Today we had to prepare for our Consulate Appointment.  We had to get Maddie's visa photo and Medical Examination done.  We headed to the medical clinic around 10:00 AM.  Maddie was in good spirits and enjoyed her ride on the bus to the clinic.  We arrived at the medical clinic and had to go up to the 5th floor for the visa photo and medical exam.  Thank goodness, it wasn't like Guangzhou!  They had an elevator - we didn't have to hike up 5 stories of stairs!!!!

 

First up was the visa photo.  Maddie did not smile, but we got through that with ease.  On to the medical examination.  There are 3 stations you have to go through as part of the examination.  The first station we went to was the ENT guy.  Not the most thorough exam, but she passed with flying colors.  Off to station 2 - the heart, lungs, and abdomen check.  We had to to remove Maddie's diaper for the examination.  Thank goodness! She had a wet diaper and it gave us the opportunity to change it!  One of the other couple's son was a "fountain" when he was check by the doctor.  Station 3 was the height and weight station.  Maddie was 11.1 kgs (~ 25 lbs) and 81 cm (32 inches) tall.  We were all done, so we had to wait for the other families.  Maddie had to strut her stuff with her new "squeeky" shoes.  She walked up and down the hall "squeeking" the whole time.  I bet the medical staff was glad when we left!  We finished up around 12:40 PM and headed back to the hotel.  As you can see from the pictures, Maddie was pooped!  She slept the whole way back to the hotel (1/2 hr drive).  Maddie took a nap when we got back to the hotel. 

 

Bill and Reba went out with our adoption guide Jocelyn to a fabric store and Reba got some silk and cashmere material to have a dress made when we get back to the states.  The store did not think they could have the dress made in time.  We leave here on Thursday.  They had a great time shopping, but I think Bill had melted by the time they got back to the hotel. 

 

Heat.....well.....we are located on about the same latitude as south tip of Texas.  I think we are closer to the equator than Hawaii, but there is not a beach in site.   Melting is a way of life here.  All you have to do is come close to an outside door and you think you are going to wilt.  Now have a 25lbs baby attached to you and can we say...wet...sweaty...sticky.  Many of these orphaned children come with very dry skin and Maddison is no exception.  We are having to constantly lotion her up.  The down side is in this heat and  humidity, she just slides through your arms. Add to it her wiggles and you can only imagine. 

 

This evening, we went on a Pearl River Cruise.  We had a buffet diner and then watched the lights of the city.  Guangzhou has the third tallest building in the world - The Guangzhou International Finance Center.  I looked it up on the internet, it has it as the 11th tallest building.  We had a great time and Maddison really enjoyed the lights!  We also, found out she really likes music. 

 

Tomorrow we have a free day and we hope to go to the Pearl Market and get some pearls.  It should be a relaxing day.  We have our travel group pictures at 4:00 and it should be fun to see all the kids in their Chinese silks.  We'll have to include some pictures tomorrow.