Having fun in Guangzhou!

7/23/11

We are having a ball :)

Arrived yesterday and this morning after breakfast, we met the other family from our agency that also adopted a 12 year old (from a different province) in fact, their daughter is exactly 1 week older than Bellamei. The 3 girls are having a lot of fun together. The first thing we did was go to have the medical exam done. I was very relieved that our guide was able to receive an immunization record from Bellamei's orphanage, via email. We weren't sure we would be able to get it, and if not, that would've meant many shots for her at the medical exam today. Turns out, since we were able to obtain a shot record from the orphanage, she only received 4 regular shots, 1 oral shot, and the TB test. She is about 10 lbs lighter than Briella, and about 3.5 inches shorter. She did just fine with the shots, what a sweetie she is. Then we walked around the island and shopped together with the other family. Bellamei is a good shopper and doesn't ask for much.. she is very poised. I got some nice gifts and I also got 2 traditional silk dresses for her. She danced and sang in one of the shops we were in (I asked her if she would) and I am just so impressed with her grace, and her voice is delicate and beautiful. We will go back to the medical clinic on Monday to have her TB result looked at and do a little more shopping there, which is so fun (and pick up some laundry we dropped off). We had a yummy lunch at Lucy's and Bellamei loves broccoli, just like Briella and me.
One of the nicest vendors there, named Jordon, remembers me everytime I come to his shop. We always connect by name (Jordan) and he is the nicest guy.. he offered to write in caligraphy on a fan that we were buying, and when he asked her what name she wanted on it (english or chinese) she said "Bellamei". So, I've been calling her Bellamei since then and she seems to love it. We finished off the day with a nice swim at the hotel pool - which is outside and we don't have to wear the silly swim hats here. The water was still a little chilly, but it was so hot outside, so I finally got in too. I did a few laps and Bellamei was so impressed and excited that I was in the pool. She wanted me to show her how to swim, and wow.. she is really trying, and doing quite well. She will be independent in no time. It was a great bonding experience because she just loved on me like crazy in the pool ~ what a gift she is.

The only official business that is left to do is to have the TB test read on Monday, go to the Consulate for the swearing in ceremony on Tuesday, pick up her U.S. visa on Wednesday, then fly home on Thursday - yay!!!!!

Can't wait for her to meet everyone else in the family. I know you will fall in love with her too!

Hugs,
Lisa