Look Out America, Here I Come!

Well, I think Miss Keira is ready for her American debut. She was busy checking out our luggage earlier today. And since she chose checking out luggage over eating noodles, she must really be ready!

We had a pretty relaxing and free day today, which was good, since K is fighting a cold or something, and we needed the rest and downtime. We did have our consulate appointment today. This used to mean that each family would have to go to the consulate for an actual interview of some sort. But now, the guides just take all the paperwork and call us if there is anything that needs corrected or clarified. We cleared that hurdle this morning, and then found out that the "swearing in" ceremony would be this afternoon instead of tomorrow. So, off we all went to the consulate - 45 minute bus ride, cleared security, and swore that all the info we provided throughout this process was correct. We did this swearing in as a big group of about 50 or so families. Then, congrats all around and visas were issued for the babies. We are now cleared for launch back to the US. We officially adopted Keira last week, and now this week the US government agrees that she can immigrate to the US to become a US citizen. This (becoming a US citizen) will officially happen on Thursday, when we clear customs at O'Hare Airport in Chicago - our first port of entry into the US after the adoption. At this time, her Chinese citizenship will also be revoked, since China does not allow dual-citizenship. Their loss - she's a really cool girl.

Anyway, we are looking forward to going home. This has been a fabulous trip and we've enjoyed learning as much as we could about Keira's birthland, but we can't wait to get back to ours and settle back into our nest as a family of 4 (six if you count the furry family members...who are in for something they probably won't be too wild about!).

And by the way, for those who have asked: K passed her medical exam yesterday. They weigh and measure the babies (she tipped the scales at 16 pounds and change), check their ears and eyes, and then also listen to their hearts and give them a general visual once-over. Apparently, this is a US requirement to issue a visa to the kiddos.

Tomorrow, we pack and pack and pack all of our goodies. One of Chris' favorite parts of the trip has been haggling with the shopkeepers. That suitcase K is playing in above he purchased for a mere 60RMB (that's about 8 USD!).