Difficult Roads May Lead to Beautiful Destinations

Our guides Aron and Miko took us for the medical examination.

Jackson did not like waiting around the clinic all morning or getting his blood drawn.

He was quiet on the trip back to the Garden Hotel.

He likes playing with his toys in our bed.

We decided to go to AEON (the local Target equivalent).

I couldn't help noticing that these look just like the ones in Petropavlovsk.

When we returned, Jackson had a nap.

Then he played some more in our bed.

Reality blogging: Cleft palate with feeding aversion

Susan tried him on some baby food. He resisted the puree' texture.

He was a bit happier with liquids.

But only a bit happier...

We took a walk outside to see the waterfall and the goldfish pond.

When we got back, he played pat-a-cake with Susan and she sang him a song.

After a warm bath and supper, he finally spoke something intelligible: "Mama"

Small steps.

In the Clear

Medically Cleared

Today we went back to Shamian Island to the clinic to have the PPD (TB
skin test) read. Joshua's was positive so he needed a chest
radiograph. It was, of course, normal. So the boys are clear to get
adoption visas home. We visit the consulate on July 6 and can start
traveling home 2 days later on July 8, when we will take a train to
Hong Kong, spend the night, then fly home (by way of Detroit). Looking
forward to that short flight from Hong Kong to Detroit already!
After the trip to the clinic, mom went shopping with the ladies and
dad and the boys headed back to the hotel for some down time. We
decided to be very American and had McDonald's for lunch. McDonald's
is the same all over the world. Take that anyway you like.
We will have dinner out with the group tonight. I did not take too
many photos yet today so I will post a few plus some older ones that I
never got a chance to previously.

At the Clinic

Groundhog Day (14 of 22)

Unlike the Bill Murray film, we know our current monotony has an
ending. Otherwise it feels the same. Wake up and head for the
breakfast buffet downstairs. Hear the same song over the speakers at
the restaurant and in the elevator a hundred times a day; we liked
that song when we arrived. At least there are other families here with
us and we are in it together. All the other adopting parents are
really cool, so we are having fun. Most of them have played this game
before.

For breakfast, dad had dragon fruit and the boys slurped down many
tasty treats while mom took a few photos.

After breakfast, we went to Shamian Island for the medical evaluation.
Joshua needs glasses and Jacob has a wrist deformity. No news is good
news. Hague rules warranted shots for everyone, 3 shots each. Not a
ton of fun, really, but the boys were very brave. Back in two days to
check the PPD.

After the medical exam, we had lunch at the Thai place on the Island
where we had many delicious dishes. The McCormick's were nice enough
to share their chicken head with us. As you will see, it was delicious!
We shopped around the island and paid a visit to the White Swan where
we tried to feed the lions, against better judgment. We ate some ice
cream to try to beat the heat. We enjoyed the beautiful, old trees.
Mom and Susan Song had fun hanging out. We also noticed Ann wore her
Silver Dollar City Tee from lovely Branson, MO, a tribute to the
Neals. Now the boys are watching Mr. Bean and laughing hysterically.
Some things don't need translating. Like fart jokes; funny in any
language...

Medical Exam

Getting my physical exam

Say Aaaahhhh!

Try out these fancy herbal remedies.