First, though, I forgot to put this picture in the Luoyang hotel up yesterday. It was right after visiting the care center, and we were all physically and emotionally worn out. Kyle and I spent some time in prayer for Willow together on the floor.
These buildings are so tall! First we went to the U.S. Consulate to take an oath and apply for our daughter's visa. It was a beautiful and secure building, but we couldn't take in our phone so no pictures. We took the oath in a group with other adoptive parents, repeating after the lady on the loud speaker. There was solidarity amongst all of the families. Also, it was another tiny and loud waiting room. Therefore, when we were standing at the window getting our interview, a kid of about age eight came up behind me and lifted my dress way up for all the people waiting in the chairs behind me to see. So embarrassing!
Canton tower in the distance...
We needed to run by the maze that is a Chinese supermarket one more time for formula, wipes, and diapers. We found some kids books for a dollar each that had Mandarin and English in them! Willow got in the cart ... another first!
Met a friend!
In the middle of the store, I gave Willow a kiss and asked her to give me one back. This was the first time she has genuinely given a kiss not with the intent of just being silly. She did it about seven times in a row, and the whole rest of the day when I'd ask, she wouldn't anymore. We don't push her; we know it's just going to be baby steps.
Our guide, Grace, came back to our hotel room with us to help carry groceries. For the first time, Willow went to her!
We needed nap time pronto. I get so sleepy myself when I put her to sleep!
When Willow woke up, we got bold and took a taxi to Tekilas restaurant. We had heard about it from other adoptive parents. Mexican food!
We drink more coca cola here than ever. It's soothing!
Kyle gave her little bites of chips, and she would crunch them loudly in the very front of her mouth. What a cutie. She finally started waking up when food arrived!
We walked all around the neighborhood before taking a taxi back to our hotel and found a children's clothing store. We bought a couple of pajama items for Willow and loved interacting with the locals. Plus there was a big fan in there, so it was nice to cool off!
We figured out that the taxi to and from our hotel was only approximately three dollars total. We will venture out on our own again!
Back at our hotel, we wandered into the play room! There was another family in there, and Willow glued herself to me. Then she came alive after they left.
Back in the hotel room, Willow thought it was her turn to brush my hair.
This was hilarious! I have been holding the paci backwards in my teeth for her to grab it with her mouth. So, guess who put her paci on backwards and looked at me? You can see what I call her shy eyes here...
It was pouring, so we got some nuggets, fries, and corn from McDonalds, and we ate in the room. It was a nice night in, and we all went to bed early!
This cup has a cat on it, and she patted the cat like we showed her. She doesn't really like the pear juice our guide recommended, though.
The internet in this hotel room is awful! Very hard to connect at all. We have to be so persistent.
Hi Amber! Your cousin Bethany gave me your blog address because we became parents in China also :) Your trip reminds me so much of ours to adopt our first daughter, Lily, when she was 15 months old. She is now 7 and in school with Heidi, and she's the love of our lives!! She was a "velcro baby" like Willow and my husband and I (also named Kyle) would fight over who got to "wear" her :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that Willow was in MBHOH! We support Show Hope and I love seeing how families are directly blessed by their ministry. Lily was in a Half the Sky orphanage and was clearly loved by her nannies. What a difference that makes!
May the Lord continue to bless your sweet family.
Elissa Harrell
Things I love about this entry: The 8 year old making it a memorable experience for you!; Willow sitting in the grocery cart and kissing her mommy - adorable!; Willow going to Grace-maybe that means she will also come to her grandmama!; Mommy sleeping when putting Willow to sleep - I soooo remember doing that with you, Amber An, and it's such a wonderful and relaxing way to fall asleep, with your daughter in your arms!; Coca-cola and Mexican food - yes!; Cheap taxis!!; Playroom fun - so glad she joined in eventually; Willow brushing her mommy's hair - LOVE!; and the BEST?!: those beautiful 'shy eyes' while being funny! I cannot wait to get to know this adorable, smart, and mischievous granddaughter of ours!!!
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