A Visit to the Market

Today we ventured out to the Pearl Market. Along the way we walked through a herb and spice market. We saw some interesting things. Thankfully everything was dried. It would have been hard to see some of the stuff alive or hung up by a string. It was a pretty crowded street, but it was nothing compared to the Pearl Market/Mall.

We went in the Pearl market and by the time we came out all of China was walking in the mall. The Chinese have no concept of personal space or American manners. I had a minor breakdown along walking the street. In America when we go out with Nathan we get some stares, but it didn't prepare me for what happened here in China. People would stop and turn around and stare at Addison. I know that some were making very rude comments and I heard some laughing. I tried to remember that it is a totally different culture here, but I have/had a hard time understanding why anyone would act that towards a child who has a "special need." Our group and guide were very wonderful. They all feel protective of Addison and the other children. I know that Addison will live a much better life than most of the people here in China, but it was a little difficult walking along the street today.

We also went to KFC. We weren't too impressed with it. I don't know if it was the food or the million + people who were crammed into the restaurant with us. The best way I can describe the crowds would be either post Thanksgiving Day sale crowds or Christmas Eve shoppers times 100. We were all glad to back to the quite Shamain Island.

We had a beautiful dinner tonight along the Pearl River. It was a little taste of home --- BBQ. The waitstaff were all wearing jeans, jean jackets and bandannas tied around their necks. It was very good food.

Tomorrow we head to the zoo. I just hope that the animals aren't in little cages. Five nights until we head home!!!

Another Day in China

We have been in China now for nine days. We are enjoying our time, but we are ready to come home. We all miss our families and can't wait for Addison to meet Bob and Nathan. Addison continues to do well. She is getting much more comfortable with all of us, even my mom. Addison is all over the place. She is interested in EVERYTHING and just won't sit still....much different than Nathan. It is wonderful, but stressing at the same time. We are really going to have to baby proof our house when we get home.

Yesterday we visited a Buddhist Temple. Everyone was fascinated by the Americans adopting Chinese babies. Several people came up and smiled and took pictures with members of our group. One lady came up to Addison and started talking to her. The next minute the lady was crying...actually sobbing. We asked our guide what was going on and she said that the lady was so moved and happy that someone would adopt a child like Addison. The Chinese believe that our children are so lucky to be finding homes with Americans...especially those who have "special needs." However, we are the lucky ones. In the few short days Addison has been in our lives, she has brought us so much joy. It is amazing to see her experiencing so much for the first time. Her smile lights up the room.

I have posted some pictures from yesterday. I also posted a picture of some of the "items" available for dinner at the Chinese restaurant we ate at yesterday. Today is a lazy day. We don't have anything planned. I have a video of Addison walking around with her squeeky shoes, but i haven't quite figured out how to post it. I will keep working on it.

Shopping & Drs.Appt.

Today was a pretty busy day. We started out with a trip to a Chinese Department store. They had some neat things, but their buying system was a little weird. You would pick out what item you wanted and then hand it to a sales person who would write up a ticket. You would then take the ticket to a center pay station. Once you paid you would go back around to the different departments and pick up your items. It didn't seem very efficient. We also finally ate at a McDonald's. The whole group was pretty happy to have some real American Food. It all tasted pretty much the same.

Me and another mom (Deb) had to use the restrooms. We figured in a nice Department store that there would be some western potties. Nope....they were squatty potties. It wasn't too bad - quick in and out. I am must not sure how you would do it in heels OR if you had some GI problems. I guess the Chinese ladies have some pretty strong thighs.

They were tons of people. I know that China has billions of people, but it really doesn't seem like many of them have 9-5 jobs. Over all everyone has been very nice and helpful. The driving here makes DC traffic look like a cake walk. Cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians all share the roadway. Everyone plays chicken with each other.

After we got back, Addison and the rest of the babies had their Dr. appts. Addison was weighed (19.6 lbs), measured (30.5 in), and checked out by an ENT. She passed!

She is truly amazing. On Gotcha Day she would stay in one place and wouldn't move. Today she was walking all over the place. She is interested in everything...especially anything we put in our mouth. It is amazing what a little love and attention will do for a child. Even though it has only been four days, it seems like Addison has always been a part of our lives. We are so blessed ot have her in our lives. I can't wait for her to meet her Dad and big brother in a week.

Another Good Day

Today things went pretty well. We had one major break down this morning when I came out of the shower with a towel around my head. Addison didn't recognize me. Other than that she loves for me to hold her and kiss her. She still isn't sure of my mom, but seems to slowly be warming up to her.

Addison loves to watch me eat. I think if she could she would eat all the time. Tonight we went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant, she wanted to "taste" everything. She really liked the rice noodles and even managed to get them down. I have also fed her a little bit of rice from a bowl and spoon. Later she was playing around with them clean. She was holding a picture of Nathan and Bob and started feeding their picture. Hopefully we will be able to get her surgery scheduled soon.

We are really having a nice time. Our travel group all have beautiful babies and it is so nice to be able to get to know my "cyber" family. Our guide is wonderful and very helpful. She is taking us tomorrow to a department store....so I am sure we will get some good shopping in.

Thank you all for the posts. I really do enjoy reading them!

more pics

Here are a couple of pics of Renee, me and Carol in front of the Pearl River.

more pics

We have gotten a really good look at Addison't cl/cp today. You can see where they attempted to fix Addison's cleft lip. Her left side was sewn to her gum, not to her lip. The Drs. will probably have to reopen that side and sew it to her lip. It has been nice to finally be able to see what it looks like up close and personal. She still laughs and smiles. I have also hear her coo a few times. It will be nice for her to get it all repaired so that she will have an easier time talking and eating.