We wake slowly, though - I don't know why we are SO exhausted at this point from yesterday, as the flight was less than three hours but it was more draining than the one to China! The sun is up and I look around the room trying to orient myself to what is where and get up and peer out the window. We find ourselves once again on the 12th floor and the view is vastly different. I swear I feel as if I am looking down on a scene from New Orleans or something. There are many trees and so few cars!! I'm used to horns blaring literally all night and now instead there is a single vehicle here and there, but often not any at all. Wow!!

I stumble to the shower. I'm not expecting much as we didn't have great pressure at the Shanxi Grand and in many ways the room there was much, much fancier than the White Swan (motion sensor lights in the hallways and room, etc). I do notice that the shower head can be handheld as well (good for bathing the girls) and turn the heavy knobs and step in.

I'm in shock. The water pressure is high and it is not just pressure, there is an abundance of water pounding on my back and shoulders and neck. I sigh and try to remember to keep my mouth shut tightly lest any hidden microbes penetrate and wreck havoc with my GI system. I have no idea of how long I stood there but I reluctantly began bathing - knowing that Julia may be awake and we have things to do today. Marty is still in bed but awake when I emerge and I simply sigh repeatedly at him in preparation for the treat awaiting him. I miss our king sized bed in Taiyuan and the ability to scoot, scoot, scoot to get to him. The beds here are even more firm but not a problem. I do NOT like the hardened pillows, though (at one point I dove into one and felt instant tears spring to my eyes and a distinct fear that I had fractured nasal bones).

Julia stirs and cries out more frequently. She doesn't whimper or whine, her body stiffens sharply and you'd think she'd been scalded. I rub her back and it seems to soothe her somewhat. I'm not concerned, this hasn't changed but I still find myself just soaking in each detail - I'm still learning about this child as we have been halfway around the world from each other.

Let me step back a moment, though. When I may mention that I have missed out on Julia's beginnings (first steps, tooth, etc) please do not feel that I am saying it with regret or disappointment or frustration. Yes, I have missed them and it would have been nice to be there - but I'm no less her mother now and I don't have to "make up" for the past; I simply feel I must be aware and best utilize our time together from this point forward. Marty and I first met in our 40s. We have wondered what it would have been like to have had an extra 15-20 years together but don't lament not being together sooner - we simply chose to celebrate our being together now and enjoying it; I choose this approach with Julia as well. I will wonder about her beginnings and such but not obsess as I have a faith and peace that God has known this child all along and prepared our hearts for her and she for us. It doesn't mean that it will not be without challenges or struggle - but with a knowledge that we are simply following His directives. I refuse to concentrate on what we may have missed with her - but to embrace and savor what we have.

We now return to our regularly scheduled blogging . . .

Marty steps from his shower and we laugh at the pleasure of it. We have Julia's visa pictures and physical this morning and decide to check with the Marys in the party room next door. Unfortunately we don't have connecting rooms -but not a big deal. We have been spoiled! I'm shocked to learn the time and that we need to skedaddle to get to breakfast in time and then meet the group with all the new children for our next steps in this adoption process.

We're a mite disoriented and not sure if we are to go to the first or second floor to eat. Kelly said it was by the windows and we first head to the second floor and find a similar type desk with windows and a breakfast bar. We give the waitress our tickets and she keeps saying the coffee bar is downstairs. We don't drink coffee. We notice all the chairs are upholstered and she tells us there are no high chairs which is fine; Julia has never been in one since we received her. We are allowed passage and I sit with Julia in a posh chair with low coffee table in front - a group seating of four - while the others load their plates. They return very excited. It seems this breakfast bar has tenderloin and kabobs and of course the smoked fish and fruits and cheese, et al. Marty will miss eating breakfasts like this. We eat quietly and I keep noticing the sounds of a dining area below and begin to wonder if we should be downstairs instead tomorrow, but we certainly do enjoy today's takings!

All too suddenly it is time to go - we are late. It is decided that the Marys will explore the White Swan while Marty, Julia and I tend to this morning's business. We head downstairs to regroup with our Beijing friends.

Oh my goodness! The children!! The absolutely beautiful children!! We, of course, feel that Julia is most gorgeous of all but each and every child is absolutely breathtaking, and each in a different way. My head swims trying to remember parent names, much less the children's, but I am too enthralled to attempt. I wander through this sea of beauties (we all have girls) and just taken aback by it all. We look at the different ethnicities represented. Some are tiny/petite and some have the full cheeks or thighs. Some are very fair and one almost looks Eastern Indian. Julia seems to have the thickest hair... well, except for lovely Sarah who is 13-1/2 years old. Oh my goodness, she is another one that I could write about for ages on end. This teen possesses so much beauty both inward and outward and I think the inner shines brightest. She has stolen my heart and I just pray that we remain in close contact with her parents.

But I digress (laughing) yet again. We head out to the aforementioned events and learn that we will walk to them. We do not yet have a stroller and I did not bring the Ergo carrier. No problem in that I am still convinced that my almost 19-month-old does not yet weigh 20 lbs. We head out a happy, excited group chattering away.

The heat/humidity hits pretty fast - I think before I reach the street. I've always loved my relocation to Wisconsin not only because of the fact that I'm with Marty, but because I'm not very heat-tolerant and there isn't as much to put up with there. I mean, we do have hot days and it can be at times stagnant, but not for long. The winters have snow and that makes the cold fascinating (spoken by one who has never shoveled, used the snow plow, or snowblower). Hehehe!

We are quick to note all the wedding photographers. At first we wonder if these are all models but are informed that Guangzhou, especially Shamian Island, is known for its wedding boutiques and photographers and that brides from all around will come here to be photographed... some in prom-type dresses and some in wedding gowns. We see dozens of photo sessions during this stay. They are all gorgeous and we congratulate them upon passing and are surprised at how many thank us in return.

I try to shake off the ever-increasing perspiration and walk and take in the surrounding family additions as well as our new surroundings. I decide it is VERY much like New Orleans. The courtyards abound and there is much to see and observe. The stores are opened or opening and they call out to us to pull us in. This is my G version of Bourbon Street. We scamper about trying to keep up and still soak up this place. We pass a fascinating playground and try to determine what some of the equipment is for and wind between streets and such. Suddenly we are here. We are told that visa pictures are first and we are to wait outside until our name is called. Marty wanders across the street to observe the river and suddenly our name is broadcasted. We head indoors where Kelly is handing our paperwork to the photographer and we head to a barstool-type chair (with rails) where we are instructed to place Julia. Now Miss Julia is clinging more than usual today - I figure because of the change of scenery - and is not happy at this prospect and immediately tries to Velcro herself back to me. I am instructed to step not only back but away from her and I briefly am fearful that she will pitch forward in an attempt to launch herself to me. They work swiftly and deftly with noisemakers and such and snap, snap it is done. I will be delighted to share with you the photo. Her arms are up and she is screaming but her eyes are technically open (albeit slitted). We continue to make memories with each passing moment. While waiting for my fellow adoptive traveling families to get their photos, we cross the street to view the river and sit on planters. Marty holds one unhappy daughter when her father has to go to the bathroom and she has an affinity to men. He feels honored that he can do so and maybe just a mite vindicated that it isn't anything with him that Julia is still preferring me; just simply some children attach more to men and some to women. We finish up and walk now to the medical examinations needed for our being able to head home. It is a short walk from where we are.

It is crazy/hectic. We are surrounded by chaos and many screaming kids. We head to a bench outside of a room and are instructed that there are three "stations" we are to visit. One is for ENT (testing hearing, cursory mouth inspection, etc), one for weight, height, and temperature, and one with the physician. We find the central room has a portable air conditioner and are grateful to find space in there and begin lining up in various lines to proceed. We start in one line and then wonder if there is any order and follow a fellow family over to the line they are in (there is no order by the way). We cajole and pacify and watch others progress (or not as the case may be). Julia is very watchful and concerned when she hears the cries of the children and clings ever-so-tighter to me. It is now our turn and the nurse takes her from me. Julia is not happy but the workers are really sincere in their attempt to be intriguing and sweet to her. She allows an axillary temperature although whimpers when she realizes that the probe is being held in place by her arm placed at her side. Now it is time for weight. Uh oh - not a happy camper here. She is not pleased and screams in terror at being placed on the scale. They work quickly, though and I am informed that she is 18-6. Not sure if that is 18 lbs 6 ounces or 18.6 lbs but we'll take it! This is of course with diaper on (and clothes although they are not substantial). We never got her height although they did take it. We head to the ENT line and are pulled out by someone - we later learn is one of the physicians. She takes us in and asks us some basic questions and keeps saying cleft lip? She has us write cleft lip and wants us to sign and I quickly add cleft palate as well. She has us unfasten the diaper and takes a quick peek - we are through and head back to the previous line. The nurse once again is swift and quite kind. She seems pleased as Julia quickly turns her head toward noisemakers. She checks her cleft. I still cannot determine if her gum line is affected. Oh well - it really doesn't matter; we'll address what needs to be addressed in due time. Right now she is not happy, not terrified, either and we are through! Through!

We head back to the hotel and part of the group splinters off; some head to the Starbucks, some to shop, and we stop by a place that will lend strollers during our stay on the island. We learn that there is a coffee house (Blenz Coffee) that has two stations with free Internet. Hooray! We get a stroller from Susan's - it is a simple Winnie the Pooh umbella type stroller with a five point harness (one we will need later) and we head back up to check on the Marys.

What excitement we are met with! They are just about beside themselves. Now I didn't tell you about the White Swan lobby/common areas. Whereas the rooms are nice and adequate, the lobby is filled with koi ponds with a large waterfall and bridge and all sorts of opulence.

You can stand behind the waterfall in an almost cave-like atmosphere where it is cool and dark and very enjoyable for the adults as well as kids. We take turns choosing who will stand on the bridge and call out to those behind the waterfall. It's a fun game for the girls and we take delight in it.

But the Marys have most importantly discovered the Swan Room - the playroom for children at the hotel and Mary has spent the morning with Lilly and Lulu and just had a blast interacting with them and is so very, very anxious to return and show us this treasure as well.

She is literally beside herself and throughout the rest of the stay we will repeatedly hear "can we go to the playroom?" instead of whatever activity we are currently participating in. We agree to follow up on her request.

We step into this carpeted playroom that is large with a couch for observing and a bench built around a pole as well. There are shelves of stuffed animals and a couple of interactive electronic toys. The Duplo blocks are missing from the obvious stands but we realize that they could quickly become projectile missles from aggressive children... Mary quickly begins assembling all the little stands into a train and placing one stuffed animal into each "car."

Julia approaches one and removes the animal, much to Mary's chagrin.

But it is Julia we see blossom in this room. She begins to laugh for the very first time. We've seen smiles and such but not complete laughter. Marty begins to chase her and she will squeal with delight and begin pumping her legs and ultimately crash to the floor - unphased as to potential injury and just anxious to be up and running/laughing again. Marty becomes the monster and chases his daughters frequently and they scatter and squeal. Then another breakthrough. He scoops Julia from behind and lifts her (which would have brought terror before) and she kicks with delight, and as he brings her to the ground her eyes open with just a hint of fear and she is suddenly bouncing from the floor once again and lifted up with more laughter. Mary sticks close but for a time they are both simply being Daddy's girls and just enjoying being so. I didn't bring my camera - but trust me it was priceless. We will be returning often I am certain.

I am not sure but I think we returned to our room and rested. It all becomes a blur. I had noticed that Julia's crib folds down on one side partially so that the top of that side is just about even with the top of my mattress. I can drape my arm off the bed and directly to her and I make the necessary adjustment. Sometimes Julia simply talks in her crib while falling asleep and other times she is fussy. She now cries emphatically at the prospect of being in the crib and I attribute much of this to the new change of location.

I rest with Julia and I am not sure about Marty (laughing)... I slept. We are to meet in the evening for a voluntary dinner with the group at Lucy's. It wasn't ever relayed if we meet in the lobby (or which one) or the restaurant so we walk slowly to the restaurant. Also, with not knowing how many are coming we feel that it is certainly going to be a casual outing.

It is advertised as a bar/grill and we are greeted to background music in English. And even more comforting to me is that the tunes are oldies and I find myself humming and singing to Karen Carpenter and James Taylor and such. Ahhh! I never realized how much of an impact that would make. We had earlier discovered that we now had two more stations in English on TV and I was shocked and pleased at hearing it spoken.

The menu was pretty varied and Mary Romer got veggies and then we all ordered fish and chips with filet of sole being the chosen fish. It wasn't so good, though - just very much battered and not much fish. But Mary Romer said her veggies were good and we enjoyed the atmosphere and company. Julia had a good variety of inexpensive choices (egg, congee, etc) and we got her the congee. She's still on an eating frenzy and will sample anything we have as well. We will return to Lucy's again, just not order the same entrée.

On the walk home, Mary Romer and I decide to head to Jennifer's to check out the merchandise and also to see the famous "back room" where adoptive parents drop off all sorts of supplies/prescriptions they haven't had to use. We have been so blessed in that we have not needed the various antibiotics, eye drops, OTC meds, decongestants or cough suppressants. I'd rather have been prepared just in case and we realize we will start unloading some supplies and keep a few in reserve for these last days in Guangzhou. I find soy formula! A whole unopened can! Now Julia came to us without formula with the explanation that she had diarrhea and we had instantly realized it. We tried a liquid yogurt after getting it under control and it returned. We then tried regular formula after stopping the yogurt and it returned again. We've been on Tang since then (well, besides eating) and although we Westerners don't normally bottle-feed at this age, it provides Julia with comfort and I'm not about to discontinue this at this point. So the soy formula is a very special find as it has been difficult to find the soy products in China.

Mary Phillipson has been very fretful about her toothpaste. Granted, this is her chosen battle of the trip as I have forgotten her toothpaste. She uses the kind with Little Bear on the tube and it is strawberry-banana flavored. Mary Romer had brushed them with her blue mint toothpaste and it was a battle of great magnitude. Marty and I bought her children's toothpaste in Beijing (an American brand with Chinese writing) and it was immediately rejected as being the wrong flavor (orange). We are delighted to see Little Bear staring at us on the shelf and I am so very tickled to present to Mary. Well, obviously bubble gum is no substitute for strawberry-banana but she later accepts.

During this excursion Marty is walking outside with Julia in the stroller while we explore. She is NOT a happy camper and after trying to stand up or turn around we have resorted to the five-point harness. That elicits screams that are probably measured on the Tsunami scale. Marty later describes this experience as trying to walk past shops with the sounds of a continuously scalded cat. People would run out to observe and many would offer help, but although Julia did not want him, she wanted someone else even less. We figured it would be good training for the car seat later on as we are sure she has never had one utilized as we have yet to have seen one in China.

Well, Mary Romer and I are just shopping. There are silk dresses and reversible jackets and chopsticks and jade and such. Since I have items (all free) from the donated item room I feel I need to buy something from there since they have offered space to allow such a delightful service to the adoptive parents. True, they didn't supply the items, but they were instrumental in the exchange taking place. We are perspiring (the lights in various rooms are turned off to try to cut down on heat if nobody is in the room) but making advances on purchases. We combine our purchases to receive a larger discount and are finally through. Mary Phillipson is not interested in a silk dress, but is willing to buy a stuffed animal! Puhlease!!!

We receive friendship bracelets for ourselves plus some, and leave to find Marty and Julia still walking. Julia now has her second play cell phone (the first is in the hotel room) but Marty said "whatever it took" and we are filled with both empathy and laughter as he regales us with tales of Julia not being happy. I later find he is on a first name basis with many store owners and employees down this street! We return to the hotel and it is dark. We watch lights dance off the water of the Pearl River as well as the various buildings and just relax in the room, complete with a second shower for the day.

Julia protests pretty violently once again at bedtime but I lay beside her. If I face her too closely I may get conked or bonked with a toy, but she soon settles in for sleep. Another day has passed.