It's been a hectic week!! Safely home at 1:30am 9/7, story below...

It's been a crazy yet wonderful last few days. Quick recap, but mostly we'll just post pictures with some captions. In Guangzhou on 9/4, Mia had her physical along with 50 or so other adoptees - quick process, no problems. She weighs about 18 pounds, we'll fatten her up!

On Wednesday 9/5 we went to the US Consulate (no cameras allowed) along with 40 or so kids and families. It was pretty neat, our guide dealt with all our paperwork, all we had to do was show up and get sworn in. Mia properly said the Pledge of Allegiance and that George Washington was our first President.

Mia was great on the flight home. Unfortunately there was a sick passenger (she was convulsing about 6 rows in front of us, very exciting), so it turned a 14 hour flight into a 19 hour deal - just what you want with a 15 month old who doesn't know you well. But I think Tracey and I were crankier than Mia was. The only problem we've had with Mia has been her sleeping, but every day gets better. Yesterday and today she actually took a nap (and so did Mom). Mia has made the rounds - neighbors, friends, relatives, and both Tracey and my workplaces. She is very friendly and outgoing.

We met with the surgeon on 9/14 who we had consulted with prior to leaving for China. We have another appointment with someone else later this week, and then we'll decide what to do.

Ok, I'll just post some pictures with captions now. More pictures later on tonight or tomorrow.

Big sister Mocha and Mia are getting along ok!

First landing on U.S. soil is supposed to be Chicago. Nope, this is Anchorage, Alaska (FYI, Tracey spent a few summers there when her grandparents lived there). Not exactly a detour we wanted en route to Chicago.

Famous red couches at White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou.

We were always on the lookout for these...

Nice tea ceremony, we had 6 different kinds of tea.

Elvin, our guide in Guangzhou, was a great guy. Plus he's the only person I have met who has dated his girlfriend longer than Tracey and I dated, so we had fun with that.

Tessa and Mia did some good head-butting, haven't seen that since my college days a long time ago!

Nice Doctor where Mia and a lot of other children had their physicals.

Outside the clinic prior to the physical.

Instead of joining a gym (and then never going) a lot of the people just go to a park, exercise, dance, whatever.

Future and present Buddha, very impressive in person.

Anything to entertain Mia, nice parakeets at the White Swan Hotel.

Ok, I was there.