American Embassy appointment – Joy is our daughter in China and in America now

We have so much fun as a partial little family here. Whereas other families are worrying about diapers (although most babies 2 years and older are potty-trained and able to use chopsticks) bottles, afternoon naps and can their stroller make it through all the construction in the streets; we are able to enjoy the adult activities available to one on vacation. This morning the three of us went for a jog/ walk (of course Amy did more of the walking) around Shamian Island. We enjoyed running through the Chinese market, showcasing delicacies and Chinese medicine like dried sea horses, skinned goats and filleted lizards on a stick. Max enjoyed racing Joy, who was definitely able to keep up with him. When she was in school, she ran about 2.5 miles every day.

This afternoon we had our final “Checkpoint Charlie” of the whole adoption procedure. The American Consulate approved that we are the people adopting our daughter and that our faces match our passports. Then we had to swear that we understood everything about our daughter, to the best of our ability, and that we will promise to care for and not abandon our new children. I would say there were about 50 families present for this procedure. Now, no other snafu can happen to keep us from adopting her.

Afterwards, our guide here in Guangzhou took us to a wonderful Cantonese restaurant. She wanted us to try the local delicacies, particularly what
Shamian Island is famous for: roast pigeon. Although I have tried pigeon in Cairo with my Dad, there is one thing I hadn’t tried before tonight: White Swan. Good, we don’t need to try it again. I’ve included a picture here of the plate of famous roast pigeon. Imagine us watching the two other little two year olds with us eating fowl full of bones, and not swallowing one bone. The funniest was when one of the adorable little girls (pictured here with Joy, me and the guide) “Asia” made such a fuss when her mother wouldn’t let her eat one of the pigeon heads. She refused to eat anything else.

Relationship update: The affection and physical bonding Max desired has now gone over the top and in the opposite direction. She teases, tickles, wrestles and taunts with Max like he is a close schoolmate. Max has allowed the behavior for the past 24 hours; but realizes that soon he will need to establish the appropriate Father authority. We recognize that some of it is nervous energy: she’s told us and now the guide, that she is still very nervous about coming to America and wonders how to behave with all of the people she will be in relationship with. She is actually very doting though, and often makes Max tea, brings him his shoes, and is very disturbed if we are ever separated (Max went down to the lobby to get some work done, and to get away from her poking and teasing him). We know this will all calibrate soon.

The American Consulate in Guangzhou processes the greatest amount of visas in all the world. Last year they processed 25,000 immigrant visas, and over 50,000 non-immigrant visas