Leaving Beijing Now - Headed Home

In flight now between Shanghai and Los Angeles. On time for scheduled arrival tonight of 8:50PM in Monroe. Will update blog if this changes.

Quick Message

It's been a busy morning for the Smith's. Brian and I are packing because we're leaving in just a little while for Bejing. We'll fly home out of Bejing tomorrow. Bella has been busy playing with her new rattle that Merrin gave her.

Yesterday we made the traditional "red couch" photo. For those who don't know, the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou has a red couch in the lobby. It's tradition for the families to have their girl's pictures taken on the couch. As luck would have it, our camera froze up and we didn't get a shot! However, our agency arranged for a photographer and we have a professional portrait of Bella and her Chinese Sisters. The other families will be sharing their snapshots with us, so as soon as I receive it, I'll post it. We did get some of just Bella and a family photo of us on the couch. We also got Bella and Lia's photo together too. Us and the Williamson's thought it would be cute to have Bella and Merrin dressed out in LSU on the couch; Bella and Merrin didn't agree with us.

Enjoy the pics!

Blessings and Cheesecake

It's been busy for our little Hunan Girl! Yesterday, she had her medical exam which she passed with flying colors. That night we had a birthday party for her friend, Elizabeth. After the party, Bella discovered splashing water and kicking her feet in the bathtub is a lot of fun! It was so much fun, she decided to give Mommy and Daddy "what for" when we took her out of the tub.

Today we went to the Six Banyan Temple.

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/guangzhou/six_tree.htm

Bella, and 3 of her friends, received a blessing there. It was so gorgeous. We spent a little while walking around and just looking.

Following the Temple, we had our first trip to the zoo. Our guide arranged for us to ride through and it felt as if we were on display. A shuttle full of Americans with Chinese babies will definitely draw stares.

After lunch, Bella and Merrin they were up for some German food. Bella had her first taste of cheesecake, and as you can tell from the pictures, she definitely enjoyed it.

Daddy took his girls out for a date tonight at a local Italian restaurant. We met up with Merrin, Lia and their parents and had a great time. It was heartwarming to see the girls have impromptu play sessions.

We only have a couple of days left in China and I'm feeling sad. This is our daughter's birthplace and it is bittersweet to take her away from it. As excited as we are for everyone to meet our little miracle, it has been so special to have this time with her and her China Sisters. I'm hoping these little girls always stay close.

Guangzhou

Our little Bella is a very busy girl! She met up with her friends, Lia and Merrin, this morning for coffee and shopping. After walking around Guangzhou for a while, the trio stopped in at Lucy's for lunch. Then there is that baby that is always in the mirror. Whenever Bella spots her she makes an effort to talk and giggle to her. She also has her hands full keeping Mommy and Daddy on their toes.

Enjoy the pics. There's also one of her on her first flight yesterday.

Safe and Sound

The three of us are safe and sound in Guangzhou. The plane ride here threw Bella's tummy for a loop, but she never complained once. Brian and I have a very brave girl on our hands.

I'm hoping to have some pictures uploaded today for everyone. We have computers in our room (which I'm using now), but I have to figure out how to hook up my computer so I can download pictures.

Guangzhou has been described as "Savannah, GA". We're on Shaiman Island and it's gorgeous here. Tree lined streets and flowers blooming everywhere. We've borrowed a stroller from the hotel and we're about to take our little miracle for a stroll.

I hope to be back with pictures soon!

Guangzhou Bound

Just a note to let you all know we're leaving in the morning for the next stop on the Smith Family World Tour...Guangzhou China. This is where every adoptive family must come through before leaving China.

Wish us all luck and we'll post as soon as we're settled in! :)

Smiles From Changsha

Not much going on here, just playing and mastering the art of Cheerio eating.