April 12th-paperwork day

In the morning, our group met in the lobby to take our babies over to the clinic for their medical exam. This is required by the US government before they will issue a visa for travel. In the clinic we saw lots of other families with their adoptive children, some with special needs. There was a handsome young albino boy with striking blue eyes and white hair. Chloe cried less than most of the babies. It was a very cursory exam, just taking measurements and looking for obvious problems.

This afternoon only one parent was allowed to meet with the others in a hotel room to fill out all of the paperwork to apply for a visa through the US consulate. It took over two hours and required twelve different documents to be completed and placed in order. Since Chloe is so dependent upon Mom, we decided to let her spend some quality time with Dad and Mom went to do the paperwork.

Afterward, we all took a nap and then began exploring Shamian Island on our own. All of the shopkeepers are very anxious and competitive for your business. They come and meet you out in the street and ask you a bunch of questions about your baby and then try to coax you into their store. They are quite successful at it. We have not yet met anyone who hasn't commented on Chloe's big eyes. I guess they must be a bit unusual, especially to other Chinese.

I have met friends from the internet here in person. It really is an amazing sight to see all these babies. This place is almost surreal.