Why is it that when I’m home, I must get a solid 9 hours of sleep to be of any value during the day… but send me to China, and come 4:00 AM, and I can barely keep my eyes closed.
I actually got out of bed this morning closer to 5:00, as anything earlier is really just the night before. There was a lot to do since we just arrived last night, mostly putting things away and, my personal favorite, laundry. Really, I just hand wash the easy stuff myself and leave the jeans and bulky items to the laundry service here on the island. And truth be told, I simply can not have my underpairs out there, unattended, some where on Shamian Island.
After a morning of washing, wringing and hanging, the kiddos arose (actually, I had to wake sweet Vivi who is way behind on sleep) at 7:30 and we hustled down to the breakfast buffet. Vivi, per her usual, did more playing than eating during “the most important meal of the day”. But, since we missed dinner last night, Asher and I managed to down enough for all of us. And then some.
We met our WACAP group in the lobby of the Victory. It was great to visit with some other families and meet their kiddos. We all walked to the Medical Clinic and waited for our allotted time to visit each station: general exam, weight and height, and ears, nose and throat. All three went off with barely a wimper and Vivi checked out a-okay.
All 31 inches and 25 pounds of her.
Then we moved on to the immunization waiting area. Ugh. All the kids were waiting happily, with no idea what wascoming around the bend. When Vivi’s turn came she lit the place up. She had to get three shots and a TB tine test. Poor thing probably hates me. And I couldn’t blame her.
After a rough morning for Miss Vivi, we ventured out to try to make it all better. First stop 7-11.
Vivi chose a yogurt and Asher chose an ice cream cone.
Next, we deposited our embarrassingly dirty laundry with the very nice ladies at Home of Love, and made our way to Lucy’s for french fries and a bowl of Vivi’s favorite: white rice.
Then it was back to the room for nap-time. Vivi has been whisked around for the last few days and has had to forego any real nap, short of a snooze on my shoulder or in the back of a taxi, so I was determined that today would be different.
And it was. She napped for 2 1/2 hours and woke without tears.
Tonight we met the other two families in our group for a Chinese dinner on the Island. It was delicious. Vivi’s favorite meal of the day is definitely dinner, she can eat her own weight in fried noodles and rice. On the walk home we stopped in 7-11 one more time for another round of yogurt and ice cream. I think Asher is diggin’ this Guangzhou thing.
Now we’re back in the room early, and I’ve promised myself an early bedtime.
4:00 AM is going to come awfully early.
Such great photos! Vivi looks very happy and I love the photo of Asher holding her!
Oh & that ice cream looks good!!
You're almost HOME!!!
OH such beautiful smiles!!!! She is adorable and looks to be adjusting quite well! We LOVE the ice cream at 7-11- it was a nightly treat!!
She looks like a natural holding the call phone!
Great photos AND update!
You are just so stinkin brave girl!
I can't imagine doing China alone…and how many times have you done this?
Asher and Vivi are precious…can't wait to see her with your brood welcoming ya'll home! She is gonna fit right in!
Prayers that you will need to utilize ZERO barf bags on the trip home!!
Hi!
I just saw your pic with Kristin and Zoe on her site. I am so glad you girls ran in to each other. What a small incredible adoption circle we run in!!!
I hope you are sleeping peacefully knowing your Mister Mom is doing a fabulous job at home. I loved his post the other day….
I look forward to more wonderful photos and updates soon…
Thanks for the heads up on the immunization room. DREADING IT!!!
Hugs,
Diana
Love your post. I can't wait to be there!! Vivi is absolutely adorable!
cute, cute, cute I love her expression in her brother's arms.
I should have bet money on her weight and height! Our girls are on the same track to being teeny tiny adults!
Beautiful. Just beautiful! 🙂
Glad you are in Guangzhou and enjoying the island life!
Asher looks like he's right at home.
Steffie,
I love reading all of the little detials…that way I can picture it all and feel like I am there. I did not make the trip to China to get Kate so I live vicariously though these descriptions. Thank you for sharing them all. Asher does look quite content eating that ice cream and Vivi…oh she is just D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
love the pix…but i can't stop laughing at the underpants comment! my kinda girl! i hand washed everything i could too. asher, the gz experience is the best!
I just love following you on this journey…..is it me or does Vivi already look like she's home? That face is unmistakeable…the same smile all of your children have when they look at you behind that camera of yours!
xoxoxo
Dita
Beautiful pictures! Ice Creams sounds good right now, and it is 10:51Pm EST! I'm thinking that's not too late!
Blessings,
Robyn
Hey, Stef. Just checking in to say I've been following along and sending you and Asher and Vivi big hugs and kisses….Mr. Asher looks like he is enjoying himself so much. What an adventure he's having. Praying God smooths the way for your journey home…we love you!
Oh, the kids and I still joke about Home of Love. I never met a friendlier or more attentive sales girl in my life than the lovely young girl at Home of Love!! And you know EVERYWHERE you walk just HAS to end with a stop in the seven eleven.
cherie
withgratefulhearts.blogspot.com
Love the pic of asher holding ViVi. he looks like an old pro.
You're doing great! Vivi seems so fun!!! You guys are giving me China fever! I want to go back!!!!!!!!!!!
Asher looks just like a pro!
We love you!
Looks like your little flower is blossoming beautifully! You take great pictures and have 2 cute subjects!