US Citizenship

US Consulate Day – Today was the day that our entire trip was booked around. We had to meet in the lobby at 7:45 this morning. (This was when we were thankful for McDonald’s and Starbucks – grab and go!) We went to the consulate to take the oath for Gracie. You aren’t allowed to have a camera – just like we were in the US. All of our families stood as a group and raised our right hands to take the oath of citizenship on our babies’ behalf. I have no idea what we said because unexpectedly, I was overwhelmed with emotion. That frequently happens to me during certain patriotic events but I didn’t expect it today for some reason. Afterward, they called us up one by one and a gentleman looked over our paperwork, signed and stamped it then another lady gave us a quick little interview with random questions about our adoption. All she needs now is feet on US soil. That will happen in Detroit around noon on Saturday, October 22!!! That was it – back to the hotel for lunch and naps. As of today, I think Carter is over this whole trip. He is having a rough time. Pray for him that he can hold onto his trouper attitude for another 65 hours!!

God has blessed us with three amazing and gorgeous kiddos! I'm so overwhelmed with joy!

This afternoon, we tried to do the traditional red couch photo at the White Swan Hotel. The White Swan is where families have stayed for years in Guangzhou when they are adopting. It has been threatening to close down for many years for renovations. Now that we have arrived, it actually did close two months ago but the restaurant and lobby are still open apparently. Oh well. When we arrived, there was a private party going on and they wouldn’t let us crash to get red couch photos! So here are all of the families on the stair case. I know we are missing the Hagerty family but I'm drawing a blank on who else is missing.

We did get to see a fun show that was hired for the private party. I’m sure they loved that we were surrounding it! ;) Gracie Lin love this; she was just patting me to the beat of the music and bouncing. Carter on the other hand was clinging to John and shaking. Poor baby!

So, we got a plum couch photo with 10 of the babies.

Gracie is kind of in the middle in bulldog colors. I love that everyone picked different colors and styles of dresses and it just reflects all of the different personalities of these precious little girls. Big smiles from Magnolia and Leah! All joining amazing families!

After most people returned to our hotel or to dinner, the red couches were free so we at least got a few photos there. We did get a great photo of Stella, Gracie Lin, Aubrey and Magnolia. One very sweet one of kissing cousins – Gracie Lin and Aubrey Mei. Look at those sweet faces!

After all of the excitement, we had a very western dinner of burgers and fries at Lucy’s with Lucy and Eric, Kathleen and Sharon and Sue and Robert. We did a little more shopping damage before heading back. I don’t think I actually learned anything new today except maybe more about our newfound friends who will be headed back to the states with their baby girls this weekend as well. Now I hear lots of snorting behind me so I think I will join them.

Showing off my skills!

For Jody and Winston :)