Straight A student already!

Lilah-Kate got an A+ on her first test today! We returned to the medical clinic and with a glance, the nurse confirmed that she cleared her TB test and we were done. The next thing we did was tour a museum that was once a wealthy families residence. We saw many artifacts and works of art and did some shopping. We rested in the afternoon, poolside. Our pool is on the 14^th floor and it is beautifully landscaped and has a full view of the city. Lilah-Kate wore her swimsuit, cover-up and swim shoes to the pool and the water was ice cold, so she never put a toe in. She looked really cute napping on a lounge chair! We ran into several adoptive families today with their new children and made friends. After meeting one of these families, I almost always cry a little as they are walking away. Watching orphans become sons and brothers, daughters and sisters is an amazing thing to see, something I will never forget. When I think how easily we could have missed this treasure of our daughter, I am overcome. If anyone following our blog is considering adding to your family in this way, know that you will be blessed as much or more than your child ever will be. I can say this after knowing mine for one week!

Tonight we went back over to the island and had a nice French dinner at the Orient Express and then shopped until we dropped (literally). We had to get a cab to drive us back to the hotel! Two more nights in Guangzhou!

I belong to Jake, Will and Sam!

Easter Sunday

We started our day with prayer and thanksgiving for the hope we have in Jesus and for the great things God has done for us!

Since it was Sunday, we didn't have any appointments to fulfill. We got to go to the Guangzhou animal safari for a ½ day and it was great. It was a combination of a walk through zoo and a driving safari. The park had a large number of white tigers and panda bears, which is unusual for us to see in a U.S. zoo. Afterwards, our guide took us to a cantonese style lunch, where I tried a local favorite... cow intestine! I found it too chewy and pretty bland and later found out that locals swallow it whole and don't chew it at all; oh well...

Lilah-Kate had a great day. She has really warmed up to Jake and they have figured out a few games together that really crack her up! Also, she fully relaxed and laid her head on both mine and Laurel's shoulders throughout the day. That really felt good and seems like great progress in bonding with us. As we said yesterday, she really blossoms in the hotel and feels more comfortable to move around by herself, and we also are hearing more baby talk from her, as she plays. She had a great time playing with the stacking cups today and made it last for a long time! Again, the squeaky shoes were an additional fun effect!

It is hard to imaging a better transition for all of us, which is an answer to many prayers. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in this way throughout our journey. We cherish you very much!

Our first day in Guangzhou

We woke up in Guangzhou and it is warm and tropical here. We started our day with Lilah-Kate's medical exam. It was pretty simple, so we were in and out quickly. The medical clinic is on Shaimen Island, which is a beautiful area along the river, that is mostly pedestrian. This is also where the american consulate is, so all american families spend quit a lot of time on the island. The shops and restaurants cater to english speaking people quit well. We spent some time exploring that area and had dinner at Lucy's, a famous cafe in the chinese adoption community. Laurel had iced sweet tea for the first time in over a week and Lilah-Kate enjoyed it too! An important step in the chinese adoption process is purchasing squeaky shoes, so we did (6 pair!). She was HAPPY to sit and try on shoes with her mama and when we got back to the hotel, she insisted on wearing them even over her feety pajamas! What fun!

We fall more in love with this girl every day. We feel so blessed that God chose us to be her family.

New things for Lilah-Kate:

she has a heart for new shoes like her momma (take a peek at the pictures)

crowds cause her to shut down a little, she is much more herself in our hotel room

she has some physical and speech delays but they seem very much orphanage related

we are certain that she will catch up quickly with our love and attention

she loves a squeaky shoe!

To Will and Sam:

We are missing you so much! Lilah-Kate enjoyed Skypeing with you this morning. We are so glad that you are having fun with Pop and Nana, we think about you every day! Can't wait to be home and let you meet your sister.

Love,

Mom and Dad