With the last of our paperwork out of the way, it was finally time to shop! Kevin watched Malia while Evie and I went exploring the little stores on Shamin Island. I bought sandalwood fans, calligraphy, a silk jacket for me, a little stone teapot, and some other keepsakes from China.
In the afternoon, we decided to see how Malia would like to ride in a stroller. We rented a stroller from the White Swan for 10 Yuan a day (about $1.20!) She loved it!
Late in the afternoon, I had to take Malia to the U.S. Consulate to take an oath. Because of heightened security, Kevin and Evie were not allowed to accompany me. The CCAI group walked over to the Consulate together. We were not allowed to bring in bags or cameras. Inside the room, there were lots of other people with babies, as well. We had to wait around while everyone was called to a window to verify that they were present. Then the oath was just, "Do you swear that you filled out the documents on our daughters' behalf to the best of your knowledge?" Yup. That was it. I was at least expecting a little mention about American citizenship or an American flag displayed somewhere. Kind of disappointing.
Later that afternoon, we took the "red couch" photos. It is tradition that every adoption group takes photos of the daughters on the red couch at the White Swan. (Malia is front and center in yellow.)
In the afternoon, we decided to see how Malia would like to ride in a stroller. We rented a stroller from the White Swan for 10 Yuan a day (about $1.20!) She loved it!
Late in the afternoon, I had to take Malia to the U.S. Consulate to take an oath. Because of heightened security, Kevin and Evie were not allowed to accompany me. The CCAI group walked over to the Consulate together. We were not allowed to bring in bags or cameras. Inside the room, there were lots of other people with babies, as well. We had to wait around while everyone was called to a window to verify that they were present. Then the oath was just, "Do you swear that you filled out the documents on our daughters' behalf to the best of your knowledge?" Yup. That was it. I was at least expecting a little mention about American citizenship or an American flag displayed somewhere. Kind of disappointing.
Later that afternoon, we took the "red couch" photos. It is tradition that every adoption group takes photos of the daughters on the red couch at the White Swan. (Malia is front and center in yellow.)
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