Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Guangzhou At Last

We have had a long day. Little Miss woke up with us at 6:30 a.m. for our early flight out of Xian, and Did. NOT. Nap. till we got here to the White Swan at 3-ish. She did great on the flight however, laughing and making friends all around us. She was enthralled with the tiny baby across the aisle. I swear, that little guy was the size of LadyBug's baby dolls! She kept pointing and saying "Wah Wah" which our guide in Xian told us means baby. Incidentally, she also points to the baby food jars and says that. And then tries to kiss the wah wah on the jar. While I'm feeding her. Makes for some messy jars!

So, we are here. We settled in, re-connected with Brittany and Bayley (our LH friends from Beijing) and went with them for a great American meal at Lucy's (yes, it's as fun and full of Americans as my forum friends all said it would be!). We also visited the play room here in the hotel. We've already met two other Christian families from the West Coast while our babies all played. And now we are taking showers and getting to bed early for some real sleep. Tomorrow is our medical exam, where the doctors check Aidan's records and clear her for the final steps with the US Consulate. We'll also have to re-stock on things like diapers and formula and wipes. I'll be able to share more later about the hotel, Guangzhou, and Shamian Island (where the hotel is situated).

Before I forget, several of you have emailed me to ask about the formula that Aidan is using. We had gotten the report in July that she was on stage 2 Nestle formula, so that is what we brought from the States with us and also what we re-stocked with in Xian. It does not appear that this formula is among the tainted milk products. However, because of the nature of Aidan's special need, we have renal testing and evaluations on tap for her future anyway.

You see, when a baby is developing in utero, the ears and the kidneys form and grow at the same stage. Because Aidan's right ear is not fully formed, the doctors at CHOP will do a complete examination of both of her ears as well as extensive reviews of her kidney function. In fact, her first appointment with the International Adoption program will be within a week of returning home to the States. From that appointment, we will work with the docs to chart the course for any medical treatment or testing she will need. Plus, we've been in touch with our doc quite often these past 4 days, with how stuffy and cough-y Aidan had been.

So, thanks for the kind inquiries and prayers for her safety. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such a community of support. Even on the days when there were multiple distractions and oppositions leading up to this trip, we felt such prayer covering by all of you. When the milk recalls were being announced, I was of course concerned (and quite a few of my blogging friends are being effected by this), but I felt such peace and safety in knowing that My Father has His hands on all of this story.
And because I know you can't stand a day without pictures, I'm throwing this one in for ya, free of charge. She shows all the signs of being well-loved and cared for by her foster parents, and gives out these sloppy open-mouthed kisses rather freely. Additionally, she is showing all the signs of being another Daddy's girl, just like her big sister :)


15 comments:

Mariann said...

I love it - that pic is priceless!

I'm so glad to hear about the milk - I had been praying about it since I first heard. Knowing the type of person you are - I knew you were all over it as soon as you heard about it. I hope you guys are enjoying your last few days. Praying for you.

Livin' Life said...

You have been pulling at my heart strings for this whole journey. I want to adopt more than ever now!!!! Your bug is contagious!! The pictures are what did it. :)

Carol said...

well now you can sit back and enjoy! Have fun!

BuzzKnitter said...

glad to hear that all seems to be going well... i've been reading along this week, but with allergies rearing their ugly head, i haven't been able to sit here much... sounds like the bonding is going extremely well, and for that, i'm thanking God, as that is what i prayed for. :)

the pic at the end is just tooooo cute!! :)

Amanda said...

Your family is what I thought of FIRST when I read the article about the milk situation. I am so glad your sweet little one is ok.

Enjoy your last days in China!

Anonymous said...

So cute!! Drool everywhere. ;-)

See you all soon
Love ya

Salzwedel Family said...

I don't know what to say except "awwww"! What a sweetheart.

heidi @ ggip said...

I had no idea about the ears and kidneys being related! I'm sure I'll learn a lot from you and Lil Empress:)

You won't be at CHOP on 10/3 will you?

My Little Nest said...

What a gregarious little girl you have....praise God for the family who took care of her. It doesn't sound like bonding is an issue to worry about!

Unknown said...

Welcome to Guangzhou! I have been thinking of you guys so much and been checking your blog alot! Sounds like you are having a really good time and how exciting your last leg of the journey, I remember it well! Enjoy the White Swan--it truly it wonderful and such a treat. If you haven't found it already, there is a starbucks right close to the white swan--I was just dying for a cup of good coffee and when I walked in there it so smelled like home. Because it was so warm in Guangzhou I decided to get frappicho's(not sure if I spelled that right) and boy did I pay with my stomach and bowels because of the ice. Anyway, enjoy the final leg and your little girl is just beautiful!

Sarah said...

Love those baby kisses!
Blessings,
Sarah

Anonymous said...

God is awesome! What wonderful provision - a good flight - a better feeling A. - sloppy kisses - recipe for a happy day!

I am happy for you. I continue to share your "story" with neighbors, so-workers, and family. We are all happy for you.:)

Blessings on you.
AMS

Kateri said...

Ok, so you need to head downstairs right now and eat some White Swan breakfast for me. I think that was one of our favorite parts of the trip:) SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!! Bacon, Bacon, french toast, did I say Bacon!!!
Hmmm...I can just see the spread in my head. I'm so jealous:)
Could you come home now. I'm getting tired of these one-sided conversations. I miss you!!
Oh, love the pic of Aidan and the Boss, by the way:)

Anonymous said...

She sounds like a real charmer, besides being so darn cute! Enjoy every moment of your trip. :)

JMCS said...

So glad you guys made it to GZ okay and I am hoping Aidan's Dr. appts. goes well when she gets home. Glad to hear her formula is okay. Isn't Lucy's a hoot? All the servers dress like Americans. We loved that place and were definitely ready for a taste of home when we got there.

I hear you on the daddy thing, Sofia ia such a daddy's girl too! :)

Hugs,
Jonni