Finishing up (part 1)

Ok, maybe I can get a few things out here so we can wrap up the less-than-stellar blog.  My excuse, jet lag has officially kicked my butt!  All of us were a bit off, but there were days I couldn't even will myself awake, my body just did not get back on track very easily.

So let me finish up our stay in China, last we talked we had made it to Guangzhou, which afforded us a more "westernized" stay, and we had just a few more steps before we could actually come home.  We enjoyed Guangzhou, the weather was warmer, long walks around the city were enlightening, and snacks, food and shopping were a bit easier.  The kids enjoyed a play area (really for toddlers, but they didn't care) in the hotel and our rooms were suites, so it had a living area and a bedroom...so nice to have all the extra space!  

While on this journey I found a Facebook group of families who would be traveling at the same time we were.  It was nice to compare stories, get advice and look forward to meeting people who were going through the same thing with you.  One of the members arranged a group dinner in Guangzhou where about 30 families got together and ate a meal, it was a great time!  Most people travel with other families, meaning several families with the same agency will be in China at the same time and so you become fast friends.  We did not have that this time, so meeting these families in this way was great.  

6 Banyan Temple (named for the 6 banyan trees that are on the premises...
but now there are only 5)

After we had Max for about a week we started seeing a side of him that made us realize that we were going to be ok!  He is a strong-willed, busy little boy, so that along with the trauma of adoption and being in a hotel room much of the time led to some interesting confrontations.  However, it only took a week before we could see through the adjustment period and know that on the other side was a sweet, fun, entertaining, energetic little guy who was going to add so much to our family.

This time our trip was about efficiency.  We really didn't leave much room for touring and sight-seeing.  We literally used every available minute for paperwork and processing, which was good and bad.  We did this for cost effectiveness and so the length of the trip didn't extend past two weeks, but we also didn't have time for fun outings, but we tried to make the best of it.

Just a little early morning Kindle time

On Feb 18 we submitted our last bit of paperwork to complete the adoption and boy was it sweet relief.  I found the paperwork portion for Max's adoption the hardest yet.  I had done it before, so it wasn't as confusing, but I think since I already had a house full at home, finding the time and energy made it rough.  I was so glad to walk out of the American Consulate in Guangzhou knowing that the past year of gathering, notarizing, authenticating, signing, fingerprinting paperwork was over!

Spending time shopping on Shamian Island, which used to be the adoption Mecca. They have been renovating the main hotel on the island and gearing it towards business travelers, so many shops have closed due to less foot traffic. 

Our trip home started Feb 19 with a train ride to Hong Kong, it wasn't anything super exciting, but it was fun for the kids to ride a train.  We then just stayed overnight at the airport hotel so we could catch our flight home the next day.  12:30pm Feb 20 (China time) we boarded the plane headed for San Francisco!!

Max enjoying the view from inside the train (he was excited that there was a train next to us!)

The flight was ok, we were spread out around the plane, but it allowed us to have more room since the seats were an upgrade from economy.  The big kids did great, they kept themselves occupied and did well, which I knew would happen because they are THE BEST travelers...but I think I've told you that before.  We tried to plan out a good sleeping time for them, but not all of them were keen on the idea.  Max did ok, he had a few moments of screaming (where the guy sitting next to us literally plugged his ears), but considering it was an 11 hour flight I was pleased.  It was work, Kevin and I did a split shift and each of us ended up sitting next to him for about half the time, but we made it.

We landed in San Francisco and as we walked through customs, and handed over his immigrant visa paperwork, Max became the newest American citizen! Customs was not working very efficiently as we were coming through, so the little boy screaming that he needed to go potty really put a damper on the celebration, but he's an American none the less!  Then we had to say good-bye to Grandma Connie.  What a pure joy it was to have her with us! Not every girl can say that they spent two weeks in a foreign country with their mother-in-law and actually enjoyed it, but I can!!  She was so helpful and my kids just LOVE any time they get to spend with family.  We weren't sure if it would happen, but because Auntie Julie was picking up Grandma Connie in San Francisco we were able to give her a hug too and she met Max!!!  Then it was off to our last flight to Dallas...ahhh, home was in our sight!  All the kids slept the entire time, which probably through our sleeping pattern into a tailspin, but it sure made for an easy last leg!

Next up...

Max's welcome home celebration!!