Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Might be last post of the trip...???? not sure

Okay, it is about 8 20 PM, Tuesday night.....We just had a big dinner with all of the families......luckily, it was right across the street from the hotel, as it POURED rain....first time the whole trip that it rained......kind of bitter sweet.....we are here for a few more days, but pretty hectic travel schedule....tomorow, we meet in the lobby at 10:30 a.m.....ALL of the families and babies get pictures taken.....then, it is off to a Temple for the Chinese Monks to bless all of the babies....From there, it is lunch, then to the consulate to get sworn in as the babies parents, basically stating that everything we indicated in our documents is true.......we are then off to Guangzho airport, where 27 families and babies fly about 3 hours to Beijing....we get in mid evening to Bejing, and stay at hotel near the airport.....we catch some sleep and have the morning free on Thursday......our flight is at 3 45 out of Beijing on Thursday, but with that many families travelling, we assume we will be at airport fairly early for the flights....right now, Bella is sound asleep, Zach is watching a movie, and we are packing yet again......trip has been great, but getting tiresome living out of suitcases........Today, was a 'free' day; the guides and doctors took all of our paperwork to the consulate, and everything went smoothly....We got up, had a phenomenal breakfast downstairs (American and Chinese fare), and then hit the streets to do some shopping......we mostly bought things for Zach and Bella......we really didn't get much for ourselves, except things that we can hang up at the house, etc....Was nice walking around Shamian Island, which is where we are......had an early lunch, then walked around some more..(and had a nice iced coffee from Starbucks here in the a.m...they warn you about Ice, but I say be damned; dying for iced coffee, and figured it was safe at Starbucks...so far, so good)......in afternoon, Zach, Bella and I went for a swim....Bella loves the water; Tina had some down time to wander about........beautiful here, but we are ready to begin our journey home.......For this hotel, you pay for internet in 24 hour slots, so our time ends tonight at 9:40 PM China; 9 40 EST a.m.........so, will try and post a comment or two when we get to Beijing before we depart......Hopefully, can sneak another one in before we depart...If not, will definitely post sometime on Friday, 4/20 when we are home, safe and sound....Thanks for all who have followed our journey, and shared this incredible experience with us.....We are truly blessed to have great family and friends who took an active interest in our bringing Bella home....It has been over 2 years since we started this, and seeing her every day, it seems like she has always been a part of our family......We know that the 2 years was worth the wait, and that Bella was meant to be with us.....She looks a little like Tina and I (got my chubby cheeks for sure)...idolizes her big brother (and shares similar traits as he does).....So, the reason for the long wait, is that they just hadnt 'matched' a Bella yet for us, and they certainly got her right......And now she is a Walnista for the rest of her life, and we could not be happier......Love to all.....

3 comments:

LoMoOhio said...

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LoMoOhio said...

disregard last post - typo! Anyway - have a GREAT trip back safe & sound to Mansfield! You are now a beautiful family of 4!! I am jealous that you get the buy all the GIRL stuff : )Maybe we'll have another Cape vacation together ??!! Definately Disney one day together!! We are so happy that you have come to the end of the LONG adoption process and are ready to begin your new lives together. We are so happy to have helped along the way. Love you guys!!!! - Lori, Fred, Bryan, Matthew & Shelby (woof!)

Erin said...

Bob, Tina, Zach,
We have been following your journey and truly could not be any happier for you. Children are such a blessing and I am so thankful every day to be blessed with two...now you join the club. I know Zach will be a huge help and will help watch over his little sister. How lucky you are, Zach, to have a sister.

To Bella,
We cannot wait to meet you. Sydney looks at your pictures and listens to the details of your journey and is very excited to meet you. She doesn't understand just how far away you are, but she knows you are making your way home to the rest of your family and friends. How lucky you are. How lucky we are. You bring tears of happiness to my eyes each day. Beautiful Bella!


Travel safely and we will talk to you when you arrive safe and sound in the good ol' USA.

With lots of love,
Ricky, Erin,
Sydney and Zoe