Hi Again! We made it through the paperwork day, although not without one glitch. We had to return to Civil Affairs to get our official adoption certificate re-done after realizing our street address was not included on it. Unfortunately we didn't discover this until we were at the notary office! The good news is that the very friendly official there did not charge us again. This delayed the entire process by at least an hour but we made it through and then applied for her passport. It is now official: this precious little girl we have been waiting and longing for is now Catherine Fu Juan Krol! It was a LONG day, but the boys didn't mind so much as they got to play A LOT of Nintendo DS :) I am hoping their brains don't turn to mush from it all!!!
Yesterday we went to the Beijing Zoo which the boys probably enjoyed the most of all our field trips. Fu Juan LOVES to be carried but not so much in the carrier. And she does not seem to be a big fan of the stroller, but hopefully that will change when we get home. We saw pandas, of course, and lots of other animals: monkeys, big cats, elephants, hippos, rhinos, as well as a huge amphibian/reptile house. Another interesting exhibit at the Zoo appeared to be the Krol Family!!!! Peter coined the phrase, "Lions and tigers and Americans, oh my!" Heads really turned with lots of counting of all our children, smiles, and requests for our pictures, especially the boys. I have been so proud of all of them for being so willing to allow complete strangers to take their pictures, especially Patrick who really HATES to have his picture taken :)
Today is a free day and after a more leisurely breakfast (definitely our favorite meal of the day), we are just hanging out a bit in the hotel room and I am pondering how to fit ALL THIS STUFF back into our suitcases! I am ready to move on to Guangzhou Friday where we will have our appointment with the US Consulate to obtain Catherine Fu Juan's Visa. After today, just one more day in Beijing visiting the Summer Palace while we wait for her passport to be processed.
It has continued to amaze us how well Catherine Fu Juan is adjusting. At first she seemed so timid and shy but as the days pass, she is becoming more and more playful and into everything! Last night instead of demurely closing her eyes and folding her hands when we put her in her crib, she proceeded to chat and giggle and stand up several times before finally settling down to sleep. It is wonderful to see her becoming more and more at home with us!
Thank you again for your continued encouragement and prayers. As the days in China continue, we are all longing for home :)
She is so precious!! It sounds like the trip is going well for all and Guangzhou will be another adventure! Glad you are onto the next step! Much love, Susie
ReplyDeleteSo glad things are going well. She is precious. You are often in our thoughts. Dylan is really enjoying the pictures.
ReplyDeleteLissauer Family
Congratulations on your daughter's adoption being finalized! How wonderful to hear Catherine chatting (in Mandarin, I presume) and giggling at bedtime. Clearly, love transcends barriers of language and culture.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking forward to your return NEXT WEEK (hang in there!). You will soon be shopping at MOM's Organic Market. ;-)
Wishing you God's blessings,
Maureen
Hi Chris and Stan and boys! We are settling in for our last night in the Changsha, Hunan Province. Glad to hear Catherine is blossoming already with all the love she's getting! We are completely in love with our daughter Vivian. We arrive in Guangzhou at 6:10 tomorrow evening and will be anxious to find some dinner for Vivian. She only eats soft foods and rejects cheerios and crackers!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon. P.S. Thanks for the safety pins--they are in use! Yours in Christ, Keri, Ken, and Vivian