is napping.. man she was a cranky bitch.. no other way to put it.  And trying to figure out what to do for dinner.  Robyn is not feeling well and we are just tired of being here.  We are ready to go home.  Two more nights here, one in Hong Kong and we go home.  Please pray for health. 

Zaijian,

~Donna

Sunday detail.

Hi all

Today was a tour day.  We've been to these places before with Robyn, but decided to go again.  Both girls were great!  Charlotte let Daddy hold her for most of the day.. WAHOOOO!!!!  But again, with the hives.  The sucky part is I can't figure out what is doing it.  I've been trying to keep things simple.  Thankfully the benedryl does the trick.  She's napping right now.  David and Robyn ran out to get some lunch.

Here are some pictures from this morning; the Temple of the 6 banyan trees and the Chen Heritage house.  One picture you will see Charlotte actually sitting on her own on the bus!  She was clapping once the bus would move!  Soo cute!

Tomorrow we have the medical check for her US Visa paperwork.  Then a boat ride on the river with everyone.  Should be fun!

We miss everyone and love when we get to Skype.  Continue to look for us on in the mornings between 7a-9am or evenings.  Won't be able to do it Sunday night.  That's when we head to the clinic.  Going to be a long morning.

Next thing we need to do is get Charlotte used to the stroller, sounds like fun for tonight!

Happy Sunday,

Zaijian,

~Donna

Sunday-First Day of Advent

Guangzhou!

So for the rest of Friday.. we stayed in.  We thought of going out for a bit until we saw the Air Quality Index was 247-VERY UNHEALTHY...  so no go.

We stayed in.. packed.  hung out.  Charlotte had some hives.  So we are very lucky to have a Dr in the group.  He took a look and said, well not much you can do.  Just give her benedryl and let them run their course.  Poor thing.  David went out to grab some dinner.. and got these delicious meat pies!  yum..  but by then both girls had fallen asleep.

Saturday..  we were all up early.  Poor Charlotte's hives are moving through and all over.  She was miserable.  Got her medicine and a bottle.That helped, she was her bubbly self soon after.

Got everyone ready and down to breakfast early and ready in the Lobby to leave Zhengzhou at 730am!!  We all hopped on the bus with our stuff and headed to the airport.  The traffic wasn't so bad, which was nice.  Wow wicked traffic in Zhengzhou.  Anyway, airport went very well, our guides were awesome.  We had the last row of seats in the plane and Charlotte was on my lap for our almost 2hr flight.  It was just gross... the smog.  I mean you couldn't see the runway from the terminal.  Took forever to get above the smog and clouds and see some blue sky.  We had a nice flight, some good snacks.  Both girls were VERY good.  Once at Guangzhou we were very happy to see all our stuff made it and oh my the air smelled sweet, almost.  Just smells so much better.  I mean there is smog here, but it's just not as bad.  And yey!!  No more snow and cold.  It's very comfortable here in the 70s.  

Our first thing to do once in our room was to figure out what needed to be washed, or more like what doesn't need to be.  We have a duffle bag plus a bag of laundry to do!  It'll go out tomorrow and we'll get it Monday. YEY!  

I have to say, I'm ready to go home.  Hoping USA paperwork goes well.  Please pray for lighter pollution.  It's really affecting me and Robyn.  Sore and dry throats.  

Tomorrow is a tour day, doing some fun things.  Most of which we did before with Robyn.  We want to do the temple because last time we got a blessing from one of the monks and we are hoping to do that for Charlotte too.

Good night ya'll.  I'll try and post some tomorrow.  No pictures today.  Just lots of traveling.

Zaijian,

~Donna