Today in Guangzhou

Today was LONG but we have safely arrived in Guangzhou at the beautiful White Swan Hotel! We have heard so much about his hotel, it is really nice to be here and finally see what everyone has been talking about. It is late here so we basically just checked in, looked at the waterfall and fish and came up for bath and tucking the little Mangus's into their beds.

Our day was mostly wasting time in our room at the Crowne Plaza in Zhengzhou, although that time seems unimportant. It in our room with just the 4 of us, that we get to enjoy little Cassidy coming to life. Her personality is adorable but she is cautious to show it when we are not in our own little setting. She laughs a ton, and is slowly warming up to cuddling and kisses on the lips (which are imperative for any child of mine!). She is precious. She calls for Ma Ma or Da Da and if we say Connor enough she will repeat it. She has the sweetest little voice. It is of course only little when she is happy, when she is unhappy that little voice escalates rapidly.

We then took our bus to the airport where our CCAI guides checked us in and left us at security (never have you seen such hand holding but it is SO appreciated). Our flight was delayed and the babies all started getting hungry which made things loud at the gate, but all in all they did very well. The flight was easy and we were happy to be greeted by our new guides in Guangzhou Grace and Maggie (for those of you who may have had the same ones). These ladies are ORGANIZED beyond belief and we are excited by their bubbly personalities.

It sounds like tomorrow will be busy with Cassidy's Physical Exam and then Visa Photo, but after that we have some time while the paperwork processes to check out the area and have some fun. We are looking forward to shopping the little gift shops and loving some pool time.

Matt and Tracie- Sad to tell you our group is the LAST CCAI group staying at the White Swan. After this it is the Marriott. Since Josh and Lily know what they are doing SO well, I trust that will be great too, but I thought of you when they said it was the last group, knowing that you are on your way to get Emi soon. I also think of you often when I hear people's stories of being matched last November and traveling with us to get their little person now. I am praying for your wait to be shorter than those families.

All in all for traveling with 9 families, I have to say everyone is getting along really nicely. There are of course some more "special" people but more than not, it has been fun getting to know the other families and the stories of their children.

One final note on our progress. Cassidy LIKES both Shea and I now... what a relief. Like every kid she will know who to charm at what time, but traveling with her for our first 10 days together, it sure is nice knowing that she will now come to either of us!

Love to all!