The US Consulate office was nothing like I had imagined. I had pictured something like you see in the movies...like it was part of the US Embassy building or something....US flags everywhere...we interview with the consulate officials and have a little adoption celebration.
In the end, it was like a trip to the DMV....except we had an appointment. The "interview" part was basically the guy behind a teller window looking through our paperwork, stamping several things, and having us sign one. The celebration was him passing her Chinese paperwork through the bank teller window and saying congratulations.
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| On our way to the US Consulate office |
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| Outside the building where the US Consulate office is located |
I must say...it was a good day...a day 6 years in the making.
We finished it out with some shopping, red couch pictures and dinner at Lucy's.
Next up..a day with some good friends who live here in China...and then TEXAS!!!
Ryan: (clearing throat to speak) Today was a sad emotional day because we couldn’t take electronics into the American Consulate. The day improved when we got to go shopping. I bought a special present for someone. Then I got a dragon necklace to represent my place on the Chinese Zodiac. I bought a Chinese writing kit. I bargained the owner down from 40 RMB to 37 RMB. My first bargain was 35, she wouldn’t take it. I had a fun day shopping. The End
Jonny: A couple of days ago we started this game where we choose an elevator before we push the down button. If you choose the right elevator you get a point. Right now the score is: Mom – 2, Dad – 2, Ryan – 2, and I am in the lead with 3! Hopefully I will stay in the lead and no one shall beat me. You can ask any questions about the elevator game. We have a few more days to play.
I had fun shopping.
Tammy: Today we went to the American Consulate to take the Adoption Oath! We have completed our paperwork trail! Operation Emily is almost complete. We just have to get back on American soil with her in hand. We are looking forward to being at home in our own beds and seeing our dog Minnie.
After our trip off the island, we went shopping! I love it when my boys bargain with owners. They did a great job getting their things for a lesser price. We found an outfit for Emily for the famous Red Couch picture.
What is the Red Couch Picture? This is where the all the families from our group get together and put the babies on the “red couch” of the White Swan Hotel and take pictures. Can we say baby paparazzi!
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| The Scott ladies looking mighty fine...all ready for the Red Couch photos |
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| Everyone getting ready |
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| The six babies that were part of our group |
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| Our Red Couch photo |
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| Big brothers and little sister |
Love the big brother little sister pic!
ReplyDeleteJust wondering... will Emily be a U.S. Citizen through the adoption or will she have another process to go through???
ReplyDeletePaPaw
Emily will be a US Citizen when we land in Chicago and give her paperwork to the immigration official. Right now she is still considered a Chinese citizen. She will lose here Chinese citizenship once she becomes an US citizen since China does not allow dual citizenship.
ReplyDeleteRoger
I love the red couch pics! But why is Emily the only one in blue? ;-) I really love the blue outfit and how you all look together! I think that the big bros/little sis is my new favorite pic from this journey! So ready to see you all!
ReplyDeleteEveryone picked red because they wanted to use the outfit again at Chinese New Year. We picked blue because we liked the outfit :)
ReplyDeleteOk, Emily definitely is the cutest baby on the couch!!! So, GeGe is 'big brother'...? LOVE the red couch pics!
ReplyDeleteI love the blue dress! She looks adorable and stands out in the crowd!
ReplyDeleteMaggie
Love theses pictures! Big brother little sister one is great! Her blue dress is adorable. I'm sure Aunt Heather can make her a bow to match. :-).
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious day!! God has truly given you an incredible blessing!! Tammy, you look like you were meant to be the Mama of a precious little girl! Ryan and Jonny, you are the coolest and best Ge Ge to Mei Mei! Roger, it is obvious Emily has you wrapped around her little finger! Your family is complete!! Can't wait for you to get home!!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ma & Pa
Please make copies of big bros/lil sis or send via email someday...I would LOVE to have one of those.
ReplyDeleteMartha
PS - congrats to Ryan for learning to bargain shop (I have never been allowed to shop alone on foreign soil because they see me coming!). And congrats to Jonny for being in the lead in the Elevator game!
Hello from Miriam and Jean, We love the red couch pictures, what a great idea of the blue. She looked beautiful in that color...Emily looked so happy with her brothers, let's just say she looks like she founded, her home.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else. The blue outfit looks beautiful on her and the photo of the 3 kids is awesome! I know you are relieved to be done with paperwork and will be even more happy once you are home with your little dumpling.
ReplyDeletesasha
Congratulations, Scott Family! We love the pictures! All of the red couch pictures are great!
ReplyDeleteWe hope to make it to Dallas this Fall to see all of you.
Blessings,
Sean, Leslie, Edith, Joe, Lena and Kate
When Brian saw the title of your post, he said "I sure hope there are people on the red couch and it's not just pictures of a red couch."
ReplyDeleteThe pictures didn't disappoint! Emily is precious and I love her blue outfit. Who says you can't wear blue for Chinese new year? I wore black last year. (That may be a great big cultural "no-no" but hey, I'm a Texan! At least I didn't wear cowboy boots!)
I love the pic of the Scott siblings on the red couch! And the one of the whole fam too.
Great job, Jonny, on the elevator game. Ashley and Audrey would love that game. You'll have to teach them.