Last Update Before Heading Home!!!

Day 13

Big day at the zoo. Saw the traditional zoo fare, plus some pandas. Layout was linear, with a south gate and north gate. Perfect if you go by bus – dropped off at south gate, picked up at north. Not sure if they run a shuttle or something if you go by car.

Met Jason in his room later to go over final departure information. Did learn that because our Saturday flight is within 24 hours of our flight to Hong Kong, we’ll show them our itinerary in Guangzhou and check our bags straight through to Detroit. This also allows us to follow international luggage guidelines, so our extra weight and checked bag is free. So we bought a carryon to get us through the night in Hong Kong for $11. Probably could have got it for $10, but what the heck. No liquids whatsoever on Chinese flights, though. So no hair gel, baby food, nothing. Only thing I’d like it children’s Tylenol, but maybe we can get some at the airport before leaving for Detroit.

Had a final group dinner at Lucy’s. As usual, the food was hit and miss. Clara loved her mashed potatoes, though. They are instant, but she wolfs them down. We all talked about getting together in a few years maybe, but we’ll see what comes to pass. It’s a nice idea, but these kinds of things tend to fizzle as people get on with their lives and new families. I hope not, though.

Clara is the kind of baby who lets you know the moment she wants something… she immediately begins to whine and fuss with no leading up to it. It is at that moment that we try to figure out what she needs. On a scale of 1-10, she will be uncomfortable on let’s say a 1… but we will know about it. She is quick to give positive reinforcement though when we get something right. Most of the locals talk to her and she smiles readily… giggling and drooling all over herself. They all call her a ‘happy baby’. They seem to recognize her from one day to the other too.

 

Day 14

Have to have the bags in the hallway by 5, and we depart for the airport at 6:45 pm. Can’t get here quick enough. Tired of the hard bed, small hotel room, smelly toilet, and questionable food… having said that, we are also equally as thankful for this restful time getting to know Clara. She is sweet, outgoing and so much fun. We’re both predicting a trying plane ride, so hopefully when it’s not so bad we’ll be grateful. I’ll be grateful to see Liah, the dogs, drive a car, and drink tap water. And make our own coffee. We’ll need to get Clara on a schedule, but this certainly won’t happen overnight as we’ll all be jetlagged and have our nights and days mixed up. Hopefully Liah will be a help, but she’s going to need her own babying.

Went shopping and bought a few more gifts for people. Everything is ridiculously cheap. (Note: if you received a gift from us and are reading this blog, yours was not cheap).

See you all soon!