Medical Appointment Day

The medical appointment is a big deal because it is a requirement before bringing the "new immigrant" into the US. Up until 2 months ago, the location of the facility was on Shamian Island, a block away from our hotel. But now, it is about a 40 min drive to a much larger facility, which compared to last time, seemed absolutely chaotic. Crowded, many exam rooms, screaming kids going in and out, people waiting all over in various groups of chairs. There was a section for "adoptive families" and there were a lot of them; most special needs children (about 80% of adoptions are of this type vs. non-special needs, which is the route under which I got Harper). Michael did a good job of shepherding us through the three stops: general screening (physical exam); E&T (ears and throat); and height/weight. Harper only got teary eyed watching one little boy wail and wail. When it was her turn, she was super duper:  cooperative, smiling, even with that large tongue depressor jabbed down her throat. But the real trouper came out for the TB test, which is needed for all kids over 2 without exception (I could sign an affidavit that she not be immunized at this time given she has received most on schedule at SWI). She watched them inject the inside of her forearm (sc for my medical readers), didn't make a peep, and came out smiling. We will go back on Tuesday for the results.

I was feeling good about the day until we went up to the room after our medical appointment. The room had a VERY strong chemical odor (ethanol?). I went immediately downstairs to ask Michael to find out more, but I think he forgot. We left the hotel for lunch, came back, and the room smell was worse, and I wouldn't even let Harper in there. I found someone from hotel on the floor who agreed. After going up and down to the lobby multiple times while Harper entertained herself with a bag of Skittles (the color palette noted on my white shirt), I got a different room. Threw most things into the crib and rolled it down the hall, and had two hotel gals helping me to throw the rest into our bags or just carry it. Room is noisier, but wifi appears stronger (yeah!). I hate to think what they were pumping in that room....sorry, I don't trust that this country is going to have adequate safeguards for dangerous things. Obvious cases in point, no seat belts, no car seats...

We entertained ourselves tonight with walking around the island to find a laundry place. I may treat myself to flying home with all my laundry done, so I have to check it out. The guy at "Judy's Place" said we could borrow a stroller and I didn't think Harper would have anything to do with it, but she was quite agreeable. It will come in handy tomorrow when we are out and about because it is so stinkin' hot and humid here. For dinner, rice noodles with beef for the girl (she loves them so); I had Subway again!

Harper with Tenley who is being adopted, too. Her family is from
the same adoption agency as me and thus also using Michael this week.

Another test? Sure, no problem.

Outside new medical facility. The white shirt before the Skittles!

Evening multi-tasking: combing hair, having a snack, and playing on the iPad.