Monday - July 1, 2013

Today is the BIG day!!!!  Our US Consulate appointment where we officially become Melanie's parents is today at 8:30 AM. 

We woke up early and ate breakfast...I felt a little sick to my stomach this morning...I think it is the Cipro antibiotic I started taking because of  the symptoms of a urinary track infection that started two days ago.  This antibiotic is awesome!

We met Lily at 8:00 in the lobby and headed to the consulate.  First, we stood in line for the office to open.  Once it was open we had to get checked off a list by the guard and then went through a security check.  Everything had to be in clear plastic envelopes and we were not allowed any electronic like cell phones or cameras.  We were put in a waiting room that looked like a DMV.  There were people behind class windows with speakers and electronic numbers at the top.  We were sitting in front of windows 31,32, 33.  There were eight other American adoptive families besides us.  The majority were from the same agency in a group.  Only three of us were from separate agencies.  An American gentleman approached one of the windows and gave all of instructions of what would happen today and what we will be expecting in the future.  We all had to stand and repeat an oath on behalf of our child...promises to take care of our child, keep their Chinese heritage, and more.  After the group oath we were called up by family to turn in our final pack of adoption paperwork that had been translated into Chinese and hand over our child's passport.  We signed on the doted line and that was it.  It took a total of five minutes at the window.  She is officially ours!!!!! 

Tomorrow, we will get three things...her passport w/visa to get out of China, a brown envelope we cannot open that gets handed into authorities in Seattle, WA to make her a US citizen,  and our Hague paper.  We get all of this Tuesday at 4:30 PM.

After the consulate appointment, it was rainy again, so we went to Shaiman Island to buy squeaky shoes.  Shaiman Island is where all the American Adoptive families use to stay at the White Swan Hotel.  Since the hotel is under total renovation, we now stay at the Garden Hotel.  The Shaiman Island area was beautiful....huge trees, beautiful landscaping, and a French Quarter look.  We went to a little store called Jenny's.  She caterers to Adoptive families and is famous for the squeaky shoes.  Jenny is also a Christian lady.  She has been a believer for 8 years, and her husband 12 years.  She wore a cross and sold Christian merchandise.  We bought a Chinese/English NIV Bible and one pair of squeaky shoes...which Melanie would not take off her feet without crying.  Jenny gave us a free bracelet.  It was so refreshing to meet a Chinese believer. 

When we went back to the hotel, we tried to Skype with no success.  Cohen is now at our house staying with Ya Ya and Papa (Jason's parents) until we get home. 

We ate lunch at McDonalds and dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Takila.  The Mexican was great!!!

It has been raining since 9am this morning and rained all night.  We went to a little store and bought some things to drink and grabbed dessert in the bakery. 

Tonight, we met another family adopting through Living Hope Adoption Agency.  They waited eight years for their healthy child.  Poor thing was sick with a fever and would not drink anything.

Melanie now is feeling very comfortable with us.  She has been going to both of us equally, except the day at the mall where she would not allow Jason to hold her.  That changed quickly.  She is a daddy's girl!!!  She still lets me hold her and love on her, but she lights up when Daddy comes in the room.  She is still having the temper tantrums...which we will say is just a compliment that she feels comfortable with us.  Melanie seems to be doing well physically and mentally.  She seems very healthy.  Melanie, along with the other kids, are like little sponges.  With just a little attention, they are mimicking and learning things so quickly.  It is amazing how much Melanie has learned in just a few days.  After one day, she was clapping in patterns, signing words, and saying momma.  She has now managed to turn on Jason's iphone all by herself.