February 26- More observations from Todd

-I still have to think about it when I type February

-Boy, I wished I'd paid attention to metrics in school

-I heard today that the Pearl River Delta (what I am sure is the water source for Guangzhou) is 10 times more polluted than the East River

-The Chinese people are very friendly

-Today we went to finalize the adoption paperwork at the Civil Affairs Bureau. We get the document tomorrow stating this-We have seen a man every morning swimming in the Delta. WOW!

-According to my bride Diet Coke is not the same as China's Coke Light-According to me Coke is not the same as Coke in the states

-The dollar will buy you more in China than in the states

-What hamburgers are to us noodles and congee is to the Chinese

-When you severely overcook rice you have congee

-If you stay in the White Swan in China you had better get the breakfast bar in the mornings

-The effects of Communism are very apparent in this place

-When you think you have it hard and are not pleased with your house, you need to see what these people live like.

Comments

AMEN to the last observation Todd! I hope things are still going well and everyone is staying healthy. How did Elizabeth do your first full day with her?
Posted by: Melissa Ward on February 26, 2007 at 05:47 A.M.

I love the foot eating picture. Too cute!
Posted by: Big Brother on February 26, 2007 at 05:53 A.M.

I would just like to through in the little luxury that we have back here......the FDA. Something many of us complain about. But as I can see from the above pictures, you have had an unfortunate run in with the FDA lack thereof.It is amazing what ppl call a "home". There were many times during this process that I became angry that I had to prove myself worthy, and think about the state in which the children they keep live in. There has never been one doubt in my mind or heart or soul that we have all done the right thing, that our daughters will be so much better off. Now that you have seen the way the Chinese working class lives, imagine what our daughters would live like being the lowest of low in the social heirarchy. They are all so precious. Soon you will be home and Elizabeth will offically be a CHAP( Chinese -American Princess) AND ALL will be right in the world......Sals
Posted by: Sally on February 26, 2007 at 06:34 A.M.

Hey Upchurch family. Elizabeth is so adorable. I just can't get over it. I hope she gets to feeling better soon. Goodness how adorable is she!
Posted by: Paula on February 26, 2007 at 06:38 A.M.

I absolutely love viewing the pictures of Elizabeth in your arms - finally! God is so very good!
Posted by: Connie J on February 26, 2007 at 06:44 A.M.

Todd and Shari,Congratulations! Elizabeth is even more beautiful than her referral pictures. I'm so happy for you all. I know you are enjoying finally having her in your family. I hope she feels better soon.
Posted by: Bethany on February 26, 2007 at 11:35 A.M.

The pictures are great! Elizabeth is a beautiful child, and so very fortunate to have parents such as you. May God continue to bless. We are counting the days to your arrival home.
Posted by: Don & Pat McCorkle on February 26, 2007 at 11:45 A.M.

Hi Hope Elizabeth is feeling better. She is so precious. I just love the pictures. She looks a lot different in your pictures than the other ones.
Posted by: Helen Phillips on February 26, 2007 at 12:18 P.M.

We're in love! She is so so beautiful! We are so happy to see you all finally together. Let us know if you need anything! We love and miss you!
Posted by: Granny and Melissa on February 26, 2007 at 04:22 P.M.

Hey ya'll i hope she is feeling better now.Love that morter and pestle I can really appreciate that! We love and miss you. Let me get back to my CHICK-FIL-A now! JUST KIDDIN!!!!
Posted by: Casey on February 26, 2007 at 07:21 P.M.

We can't wait to meet Elizabeth!!!! She is adorable. Grandmother wants to meet her as soon as you can get down to Mobile.I do not speak Chinese so I'll say "au revoir et à bientôt." Nous vous aimons!!!Tante Cheri et tous à Mobile, en Alabama.P.S. Tell Josh to teach her to say "War Eagle."
Posted by: Aunt Cheri and all on February 26, 2007 at 07:45 P.M.

Elizabeth is just beautiful, she looks like a little doll!! I hope she is feeling better soon!Love,Kelli
Posted by: Kelli on February 26, 2007 at 08:52 P.M.

I'm so excited for you all. You are missed and we are all axniously awaiting your return. The pictures are just lovely--more,more! Hope you are seeing interesting sights and enjoying your stay. Be safe. Linda Patchin
Posted by: Linda Patchin on February 27, 2007 at 12:48 P.M