Hi everyone! I've got her for keeps!! Marissa became mine today.
Yesterday (Monday) we flew from Beijing to Guangzhou. The flight went
quickly although we left 20 minutes late. We were met by Peter, our
guide and interpreter while we're here. On the way to our hotel, he filled our heads with all kinds of information - way too much for either of us to keep up with. The Victory Hotel is on Shamian Island. The island is 2 blocks by 2 blocks - not exactly big, but apparently the place to be.
After a short rest, we were off to the CAB - China Adoption something or other to meet Marissa. There was another group there with their babies. They all spoke Spanish, so I assume they are from Spain. We did some paperwork & then they brought her to us. I can't describe how that felt - I think I was dreaming before & have just now woken up! She is quite adorable!! She promptly began crying as soon as we met and so they had me ignore while doing more paperwork. I guess that's how they do things here.
It worked cause she soon quieted down & at least decided it was okay to sit next to me. I got to ask the orphanage folks several questions - I got her feeding schedule. She is potty trained - although we've regressed slightly on that - which was expected.
We returned to the hotel and started getting to know each other. Marissa wasn't exactly hungry for dinner, which we expected. She did choose a comfort toy - a Winnie the Pooh shapes and colors book. She carries it everywhere with her. She fell asleep on schedule - actually we all fell asleep early and slept in late. She woke up crying this morning (Tuesday).
Breakfast did not go well as Marissa is finicky. They told me that if she doesn't like her food, she spits it up. She did so. Along with that came lots of crying. Oh well, guess I'll have to improve my mothering skills in that area.
We headed back to the CAB for more paperwork today. Marissa warmed up to us. She's smiling at me now & every once in a while says something. I'm sure she speaks fluent Chinese. She loves mirrors & stares at herself for as long as I'll let her. They must not have had any at the orphanage.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped off at KFC to get lunch & dinner. Even poor Peter couldn't find the front door. He had to ask directions twice. Crazy. With food in hand, we attempted lunch at the hotel. Marissa is not a happy child at mealtime. She did eat more than before though. She was sleepy, but didn't want to admit it. You can see that in one of the pictures below. She finally fell asleep though, bread in hand.
It was very kind of her to nap long enough for me to get this off to you guys. I also had the pleasure of changing money at the bank here - quite an ordeal let me tell you. After waiting 20 minutes in line, I waited another 20 for them to change the money. They count it at least 10 times - literally. Then they checked my passport - ran it through Chinese NCIC I think - Like I've really had any time to get into trouble here yet. I must have passed inspection though cause they counted the money 3 more times (I kid you not). He did get it wrong the 1st time around though, so maybe this is a good thing. Then they counted the Yuan - Chinese money & finally got it. Phew!! Hopefully not something I'll have to repeat.
I'll give you all a medical update on Miss Marissa. That tumor on her eyelid looks more like it's on her eye to me. We'll definitely have to have it checked right away. She talks fine & was quite attached to the orphanage folks, so that was a good thing. No problems there. She doesn't walk well though. She has poor balance and struggles to walk unassisted. I don't think she can run. I think this is because of her eye. She's got some small rashes on various body parts - typical for babies from China cause of the pollution. She's also got a cold - chest congestion. I'm giving her Benadryl for it.
That's it for today. I'll post again in a couple of days. We're headed back to the CAB tomorrow for the last time thank goodness. Then we have 5 days off to do whatever. We plan to shop here locally one day and spend a couple of days doing some half day tours.
Thanks for your prayers, emails & support!! It's great to take a break & hear from you all.
