Mellow Day in China...

Today we were "grounded" to our rooms until about noon. Our guide took all our paperwork to the American Consulate for processing and we had to be accessible by phone in case there were any questions. Thankfully, all our paperwork was in order and barring any unforeseen circumstance we should be receiving Avery's visa and have her swearing-in ceremony tomorrow afternoon. Then we are home bound!!!!! Unfortunately we have been told that cameras are strictly off limits at the Consulate.

We spent the morning hanging out, making phone calls, editing pictures, and of course playing with and staring at our beautiful girl. Not a bad way to spend a morning.
She is changing so much already. Just in the 8 days she has been with us we have seen major differences. Look how well she is sitting up by herself. She has come a long way considering she was having trouble holding her head up (much less sitting up) when she came to us.

Playing with Daddy's hat. It still feels weird to me to call Paul "daddy" and me "mommy".

After we received word from our guide that our paperwork was accepted we met up with The Downing's and ordered in Papa Johns.

Yes, they do deliver to the hotel although it is by bicycle!!

We had a "picnic" in their room and also shared some laughs by making a pyramid.

Another shot of Avery sitting up by herself thrown in for good measure.

After lunch we spent the afternoon doing what else?? Shopping of course!! One of the shops we visited offered personalized bottle paintings of your baby. They took Avery's picture and will paint the inside of the bottle with her photo. The work is amazing!!
Working on Avery's bottle!

Her daddy can always get a laugh out of her!!

She has already figured out that boxes are more fun than toys!

Our angel sleeps!!!! Don't worry we got to bed and a more comfortable position soon after this picture was taken!!

Thanks for checking in.....only 2 more sleeps before we head home!!!