Zhongtian Holiday Hotel Xinyang

... and Emma did pretty good - only cried once which was when the doctor tried to get the tongue depresser in her mouth and she bit it and cried which worked well for the doctor to see down her throat. She can hear well - and weighed 18.2 pounds and was 30 inches long from what they could get as she was really skirming around alot! We were pleased that we passed that milestone and the only real hurdle yet is tomorrow (Tuesday) getting her VISA ...

... who have come to see the terracotta warriors and other such delights they are left with what appears to be a homeless shelter. People laying on the floor with bags scattered all over the place. Oh I seem to have forgotten to mention that it stank of ****, **** and sick as well, not to mention the horrendously sweaty locals who appear not to understand that showering is not only good for yourself but also for those around you. Stinky ****ers.

Anyway we got onto our ...

... life. For do we not also begin our pathway to death from the very same first breath that gives us life? Life, you see how confusing it can be when you sit back and think about it! Time, my friends it is up to you how you use your time. But what is the best way to use your time? It's an age old question that! Do we follow the rules, not drink and smoke and do our best to follow our chosen dogma to be ...

... five we said our sad good byes at the Kaifeng train station and I boarded the quarter to six train to Xinyang City. The journey here was very uneventful and thankfully the carriage wasn't packed like the last few train journeys have been. Next to me was a university student and across from us was a short tubby soldier who snored loudly most of the way. It wasn't until we were about twenty minutes from our ...

... whatsoever, so with a shrug of the shoulders and some blank expressions my coversation with a local came to an end. It then started raining and this tramp pulled out an umbrella and offered it to me rather than protecting himself from the rain - how nice is that - I politely refused his offer of course. Earlier in the day one of the Germans broke his bike chain in the middle of nowhere while riding the city walls and a local ...

... and Dave are going to try the subway here in Guangzhou. They are feeling adventurous and are going to see how lost they can get in China. We will let you know how that goes tomorrow. Hope you are all well and looking forward to seeing you soon! Amber

We are now safely in Guangzhou. This is a big city with many Western influences. Even during the time of Mao when China was closed to all Westerners some were here in Guangzhou. We did her medical check today and LOTS of shopping! Hope you are all doing well! I will write more soon! Amber

... I wouldn't give for some good Mexican food right now) and did some shopping. China is the place to buy things. The prices are great! It feels like stealing things are so cheap. Jaymee is continuing to adjust to us and things are going better than we expected. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers! More from China tomorrow. Amber

... and is just a beautiful little girl. Her Daddy is going to have to guard the door when she gets older that's for sure. I will post some more pictures up and let you take a look at our first 2 days with our beautiful daughter. China is a beautiful country and I am just loving it here. We are all fine and having a great time! Can't wait for you all to meet her and look forward to seeing you when we are home! Amber

... with us ever since. There is some sadness to her as she is with new people in a new place, but is coming along and we are bonding together. Many things to add, and we will let Amber add them. For now Bruce and Dave give this report. Hallalujah! She is in her mother's arms.