Eleri got her first passport 2 weeks after she was born…very confusing to the immigration officers around the world because she hardly resembles that photo. To take the photo, we had to lie her on a cloth (after trying to hold her).

That original passport expires in the end of August of this year, as it is only good for 5 years. We need to get our new residence permits in March and she will not have 6 months remaining…and if she did the Chinese government would only issue the residence permit to the expiration date. Then with a new passport, she would have to return as a tourist – you get the picture – it’s complicated.

So, new passport time at the US embassy today – with Eleri, both parents present, everyone passports and residence permits, marriage certificate, birth certificate, blood and DNA samples (just kidding on the last two). Lots of paperwork, money paid and presto! – new passport in a week.