Day 11 / City Tour / August 21, 2011 (Sunday)

I can't believe that a week ago today we walked into this hotel all excited knowing that we would receive our daughter the following day.  Time has gone fast!  Katie has kept us very busy!

Last night, I had bad dreams all night.  I kept dreaming that I had missed or overlooked some paperwork.  All night, I was trying to find my missing paperwork. If I did not find the paperwork, I would not get to bring Katie home. I was so upset this morning that I got up and again looked through my piles & notebooks of paperwork.  I also asked another lady in our group if I overlooked anything.  We are good!  I think it is just 6 years of stressing over the paperwork and then having to do everything yesterday for the US Consulate.  The good news is that Jason made it very easy.  I guess he made it too easy because I was worried that I overlooked something.  I will be so happy & relieved to have the paperwork behind us!

This morning, we all met in the lobby at 9:15.  The group today was much larger because all the original families that met us in Hong Kong were present. In Hong Kong, families went to all different areas to get their children.  Katie was from the Guangdong province so we have been in Guangzhou the whole time.  Everyone ends up in Guangzhou in the end because that is where the US Consulate is located.

We saw a Buddhist Temple.  Then, we went to the Old Chen House.  It is an art museum and very beautiful. The embroidery work was magnificent along with the ivory carvings.  It was amazing. I also bought Katie a beautiful hand painted glass bottle and the artist wrote her name on the inside of the bottle.  I love it!!!  It is amazing that they can take a tiny little paint brush and paint on the inside of the bottle.  He wrote Katelyn's name on the inside perfectly.

Then, we went to the Provincial Arts & Crafts shopping center.  They had beautiful things for very good prices. I loved the shopping!

Today, Katie has been all smiles and laughter. We should have had her picture taken today.  :)  She has been an absolute joy! 

Tonight, our group is walking to a Cantonese restaurant for dinner.  Currently, Katie & Daniel are both napping.  The weather is hot & humid much like TN.  Even a couple of hours in it are difficult but we have so little time, we are trying to do and see as much as we can while we are here.  We want to tell Katie a much as possible about China.

Day 10 / Shaman Island / August 20, 2011 (Saturday)

Today, we went to Shaman Island.  Our group visited the White Swan Hotel & we all took pictures on the famous "red couch".  Katie did not like it at all.  Every red couch picture has a crying baby.  That was Katie.  She just wanted to be held.  

After the photo shoots, she was happy.  We did a lot of shopping on the Island.  Everyone was so nice.  Most stores would give us a gift for Katie when we left.  Of course it didn't hurt that mommy was a good customer.  :)  For 6 years, I have tried to limit my purchases because I did not know her age, size, etc.  Well, now I do!  I also want her to have keepsakes from her province.  I am worried  about getting it all home.  :)

After we got back from Shaman Island, one parent (me) of every family had to meet Jason (our guide) in the hotel meeting room at 2:30 to complete paperwork for the Embassy visit.  It took over an hour to complete everything.  I felt such a relief when it was done.  We are almost done with paperwork!

After that was complete, Daniel & I walked over to a little plaza next to the hotel.  There is a lady there that does photo stone engravings.  She is very talented.  We are having (2) stones made for us.  One of our family & one of just Katie.  All the ladies that work there were watching us get our pictures made and they were all trying to get Katie to smile.  She refused.  It was so funny!  A group of ladies were all clapping, yelling &  jumping.   Katie just looked at them.  This went on for a long period of time.  They took countless pictures.  Again, I find the Chinese to be very patient people.  The ladies were awesome.  So, Katie will not be smiling in her photos.  :)  Afterwards, one of the ladies from another shop wanted her picture taken with Katie & I on her camera.  I have found the Chinese people extremely warm and friendly.  Again, they seem to go out of their way to be kind & helpful.

The women especially seem so happy that we have adopted Katie.  When we go out, women clap and give us the thumbs up sign a lot.  However, there are other times, when people just stare at us and watch us for long periods of time.  Our guide said that they are curious and trying to understand.  In their culture, it is not rude to stare.  So, now when they stop & stare, I just give them a big smile & hug Katie.  I want them to know that she will be loved and care for always.

Day 9 / Yangxi Social Welfare Institute / August 19, 2011 (Friday)

Today, Daniel went with a couple of others from our group to Yangxi Orphanage.  He was able to see her crib and where she slept.  They have one nanny for 40 babies so she is very busy.  He was also able to go to the place she was found which was outside of a beautiful upscale lighting store.  She was found the same day she was born.  Yangxi is about the size of Knoxville, TN.  It is a good size city but still considered rather rural.  It was a 3 1/2 hour drive one way to Yangxi.  I stayed in the hotel room with Katie all day.  A 7 hour ride would be too much for her.  She played and she napped a lot.  We have been so busy it was good for her to get the extra sleep.  So, today, I worked on our blog.   :)   

Today at 4:45 pm, we received Katie's Birth Certificate, Abandonment Certificate, Adoption Registration Certificate and her Chinese Passport.  She is ahead of Daniel & I.  It took us years to get a passport.  :)

Day 8 / Medical Exam / August 18, 2011 (Thursday)

Today, we met in the lobby at 9:30.  We went to Shaman Island for Katie's visa photo and medical exam.  All went well.  Katie weighs 15.5 lbs.  Just like her mommy, she did not like getting weighed!  :)   After the physical, we went to the Wholesale Pearl Market.  Of course, I bought pearls for Katie & I.  When we got back to the hotel, Katie played and took a nap.  Afterwards, we went out and did a little more shopping.  I am trying to buy a few keepsake items for her while we are here.

It is amazing.  Katie has us on her schedule.  No more staying out until midnight and going to bed at 2:00 am.  Daniel & I have been in bed every night since we got her between 8:30-9:30.  She has us on her schedule.  We know we need to go to bed early because we no longer need an alarm clock.  She wakes up around 6:00 - 6:30.  So, days that we go out, I need to get up & get ready before she wakes. She is doing amazingly well!  We are so happy!

Day 7 / August 17, 2011 (Wednesday)

This morning we all met in the lobby at 10:00 am and walked to Liuhua Lake Park.  It is a beautiful park but it was very hot and humid.  We only stayed for an hour or two.  Then, we met at 2:45.  We had to go to the Passport Agency to apply for Katie's visa.  They also took her passport photo.  Afterwards, our guide showed us all a good restaurant.  There were 4 families and we had a celebration dinner.  The restaurant was walking distance from our hotel.  We see more of Katie's personality every day.  She opens up more and more.  She has such a sweet nature.  She loves her baths every nights.  We have to boil the water in the room so it is difficult.  I will be glad when we are home and I can give her a bath in her whale bathtub and not worry if she swallows water.  Still bath time is fun!

Katelyn Maylia Song Perkins is legally our daughter! - Day 6 - August 16, 2011 (Tuesday)

We met at 8:45 in the lobby.  We had to take our passports and go back to the Provincial Civil Affairs Office today.  We were interviewed by the Registry Officials and then we were interviewed by the Notary Public.  We promised to take good care of her and never abandon her.  After the paperwork was signed.....she was ours forever!  YEAH!

We then went to Carrefour Supermarket (it is like Walmart).  We bought her more powdered milk and rice cereal, diapers and baby supplies.  Of course, we over bought.  :)  My baby is not going to be hungry!  We also bought her a small red Micky Mouse stroller.  She likes it!

We saw more of her personality today.  She just wore herself out playing.  We have a king size bed & I put pillows all around it so she can not roll off.  I put her toys in the middle of the bed and she just rolled and crawled and leaped on the bed.  She has a ready laugh.  Every time she sees herself in the mirror, she squeals with delight.  She just laughs and laughs.  It is adorable.  She also likes to watch TV.  She is beyond precious!  It is amazing how her smile and laughter affects Daniel & I.  We both feel deep down joy to see her happy.  She follows me with her eyes all the time.  She likes Daniel but she has definitely attached to me.  He is great until I walk in the room.  I love it!!!!  :)   She loves to be held and rest her head on my cheek.  Of course , I am more than happy to oblige! 

"Gotcha Day!" (Family Day) - Day 5 / August 15, 2011 (Monday)

We were all so excited & nervous this morning.  We have all been waiting 6 years for this day!  We met in the lobby at 8:50 am & walked to the bank.  We need Chinese currency.  At 10:30 we met to discuss adoption and safety.  Then, at 2:00 pm we all met in the lobby.  No one was late!

We took a bus to the Provincial Civil Affairs Office.  When we got off the bus there was a van with nannys getting out of their van with babies.  Are those our babies?!  There are 6 families getting children from this region today.  Everyone else went to different regions yesterday.  One family is adopting a 10 year old girl.  The other 5 families are adopting babies from the same orphanage.  Our babies are all  within weeks of the same age.  Emotions were running high.  When we saw the babies, we had to keep walking but many of us were in tears.  We wanted our babies!

When we walked into the room there was a baby about 1 1/2 screaming and crying.  It was too hard and tears were running down my face.  Others were in tears too.  They then said that our babies were already there and we would get them in a few minutes.  They would bring the children out one by one and give them to the parents.  They would go in alphabetical order by parent's last name.   For the first time ever  Daniel & I were first!  Others all took pictures & recorded it for us.   Then a nanny walked out and handed me Katie.  Daniel & I were both crying but Katie just looked very calm.  She rested her head on my face and then on my shoulder.  She just cuddled into me.  I just couldn't believe she was our baby!  We were then able to sit down with the nannies for a few minutes and ask questions.  Her orphanage had one nanny for 40 babies. Daniel & I were so overjoyed and thankful. All the babies were beautiful and they all seemed so healthy.  It was a wonderful, wonderful day!!!

Our group is also very fortunate to have Dr. Jennifer Shu as one of the adoptive parents. She came over immediately and checked on Katie.

Daniel & I just held Katie and stared at her for the rest of the day!  We are now a family!  :)  She seems so sweet & patient.  She would just watch us as if she was thinking, "These people are clueless but trying very hard so I am going to be patient with them."  She kept cutting her eyes to look at us.  It was like she was thinking, "Are these people still looking at me?"  Yes, baby girl.  We are still looking at you!  She drank her bottles and slept for 9 1/2 hours.  I think I checked on her almost every hour during the night.  I just wanted to make sure she was breathing and alright.  She never cried and seemed very contend.  She can sit up, roll over and crawl across the bed.  She also looks like she weighs more than the paperwork told us she weighed.  She is absolutely perfect!!!!!  We are so in love with her!

Hong Kong - Guangzhou / Day #4 / August 14, 2011 (Sunday)

Today we left Hong Kong for Guangzhou via train.  It was about a 2 hour ride.  We met our CCAI Rep, Jason and checked into the new China Hotel.  Everyone is so excited!  We meet our daughters tomorrow!!!

Hong Kong - Day #3 / August 13, 2011 (Saturday)

Our group all arrived late yesterday or early this morning with the exception of one family that had delays. I finally meet Shannon Yates & her family today.  It was so great to meet all of them in person. 

Today, we all went to Hong Kong Island.  We started by going to Victoria Peak.  It had magnificent views of Hong Kong, Kowloon (where we are staying) and the nearby islands.

Then, we went to the Aberdeen Fishing Village.  We rode a traditional "sampan" to see the floating community.  People still live on the boats and fish for their living.

We were then on our way to Stanley Market.  On our way, we saw Repulse Bay.  It was a majestic view of South China Sea.  I loved Stanley Market & wish we had more time.  I bought a name block for Katie ( can't remember the Chinese name for it) and a couple of family pictures for our home.  We then went to a nice Jewelry store.  I did not buy anything.  Can you believe it?  :)  We then all had a traditional Chinese lunch together.

When we arrived back in Kowloon, Shannon, Patricia (Shannon's mom), Anne & I all went to Rio Pearl.  Patricia had been there before and knew the owner.  It was a great store and I bought a long strand of pearls.  I thought I may have it cut down later for Katie.

Daniel & I went back to the Women's Market tonight to buy a few more things for Katie.  We also  went for a neck & foot message.  Just a couple of more days & we will meet our sweet Katie!!!!   We are counting the days.......

Hong Kong - Day #2 / August 12, 2011 (Friday)

The rest of our group should all be here by today.  They build in a little time upfront because there are always delayed flights & missed flights.  We have to be on schedule to get our babies.

Today we went to the China History Museum.  Our guide suggested it.  It seems very important to them that we know about China history & culture so we can share that with our girls.  Daniel loved the museum......of course!  I was ready to leave much earlier than he was but I will admit it was very impressive.   :)

Then, we went to the Women's Market via subway.  The subway was extremely crowded!  It was like a whole other city underground including a mall. The Women's Market was full of people and again extremely crowded.  It made us think of Times Square.  I was able to buy several gifts for Katie.  The air quality was very bad there but the people were all so nice.  It amazed us!  Everyone seemed so patient.  We never saw anyone get angry.  Imagine hot weather, bad air quality, people so close they are touching but no one is angry.  I never even heard a horn honk.  Several times people stopped to help Daniel & I without us even asking.   They seemed concerned for us.  Once at McDonald's, Daniel had the zipper to his backpack open just for a minute and a man immediately reminded him.  Coming home from the Market it was about midnight & my ticket did not work.  A man from the next aisle saw me and he came over & helped me.  He went out of his way to show kindness.

I cut Daniel's hair when we got back to the hotel.  It was about 1:00 am.  He has to look good when he meets our Katie.  We ended up going to bed around 2:00 am.

Hong Kong - Day #1 / Full Day / August 11, 2011 (Thursday)

Today we took the Lantau & Monastery tour.  We started by taking a bus to Ngong Ping Cable Cars.  The cars go straight up the sides of the mountains and there were spectacular views of Lantau and the sea.  It is a 25 minute ride.  Better not be afraid of heights!  :)  When we arrived at the top, we saw the "Big Buddha" which is the world's largest outdoor bronze Buddha.  It had the most awesome views surrounding it!  Then, we saw the Po Lin Monastery.  From there we went to the Tai O Fishing Village.  It is a historical fishing village with houses on stilts, with tiny shops and shrines dotted throughout.  It was full of dried seafood.  People live in the village.  Then we returned to Hong Kong by Ferry  It was a perfect day!  In the evening, we went to the night harbour view.  They have a laser show every night over the water that shines on the buildings.  It is awesome!  We are waiting for the rest of our group to arrive.

Hong Kong / August 9-10, 2011 (Tuesday & Wednesday)

Today is 8/9/11.  We left for Hong Kong today.  We woke up at 2:00 am.  The Taxi picked us up at 3:30 am.  Our flight was scheduled for 6:30am but it was 3 hours late.  They were able to get us on a 5:15 am flight out of Nashville.  That was good because they said if we did not make that flight, we would probably miss our connection in Chicago.  We had a lay-over in Chicago until 12:50.  We sat almost an hour on the runway while they refueled.  That put us an hour behind.  The flight from Chicago was 14 1/2+ hours.  When you add the hour we sat on the runway, we were in our seats for approximately 15 1/2 hours from Chicago.  That was a long flight!!!! We arrived in Hong Kong on 8/10/11 around 6:00 pm.  We took a bus at hotel transportation to our Hotel and it was a tour in itself.   It is a beautiful city especially driving at night with all the bright lights.  It has the biggest port we have ever seen.  We are staying at Regal Kowloon Hotel in the heart of downtown.  It is a beautiful room on the 14th floor - Regal Club.  Everyone that we have met has been extremely nice.  Just a few more days and we will get Katie.......    :)   We received an updated picture of her right before we left that was take on 7/4/11.  I just posted the picture.  I can't wait to see what she looks like now!  Daniel was so proud he ran to WalGreens and had a 8x10 made.  I put it on the cover of our China paperwork notebook so  I can look at her every day! ;)  It is 11:30 pm.  It's been a long day but we are one day closer to getting our little Katie!!!!!