Wednesday, June 18, 2008
RAIN, RAIN, RAIN AND MORE RAIN!

Today started well because of a long night of blessed sleep. We all got some solid sleep and that always helps improve everyone's outlook. Unfortunately, even with extra sleep, Shepherd's outlook didn't improve much because he is still dealing with a fever and cough.

I went and worked out in the park with the locals and then returned after 30 minutes so that I could keep an eye on Shepherd while Stefanie got ready for the day. While I was working out, Stefanie was able to talk with the kids and her sister. After showering it was time to head for the breakfast buffet, a little later than the previous two days. Hint to the wise never take your time getting to a breakfast buffet. After finding and eating the scraps of the remaining breakfast items, we vowed to not make that mistake again.

After breakfast we came back to the room and then it was time to buy an outfit and hat (I insisted on the hat and Stefanie was a good sport and let me indulge my desire to get Shepherd a hat) for our "famous" red couch picture. All didn't go so well as hoped because the babies decided that pictures without Mommies (or Daddies as the case may be) was not their idea of fun. It was interesting to see how each of the kids handled the situation: some just stared, some smiled, and many just cried. Despite the histrionics, we were able to get some pictures of not only the kids but the parents as well.

Following the the White Swan red couch pictures, it was back to the hotel room to see the photos and for Stefanie to pick out the best shots to post. Stefanie fed Shepherd and then laid him down for a nap while we waited for the afternoon's activities. He had an excellent nap, his first of more than a half hour, and we actually had to wake him up so that we could go get his Chinese passport.

We rode to the Police Station (David, our guide, explained to us that it was called the Police Station but it was really the Passport Agency) and then sat and waited. Stefanie enjoyed a conversation with another mother of a baby from Dongguan and I passed the time by reading my book. Finally, it was our turn and then we sat before the two female officials who asked us a few questions, pointed a computer camera at Shepherd and then said that is it, you are done.

Next it was time to head for the medical exam. The exam building was not only empty, but the lights and A/C were turned off. Our guide must have some good connections because a place that is normally packed with long lines was virtually at our disposal today. The doctors looked over Shepherd and noted that he had an ear infection in his left ear but when David told her of our antibiotics treatment and our intent to take Shepherd to the clinic in the White Swan on Friday, if he wasn't doing better, she was satisfied and off we went. There was an interesting thing that did happen. The doctors wanted to show each other Shepherd's club feet and the doctor that did examine him said that he needed surgery. We so wanted to tell him, "no, he needs serial casting," but we neither know the Chinese needed to express that thought but also didn't want to overstep our bounds. Maybe someday we can bring our kids back here so the doctors can see that surgery is not the right option when it comes to club feet.

Another of the required appointments complete and it was back to the hotel room for a delightful pause before dinner. The delight came from some surprises from our boy. Stefanie asked me to play on the floor with him and I found a toy that you pull one end and then the other end, which is a puppy, makes a noise and vibrates. At first Shepherd wasn't to keen on playing with the toy because I had to take his favorite ring from his hand but he eventually kept pulling the end and then he began to smile. I couldn't believe it at first and had to ask Stefanie to take a look and, wouldn't you know it the little fart stopped smiling each time. I think Stefanie thought I was going crazy from lack of sleep but then he finally held a smile long enough to let her see it. Oh what a great feeling and milestone. Well, it didn't stop there as Stefanie played "peek-a-boo" from behind me and sure enough she actually got a great smile and little laugh out of him -- again we were so pumped we could have floated throughout the rest of the evening but it would have been a float with an empty gut so it was time to go eat. We departed for the local Italian restaurant and were pleased with the selection of pizza and spaghetti with clams and garlic. Stefanie was actually able to get a full laugh from Shepherd when she nuzzled him at the table -- it was so great to hear him laugh! It seems like we've reached a new milestone today. Until this afternoon he has remained non-interactive and stoic, despite our best efforts. But this afternoon, as if a light came on, the facade seems to be melting. We can't wait to see what tomorrow holds.

We walked back and stopped at the 7-11 for some Ritz crackers, some juice, noodles, and cashews. Then it was back to the room for bath time and "night, night" for Stefanie, I mean Shepherd. Actually, Stefanie went to sleep faster than Shepherd did. And so another wonderful day in China ends.

Some video of Shepherd smiling is posted on the blog here.