I’m sure many of you have heard of several of the many different types of Chinese food. If you have heard of Cantonese Chinese food, then you should know that we are in the city where this type of Chinese food originated. Guangzhou used to be called Canton.

We had only a single official duty today – Ruby’s medical exam. From past experience with Jada, we knew this wasn’t the most pleasant of experiences for the babies. It isn’t that they are exposed to examinations that are painful or all that unpleasant. I think it is one more of those things that they just aren’t to. The good news is she is wonderfully healthy with the following measurements:

Weight – 15.3 pounds (fully clothed)
Height – 27.5 inches

We didn’t take the bus for the medical exam since it was just a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Did I say JUST a 15 minute walk??? I was soaked by the time we arrived. It is just SO muggy and hot. Give me Beijing at 0 degrees any day of the week and twice on Sunday! Did I mention it was H-O-T here???

Anyway, after the medical exams, several of us took a slight detour back to the hotel and walked through several sections of the city that probably haven’t seen that many Caucasians. It appeared we were the topic of many a Chinese conversation as we walked the streets in awe of what was being sold (sea horse, sliced antlers, deer legs, dried frogs, and a LOT of things we’re glad we didn’t recognize).

Jada carries her Barbie cell phone everywhere and calls people to tell them what is going on. While walking the streets looking at the wares of the various market vendors, Jada would routinely pull out her Barbie cell phone to call her friends and have detailed conversations about what she was doing and what she was seeing.

After returning to the hotel, Jada and I went back to the Garden Pool for a quick dip. The water felt a tad cooler than the other day, so I was more comfortable. Jada seemed to enjoy it too since she is also not a big fan of the heat. Sheila stayed in the room while Ruby took another nap. (She had slept a bit in the stroller on the way back from the medical building.)

We had another paperwork session in Helen’s (our facilitator) room. I believe we are now done until our consulate appointment where we take the oath and Ruby becomes a US citizen. Praise the good Lord above!

Joel, it’s a good thing you used a proxy (Donna) to ask your “Are they twins” question. No silly, they are half a set of quadtriplets. (inside joke)

Weston, a great big Happy 10th Birthday to you Big Guy! We miss all of you and can’t wait to see you in less that a week.