Another Day in the Life

Last night we had to wait for our laundry to arrive so ChunMing killed some time playing in a bath.  He has  enjoyed his baths since the very first day we were united.  In fact, that is something I have mostly done with hopes it would promote a little bonding. 

This photo is taken through the glass that divides the bathtub and the bedroom. As you can see from the water drops, ChunMing loves to spray the glass and pretend he is getting us wet.

Once the laundry came we wandered around a bit to find some quick and easy food that wasn't fried squid on a stick...

ChunMing proudly took this photo of Baba



ChunMing liked the tuna

Finally we came across a Subway, which really hit the spot for something light and fresh.  Even David liked it and he's not even a sandwich fan. 

I took this photo to show our maid at home.  Miss Amy, our laundry lady, puts her to shame. 
It came back to us pressed, folded, and in cellophane bags. I...  I mean our maid, is lucky to get the laundry clean, let alone folded and in the right bins.

Looking at the fish in the pond at breakfast. 
ChunMing can't wait to finish his food so he can take his leftover bread out to feed the fish.

This morning we took ChunMing in to the clinic to have his arm checked for TB.  We were in and out in minutes as all was cleared.  We then went with our guide and the other family from Oregon to an outdoor shopping area.  We were hoping to find some treasures to bring home to our family and friends, but were only able to go to a few stores.  Most that we saw reminded us of stores similar to those you would find in an American mall. We left disappointed.  We regret not doing more shopping in Inner Mongolia where we only purchased some items for ChunMing since it was specific to the Inner Mongolian province.  We thought we would get the rest in Guangzhou.  We are hoping to have another chance.



They call this the pedestrian shopping center

ChunMing loves our guide and our guide is great with ChunMing

Once we returned to the hotel we went out on our own to try and find some authentic Chinese gifts, but had no luck.  Although not very Chinese, we did pick up some Pringles and Dove bars at the 7 Eleven for later in the hotel.  ChunMing found Oreos more to his liking.

I was so glad to have my camera standing by.  I couldn't believe it when I saw it,
 but ChunMing pulled apart his Oreo and then dipped it into his milk.  He is already American!

Later in the day we took ChunMing swimming.  We had tried at the previous hotel, but ChunMing would wave his arms back and forth in front of his face, to signal "no".   This time we just dressed him and went to the pool without asking.

The pool is outdoors which makes it nice and cool in the humid heat

First you walk through a shower, then you step through a wading pool to clean off your feet.
 At this point you may enter the pool

The first time ChunMing has gotten into a pool; no fear, just excitement

He loved it! (This is my favorite photo)

David had him laughing his wonderful belly laugh most of the time in the pool

While out and about this afternoon ChunMing was being silly and playing around with David as usual.  He didn't want to ride in the stroller and insisted on Baba carrying him, but David's arms were tired.  ChunMing lay on the ground laughing, waiting for David to pick him up, but David said, "Boo" several times, which means "no".  Reacting as he has many times in the past with other children, David walked away and said, "O.k., bye bye".  ChunMing instantly stopped laughing and started crying with a more than fearful look on his face.  Both David and I recognized this was not his normal tantrum and realized he truly thought we would leave him there.  David held him until he was calm and felt secure again; we moved on with the understanding that we cannot thoughtlessly rely on the techniques and experience we have benefited by in the past.

After dinner we picked up another suitcase for ChunMing's items.  He understood it was for him and took possession right away.  He insisted on pulling it back to the hotel, gathering his items and carefully packing up his own suitcase.  Tonight he went to sleep with a Chinese DVD we purchased for him; he is hugging it like a stuffed animal. The night before it was his LeapPad.  What must it feel like to have nothing and then to have your very own clothes, toys, food, and movies?

ChunMing already uses a lot of English words and phrases.  He often says, "Let's a go!" when we are leaving the hotel room, or wants to move on to the next thing.  He also loves to say "OK!"

Each day we see more progress as ChunMing interacts more with me.  They are little things, but big to me.  My greatest moment today was when I got him to laugh his hearty laugh while dressing him.  He is accepting my love more each day.  I am a thankful Mama.