US Consulate Appointment Day and Orphanage Visit

I was up at 6:00 to make sure we made it to breakfast and were ready by 8:30. Beibei just doesn't wake up well unless it's her idea! She got her bottle and we went down for breakfast sooner afterwards than normal. All she wanted to do was throw croissant pieces on the floor. She did eat a few scrambled eggs but really wasn't hungry. We finished getting ready and met Joyce in the lobby at 8:30.

We got into the van and Joyce said it would be about an hour's ride. Traffic was worse than expected because of the Canton Trade Fair so it took a little longer. Beibei slept the whole way. When we got to the orphanage it looked just like the pictures I'd found on the internet. The lady in charge of international adoptions greeted us and gave us a little tour. Beibei lived on the third floor. We saw the crib she slept in which was the first one inside the door of the room. There were probably 15-20 cribs in that room -- lined up all along the walls and several in the center of the room.

We also saw a baby play room. There were 14 babies on the floor with two caregivers (I think). There were no toys for the babies to play with. The babies just "played" with each other. Another room had older children (walking) and they pointed out a pair of twins. I asked if they would be able to be adopted together and they said "yes." We met Beibei's caregiver and she fed her some fish congee. Yum! We apparently aren't putting enough on a spoon because she ate a whole bowl of congee in about 5-8 minutes! The caregiver just shoveled it into her mouth! That's how they have to do it, though, because there's so many kids. We also got to see the "bath" area. It kinda reminded me more of a kitchen where they wash many dishes at one time. Basins, buckets and shower heads. Beibei does NOT like bath time and now I may know why. Hopefully it won't take too long to have a pleasant bath time at home. We were not, of course, allowed to take pictures of the other children. We asked before taking pictures of each room. The Dongguan orphanage is clean but has only the bare minimum. Tony said he "felt better" after seeing the orphanage (that she was well taken care of).

Next, we were able to see the playground where I'm sure some of the pictures we have were taken -- possibly even the referral photos. Then we went out to the front of the building and took more pictures of Beibei and the international adoption lady (we are never told names).

Next we got into the van and headed to the finding site. She was left to be found outside of a hospital for women and children. The driver had to ask directions of where it was. He eventually stopped on a very busy street and we got out and took pictures and video. There were so many people! I can't imagine how anyone could leave a baby here and not be noticed doing it! Tony got uncomfortable being there and was ready to leave after a short time. Joyce took our picture there and I snapped a couple more and then it was back to Guangzhou and the hotel.

Beibei got very antsy and squirmy in just that hour! Can't wait for a 14-hour plane ride! We've heard a one-word solution for the plane ride -- Benadryl! I have some!

We got back to the hotel at about 12:30 and Beibei got a bottle and then we got her down for a nap before 2:00. Two hours later I was sorting for the start of packing and Beibei and Daddy woke up from their nap.

At 6:00 pm we met Joyce and several other families and walked to the new Italian restaurant on the island. We had a VERY good meal! Excellent! We also found out that Beibei likes lasagna!

We stopped at Michael's on the way back to pick up our laundry and I helped Tony take it and Beibei to the room then came back to quickly post.

Tomorrow is the Oath Taking Ceremony and we pick up her visa and PACK!