Saturday, February 28, 2009

We are on the Shamian Island. So it sounds wonderful huh? An Island normally has sandy beaches and beautiful blue water around it. The Shamian Island is a little different it is a cement island with the Pearl River – the third longest river in China – surrounding it. Today it is well known for the shopping and the White Swan hotel.

Although Jen found some stuff to buy today while shopping on the Shamian Island Addison will at least have to wait until tomorrow to experience this fun! She was sound asleep for a three hour nap with dad. While shopping Jen found the famous squeaky shoes and traditional silk dresses. Let’s just say Addison will have shoes for a long time and a new dress for many years too.

Addison had three doctor visits today, however this process was more of a formality than a traditional doctor’s visit. If there were any major issues they would have found them, but she will have to still visit the doctor once we get home.

With Addison’s age, Jen and I have been questioning her attachment to us. We have been the only ones to hold since Monday afternoon, and it’s been hard at times to know if she has bonded to us. Today she needed to be held by a nurse to get her height and weight. And as you can see by the pictures she wasn’t so excited about this! She was rather upset. There may have been a few factors playing into this: she was tired, hungry and it was the doctor’s office. As soon as she was back in mom’s arms a sense of calm came over her. It was something we were waiting to see. This was a sign that she has bonded with us. I’m sure there will be moments still to come. We are being patient and letting it happen as it happens, but this was a nice start.

We ended our night at Lucy’s. We have carry out from there last night, and we went there tonight with the whole Bethany adoption crew. The burgers were great, and Addison loved her chicken congee.

Today we had Addison try bananas for the first time. To begin with she was very unsure of what was put in her mouth, but after a few pieces she seemed to enjoy the flavor. We will try bananas as well as watermelon tomorrow. Just a side note – the breakfast buffet is as amazing as everyone writes about, but beware, if you leave the table to get a glass of juice, your plate wont be waiting for you when you get back. They have such good service that they come around and bus your table even if your plate still has food on it!

More things we have learned about Addison

• She learned how to make “motor boat” sounds – and completely spray your face with spit.

• She likes to have her head rubbed! She will giggle and wait for you to do it again!

• She does not like a wet diaper! Would anyone?

• She likes Gerber puffs and yogurt melt aways.

• She loves to be held and rocked! I think we are going to have to buy a rocking chair when we get home. We are thinking that she was the squeaky wheel at the Social Welfare Institute. We think that she was held a lot, which is wonderful!

• We know that we couldn’t be happier!