Consulate Appointment, Shopping, and Train to Hong Kong!

I'm going to blog about yesterday and today in one post to try and catch up. Yesterday was a busy, exciting, exhausting, productive day! To start with, Milo had his best night's sleep yet! Surprising considering he wasn't feeling well the day before! Unfortunately for us, we had to be up super early to meet our guide at 7:00, so we couldn't enjoy the sleep we could have gotten, but it was still nice to get 5-6 hours straight sleep! It's more than we've gotten in a week!

We had to wake Milo up to get him dressed and feed him. Fortunately, he drank his whole bottle! It was a relief to see!

We met our guide at 7:00 and headed to pick up the other couple in our group. We then went to the medical building to pick up our medicals, then headed across the street to the U.S. Consulate! There were tons and tons of Chinese people lined up outside waiting to get visas to come visit the U.S. Such dedication! We got to go in a different line than them, thank goodness, or we'd have been there all day!

We had to wait in a few lines, then it was time for the ceremony to begin. We had to say an oath swearing that all the information in the packet of information we handed them was correct. Then one by one we were called up to the counter. We gave them a big packet of information and paperwork (most of which we brought with us from the states) and had to be fingerprinted to sign it. That was it! Easy peasy! They told us the visa would be ready by 3:30 the next afternoon and to give the packet to immigration when we land in the states.

On the way back home from our appointment, we asked our guide about maybe getting Milo some antibiotics if he needed them. He seemed to be feeling a little better, but we just wanted a backup plan. She said they don't really give kids antibiotics in China. They give them tea, and if it gets worse, they get an IV. Yikes! I was thankful he was feeling better and we didn't have to worry about this plan. It's just all so different than what we're used to!

We said goodbye to the other couple we were traveling with and got dropped off at our hotel. It seems more than surreal that the paper chasing has pretty much come to an end!

The other couple and our cute guide. We had such fun together!

Milo in his cute USA consulate outfit.

After we got home, we had to quickly change Milo into some green for St. Patrick's Day!

 

Such a darling little leprechaun! Milo took a nap and ate, then we went shopping with Ann! If you've never heard of her, she has a business taking care packages to kids in the SWI's (orphanages) after they have parents commit to them. It's such a great business! You can also pay her to take you shopping in Guangzhou! She knows where to get everything you want at wholesale prices! We made a list of what we wanted, then we got started. She's a fiery little thing! It was shopping on steroids! We ran everywhere we went and had to make quick decisions. We got some amazing deals, though!! I was so impressed with her! I'd for sure recommend her to anyone needing to do some shopping in GZ! We saved a ton of money! Just remember your running shoes and energy drink ;)

 

Once we were done with Ann, we headed to Shamian Island one last time. We strolled down the streets and took it all in. It feels very European, yet tropical. It was our favorite place in GZ!

Don't worry about it. Just police doing drills in the middle of the walkway. What!? So strange!

Most people who adopt from China have their kids pose by this statue. Milo's too little to stand in the traditional spot, so he and I quickly posed at the end of the line.

My view while shopping. I dig it.

Milo's St. Patrick's Day jammies :)

Shamrock bum.

We had a really great end to our time in mainland China! We ended up having to buy two carry on bags. Our souvenirs and presents for our kids took up two carry ons and half of a checked bag! Whoops!!! 

 

Today we had a pretty good sleep! Milo only woke up once in the night, but fell right back asleep after I rocked him. He hasn't had a fever and hasn't had to have any painkillers! YAY!! He's also eaten well today and been in a great mood!

 

We slept in this morning, then went to our last breakfast at the China Hotel. We came back and showered, then spent hours trying to fit all our stuff in our bags! So stressful! Quin's a Jenga master and got it all to work. We did end up leaving all our snacks, extra wipes, diapers, and some toiletry items in the hotel. We simply didn't have room for it all! Milo took a nice long nap while we packed. Such a good boy!

 

We were picked up today at 3:20 and made our way back to the consulate. Our guide had picked up Milo's visa, and we were ready to go to the train station!

We got the boy, the passport, and the US Visa! Ready to head home!!!

Waiting for the train to Hong Kong!

The train to Hong Kong was a breeze! Milo was a good boy and it was a quick ride. We got to our hotel a bit after 8:00 and had to order room service for dinner. Milo's had a great day and we're continuing to have so much fun with him! I think he likes this family thing :)