themoodyblogger

Yesterday started out as whole bunch of nothing.  It did give us an opportunity to get some more bonding time in.  Little Z is beginning to like his dad a little more unless he really wants something that I won’t give him.  At that point, it is “Where’s my mommy?”  He’s definitely got more playful and gigglely (not sure if that’s a word).  When we first we interacting with him, you could see in his eyes that he was calculating and attempting to figure this all out.  He’s comfortable and realizes that he is not going to lose us.  E was always pretty much cool with everything as long as he could see me.

Couple of neat observations to note:  whatever you are eating or drinking, that’s what they want to eat or drink.  Never give them french fries first, or you’ll never get them to eat anything else for that matter.  Z has a chipmunk/squirrel thing that he does.  He will eat a whole bunch then chew a little, and store it in his cheeks.  This works fine if he swallows occasionally, but most of the time he gets too much and has to spit it out.  Ewwwe!!  The younger E can tell you when he needs to go to the bathroom.  Pretty cool considering he is less than two years old, huh?

We took some group pictures and a family picture.  We hit the silk market so we all had outfits for the picture.  After that we went back to the room for a little R& R.  Mrs. Strawbridge will be happy to see that D was working intently on his homework.

Later that evening we had dinner at a manchurian restaurant.  Interesting flavors there that I have never experienced.  There was a dish called mapo tofu (I think that was what it was called) that had a pretty good kick to it.  We have decided that we must learn how to make it and I’m not a fan of tofu. 

Today, we finally had THE APPOINTMENT.  The appointment with our US Consulate for the boys.  It involves taking an oath affirming that all the information that we have provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge.  We then walk up to a teller type counter with the children so that the children can be matched up to their passports.  Couple of pages to sign and it is done.  We also had to pay a fee times two.  Remember with double the children, you get double the fees.  It was for their travel visa, but once they hit American soil they will become naturalized American citizens.  At least that is how I understand it.  We had a little mini interview with the adoption officer since we were under the Non-Hague rules.  “Who was your adoption agency? Were they helpful? Were all fees disclosed?” were among some of the questions that they asked.  Sorry no pictures to depict this wonderful event.  The consulate was adament that no electronics of any kind were allowed on the premises.  I would it assume it was for security purposes.  According to our guides, our boys visas should be ready tomorrow for the journey back the following day.  Bout time! 

-Bill