Consulate Physical

Today was our Consulate Physical and visa photo. While Jake will leave as a US citizen, he'll be traveling on a Chinese Passport which requires a US visa. It's really crazy considering the paperwork you go through with CIS (US Immigration) prior to and during the adoption. Jake was not his usual happy self this morning and seem to cry about every little disturbance. We knew we were in for trouble with today's appointments before we ever left the hotel. Ironically Emily struggled with these appointments too when we were here for her adoption. The physical is to give the "all clear" for bringing the child into the US. Since Jim and I don't want to stay in China any longer than necessary, this is an important appointment. It was pouring rain today and our appointment was in walking distance. The walk would have been fine had it not been for the rain. By the time we arrived at the place for the visa photo, Jake was not a happy camper. He would not sit in the chair to have his picture taken and proceeded to have a huge meltdown. Grandmom came through with some gummy snacks and we were able to have a photo taken with red eyes and a runny nose. Hey, it's not his graduation picture, so we weren't too devastated. Then it was off for the physical, which was even more upseting to Jake. I can't say that I enjoy the location myself. The doctors and nurses are all running around wearing white coats and masks. It's kind of smelly and really hot. I guess since they see a good number of babies they feel the need to keep it very warm. Jake passed his physical without any problems. A major reason could be due to the amount of crying and screaming involved. I think the doctors and nurses would have passed hime regardless provided with left the building with our screaming child. Once we got outside in the pouring rain, Jake was back to his happy smiling self. We stopped at Starbucks and he was as happy as could be drinking some milk. I really feel bad for his doctors back home.

Other than an afternoon of paperwork, we all stayed in the hotel for the balance of the day. Mom (Diane) was feeling under the weather with an upset stomach and spent her day resting. She doing much better this evening compared to last night.

Tomorrow we might go to the Zoo to see the panda bears if the weather is good. That would be amazing if is was since we've had bad weather everyday. Hope everyone is well back home.