October 22, 2013 Very busy day and long night

From Melina

The morning time was very rushed because we had to be at the SOS at 9:30 a.m. and there was probably about an inch of snow on the ground.  I gave Bea bath by HERSELF in the tub and she did not cry! We could only wash the lower half - which was fine because that was the most dirty. It is not proper to wash a child's hair and take them outside unless 6 hours have passed. The roads/driving was even more insane as there are no lines visible on the street due to the snow coverage.

Tsemble's son-in-law was kind enough to be our chauffer since May cannot drive on Tuesdays. I saw frequently men shoveling the sides of the roads and sidewalks (also using brooms to clear the sidewalks) then we saw a truck that had salt in the back and two men shaking salt from their shovels onto the streets. It was cold in the morning.

We made it to the SOS on time to find out that the doctor did not/was not coming into work.  We then had to wait for over an hour to see if our appointment with the Embassy could still happen even though we did not have the physical.

We decided to kill time by shopping while waiting to hear if the appointment was still going to happen. We got the call that our appointment could still happen. We then had lunch and then headed over to the US Embassy.

Wow, visiting the US Embassy was a bizarre experience for me. Before we could even go into this tiny building, we had to show our passports. Then we were allowed into the building where we had to hand our passports over to someone seated at a glass window, and I guess I had to pass some security check - I don't know, all I know is that I had to confirm that the picture on the passport was me. I was then given a badge. Meanwhile, our bags had to be x-rayed. We had to remove and turn off all electronic devices. My diaper bag had to go through the scanner three times - they are very strict of what can be in the bag. First they said no sippy cup filled with water for Bea, but then relented. Then I had to walk through a security frame and have the wand check. Then we went outside again to go to another building. It was a challenge for us to squeeze into this room while holding the babies and of course my was not wearing boots so I could not put her down on the floor.  She weighs over 26 lbs. with all of the crap I had to keep her warm. We used Jessica's older son's mittens as boots - he did not appreciate this action.

We then walked to another building where we had to wait for the interview. The interview was not difficult, just nerve racking. I gave consent for our pictures to be taken, I have no clue for what cause, but the Ambassador of the US came into the building to meet, ask a few questions, and have her photo taken with us. Again, just going with the flow.  While we were at the Embassy, the SOS Clinic called to say the doctor is now in and we should come back to the clinic ASAP.

So, we went back to the clinic and had the physical completed. I guess Bea passed.  The tb reaction was normal.

Technically, we are done running around because May is the one who continues to ensure that everything is being taken care of so that we can come home.

While at the  SOS office, one of the nurses gave the little kids lollipops - boy was that a success. Even I have not given Bea any candy yet.  We then went back to the hotel and Maureen was coming in that  night. I was a little concerned because May said due to the snow, most of the airlines will cancel the flights from Beijing, however, MIAT - Mongolian International Air will travel through anything, thank God. My sister ended up being delayed an hour and did not make it to the hotel until around 2:00 a.m. Guess who was awake for their arrival. She did not go back to sleep for another hour.

Now, that I am caught up, Maureen can blog about her first day. She was very tired.

Here are a few photos.