Journey to Claire

I'll just post pictures - you tell me if you think she had a good time!

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Claire had a very rough day today and I finally got her to go to sleep. I brought her to the hospital this morning to have blood drawn for all the tests her pediatrician wanted - it did not go well. Of course no child likes to be restrained and have strange people poking them with a needle, but this was awful.

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Sorry it has taken so long for me to post an update - jet lag had taken it's toll on us!  I think we are now officially over the jet lag & I'm trying to set up a schedule for Claire and I.  She is taking her morning nap right now so I have a few minutes.

Our trip was exhilirating & exhausting at the same time.  Some days felt really rushed and others wer...

I thought I'd let you all know that she, Claire  and Carmen are officially back on American soil!! Yippee!!! They landed at JFK at 1:08pm EDT!! Now if she would only turn on her cell phone..... 

I am sure that she will be adding her own update soon.....

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Today was our last day in Guangzhou.  We took the famous red couch photos this afternoon before heading to the US Consulate for the oath.  Claire is now officially a part of the family!  And this is when I cried - a lot.  All I kept thinking was that Gerald should be standing next to me saying this with me.  I know he was there is spirit - I could feel him standing right there with me, holding my hand.

Today we made a trip to the pearl and jade market.  Holy Cow!  These malls are close together and several stories tall!!  Luckily our guides took us to some of the more reputable shops so we could be sure we got the real thing.  At the first pearl shop, I bought a strand of pink pearls that they made into matching bracelets for Claire & I while we waited.  I also bought Claire a lilac-colored fresh water pearl drop necklace w...

We spent most of the day walking around Shaiman Island just shopping and sightseeing.  Apparently it is a popular place for couples to take their wedding photos - beautiful!

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First - Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. I hope a granddaughter is a good "present".

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We are finally in Guangzhou, the last leg of the trip! We arrived late last night so we are all a bit tired today. Let me say the in-China flights are AWFUL! But Guangzhou is beautiful - much nicer ...

Today we left Nanchang and Claire's birthplace.  I cried on the bus ride to the airport - for us, for her birthparents, for this beautiful country.  I hope someday I can bring Claire back here to experience this place as only she can.

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We decided to take it easy this morning. The group had an optional tour to a nearby village, but we needed a break. We met the group for lunch at a local reastaurant then went to the Tengweng Pavilion. This was the first sightseeing we have actually done. It was beautiful.

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