Trip to China
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Monday, June 25, 2007 Today was the visa photo and medical exam day. Since our appointment wasn't until 2:30, that meant our morning was free for what else? Shopping :) We all headed over to Guangzhou on foot. It was quite an experience and the sights were spectacular. Shamian Island, where the White Swan and all the cute little shops are located, is completely different from the rest of Guangzhou. I enjoyed getting a small glimpse into what a typical morning is like for families who live here, we saw people eating breakfast, opening their shops, some were playing mah jong. I could have done without the pungent aromas, but thankfully I didn't see any dogs or cats for sale, so all was well. We arrived at the pearl market about the time Jude was going to slip off my hip from all the sweating we were both doing. The heat today was still oppressive. I have to laugh that I even bothered with makeup and deodorant this morning, by the time we arrived at the pearl market, both were sorely lacking :) The families split up at this point, so we could all patronize the stores we were interested in. After buying some pearls, Tori and I went to the DVD store and each left with a full bag. Next stop, girls shoes. I was able to get each of my girls a cute pair, but I didn't find as many as I was hoping to. I am sure my wonderful husband probably thinks I found too many, so two is probably a happy compromise. I also found a lovely silk outfit for Jude when he is older but it has been quite a challenge finding much that I'd like to buy for him, as usual, all the cutest things are for girls! After our wonderful mall experience, we headed to, for the first time since we've been here, McDonald's. It was interesting, walking into the most American of all establishments, feeling completely conspicuous. We still notice it, but it's really becoming less awkward for us all the time. What does bother me is when people notice Jude's feet and start talking to each other about it. That's when I give my boy a big squeeze and thank our Heavenly Father that we will be able to have his feet corrected so he will never have to endure being whispered about when he's old enough to understand. McDonald's did not disappoint, but Jude was not having any. His eating has slowed considerably in the last few days, I think he is beginning to realize what it feels like to have a full tummy! I am so amazed by how he has handled all the adjustments and changes in his life, until a week ago, he had only eaten food from a bottle. Now, since he still refuses a bottle, he eats table food and drinks from a straw exclusively! The visa pics went as expected, he cried. He did NOT want to sit on that stool alone, even if I was sitting beside him Thankfully the photographer was quick and got a picture before he started crying and I was able to scoop him up before he got too upset. Onto the physical exam and on the walk over Tori and I agreed that the day had actually cooled a bit from this morning, that or she and I are getting more used to the heat. Jude continued to sweat in his usual impressive fashion, he constantly looks like he has a head full of hair gel. By the time we arrived at the Physical Examination building, Jude's lack of nap for the day had caught up with him. He was able to get a few minutes of sweet slumber before we had to wake him up for height and weight station. What a hard way to wake up! He cried so hard when they put him on the scale, we haven't heard him cry that hard since the day we met. He weighed in at 22.2 pounds. He looks much tinier. Another baby in our group, who is much chubbier and quite a few months older, weighed 23.6 pounds, so we were quite surprised at his weight. He must be solid on the inside because he definitely could use some more chub on the outside ;) He passed the ENT screening with flying colors, even though he refused to open his mouth for the physician. The physical exam was less traumatic than I expected, the physician in that station was so sweet and spoke soothingly to him to help him calm down when I had to lay him on the examining table. Once we were finished, Tori and I took the direct route to Starbucks for our favorite afternoon refreshment. Since the day was turning out so beautifully we decided to go to the swimming pool to see what Jude's reaction would be to the water. At first he was a bit hesitant, weakly resisting and acting like he wanted to get out. But soon he was enjoying himself, especially the splashing, and my reaction every time he splashed. Soon he was splashing so much all our eyes were red from all the chlorine water. Then Tori and I started to show him how to blow bubbles, and soon he was trying to put his face down into the water, in imitation. When I say how sweet this child is, it just doesn't seem to be adequate. There are moments when it strikes me how amazing he is, how perfect and wonderful. And how blessed I am to be the one he will call mama. And my eyes fill with tears, I put my arms around him and thank God for His adventure- filled master plan. Dinner was Danny's Bagels, delivered to the hotel. Since Jude had only cat napped during the day, we assumed he would go to bed early and Tori and I would watch a new DVD and eat pizza. Jude had other plans and the three of us ate pizza and skipped the DVD. Bedtime came early for all of us, hence the late update. Finally, my sleep cycle is beginning to normalize, right in time for us to get home ;)

Fearfully and wonderfully made First trip to the pool Being silly in the Swan Room So sleepy Not happy at ALL Listening to the ENT We're DONE!

"I don't care if my sisters had
their pictures taken here, I don't WANT to!!"


Cracking up with Tori at Starbucks

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