Saturday, July 3, 2010
Medically Cleared
Today we went back to Shamian Island to the clinic to have the PPD (TB
skin test) read. Joshua's was positive so he needed a chest
radiograph. It was, of course, normal. So the boys are clear to get
adoption visas home. We visit the consulate on July 6 and can start
traveling home 2 days later on July 8, when we will take a train to
Hong Kong, spend the night, then fly home (by way of Detroit). Looking
forward to that short flight from Hong Kong to Detroit already!
skin test) read. Joshua's was positive so he needed a chest
radiograph. It was, of course, normal. So the boys are clear to get
adoption visas home. We visit the consulate on July 6 and can start
traveling home 2 days later on July 8, when we will take a train to
Hong Kong, spend the night, then fly home (by way of Detroit). Looking
forward to that short flight from Hong Kong to Detroit already!
After the trip to the clinic, mom went shopping with the ladies and
dad and the boys headed back to the hotel for some down time. We
decided to be very American and had McDonald's for lunch. McDonald's
is the same all over the world. Take that anyway you like.
We will have dinner out with the group tonight. I did not take too
many photos yet today so I will post a few plus some older ones that I
never got a chance to previously.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Friday in Yue Xiu Park
Today, after the usual breakfast ritual, we decided to go with some
other families to a nice park, the Yue Xiu Park. It is not within
walking distance of the hotel, so we ventured underground on the
metro. I would like to say we successfully navigated the subway
without help, but Susan Song decided to go with us, making the trip
way too easy. We were greeted at the front entrance of the park by
live music, traditional Chinese folk songs I suppose, and there were
the requisite Hacky Sack groups and other typical Chinese park
characters. I took a photo of a stone engraving whose meaning baffles
me; I believe it is of a local obstetrician delivering Minnie Mouse's
baby, but I could be wrong about that. The park was very well kept and
very large, filled with many lakes, paddle boats, rides, gift shops,
beautiful flowers, giant trees, and signs giving sage advice for
living. Jacob was given a fun and colorful fan as a gift from Susan
Song. We went boating, got hot, had some drinks. Joshua likes Coke and
Mountain Dew, as if he were a teenage boy. Jacob prefers water, juice,
and milk. He is a real health food advocate, telling the waitress at
dinner the other night that he was not yet full but we had run out of
green vegetables and the broccoli had not yet arrived. After a fun
time at the park, we returned home on the subway. I took photos on the
way, including street vendors (Who needs a hat or a fan?) and the mass
of humanity that inhabits this city. Tomorrow we will return to the
health clinic and likely get a CXR for Joshua, whose PPD appears to be
exquisitely positive. I bet you all can't wait for tomorrow's blog
entry. Nor can I. Perhaps I will go ahead and post it tonight.
other families to a nice park, the Yue Xiu Park. It is not within
walking distance of the hotel, so we ventured underground on the
metro. I would like to say we successfully navigated the subway
without help, but Susan Song decided to go with us, making the trip
way too easy. We were greeted at the front entrance of the park by
live music, traditional Chinese folk songs I suppose, and there were
the requisite Hacky Sack groups and other typical Chinese park
characters. I took a photo of a stone engraving whose meaning baffles
me; I believe it is of a local obstetrician delivering Minnie Mouse's
baby, but I could be wrong about that. The park was very well kept and
very large, filled with many lakes, paddle boats, rides, gift shops,
beautiful flowers, giant trees, and signs giving sage advice for
living. Jacob was given a fun and colorful fan as a gift from Susan
Song. We went boating, got hot, had some drinks. Joshua likes Coke and
Mountain Dew, as if he were a teenage boy. Jacob prefers water, juice,
and milk. He is a real health food advocate, telling the waitress at
dinner the other night that he was not yet full but we had run out of
green vegetables and the broccoli had not yet arrived. After a fun
time at the park, we returned home on the subway. I took photos on the
way, including street vendors (Who needs a hat or a fan?) and the mass
of humanity that inhabits this city. Tomorrow we will return to the
health clinic and likely get a CXR for Joshua, whose PPD appears to be
exquisitely positive. I bet you all can't wait for tomorrow's blog
entry. Nor can I. Perhaps I will go ahead and post it tonight.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Groundhog Day (14 of 22)
Unlike the Bill Murray film, we know our current monotony has an
ending. Otherwise it feels the same. Wake up and head for the
breakfast buffet downstairs. Hear the same song over the speakers at
the restaurant and in the elevator a hundred times a day; we liked
that song when we arrived. At least there are other families here with
us and we are in it together. All the other adopting parents are
really cool, so we are having fun. Most of them have played this game
before.
ending. Otherwise it feels the same. Wake up and head for the
breakfast buffet downstairs. Hear the same song over the speakers at
the restaurant and in the elevator a hundred times a day; we liked
that song when we arrived. At least there are other families here with
us and we are in it together. All the other adopting parents are
really cool, so we are having fun. Most of them have played this game
before.
For breakfast, dad had dragon fruit and the boys slurped down many
tasty treats while mom took a few photos.
After breakfast, we went to Shamian Island for the medical evaluation.
Joshua needs glasses and Jacob has a wrist deformity. No news is good
news. Hague rules warranted shots for everyone, 3 shots each. Not a
ton of fun, really, but the boys were very brave. Back in two days to
check the PPD.
After the medical exam, we had lunch at the Thai place on the Island
where we had many delicious dishes. The McCormick's were nice enough
to share their chicken head with us. As you will see, it was delicious!
We shopped around the island and paid a visit to the White Swan where
we tried to feed the lions, against better judgment. We ate some ice
cream to try to beat the heat. We enjoyed the beautiful, old trees.
Mom and Susan Song had fun hanging out. We also noticed Ann wore her
Silver Dollar City Tee from lovely Branson, MO, a tribute to the
Neals. Now the boys are watching Mr. Bean and laughing hysterically.
Some things don't need translating. Like fart jokes; funny in any
language...
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