Red Couch Picture

Today was "Red Couch Picture" day. This is an event that all adoptive families are excited about because it means that they have their child and are close to coming home. The families in our group met at 10am for the photo. It was actually quite fun. The kids were dressed up in their traditional Chinese outfits and looked adorable. They were also all over the place so we had to act fast. As you can see from the extra photos, Maeve wasn't as excited as we were about the "Red Couch" picture. In the end it turned out just fine. We actually got a few good pictures and one excellent group photo. We have a great group and we have enjoyed getting to know them all.

The "Red Couch Picture" wasn't the only event we had for the day. Actually, to start our day we called Collin and Brennen. They sound like they are having a great time with their grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. We sure miss them and appreciate them being so good while we pick up their baby sister. Maeve is excited to see you and give you her great big smile. She looks at her special alarm clock quite often. We can't wait to see you in a few days. Cathy and I really appreciate all the help that our family and friends have provided while we have been away.

After the "Red Couch Picture" it was time for Maeve's doctor's visit. It was very easy and she is quite healthy. The appointment consisted of quick measurements, a doctor's once over and an ear, nose and throat exam. She sailed right through and it was determined that she was the smallest of the girls at 13 lbs 9 oz. She also is 26 1/2". These measurements were a bit different than the last adoption document we received. S he actually is doing great and progressing every day--sleeping well and eating a lot more than she did a week ago.

After the doctor's appointment, it was Dave's turn to get pampered. I went with some other men in our group to get our foot massages. I think the best thing about the whole experience was Carl's reaction to his feet being massaged. He is extremely ticklish and had a hard time not laughing through the whole experience. I must say that I really enjoyed it. Initially I was reluctant but it was very relaxing. I can now better understand why Cathy enjoys them so much.

Cathy took this opportunity to take Maeve on her first Mother/Daughter shopping outing. They had a great time with some of the other mothers and daughters, but they are a deadly pair. They came back with a lot of packages--I may have to put some type of quota or restricitions on them (yeah, like that will work). Actually, I am writing the blog tonight because she is out with her friend Wendy (NC) closing down some more stores.

We had another good day in Guongzhou and finished it with dinner with our group at a local restaurant. The restaurant was very nice, but when you initially enter you walk by all these tanks of fish, crab, and all sorts of stuff, like water beetles, silk worms, dirty eels, etc. We didn't have anything exotic tonight but some traditional Cantonese foods. These foods are much milder than the spicy foods of Chongqing. After dinner, we decided we needed an evening stroll because Maeve wasn't quite ready for bed. We took a short walk to Starbuck's and got a latte and muffin to cap off our evening. Well my evening, remember Cathy is out shopping. Actually, I am glad Cathy and Wendy have hit it off so well and that they can develop their friendship.

Well that's enough for now. If you would like to view more photos please click on the link at the upper right corner that states, "More China Pictures" and select "China Day 11."