Short version: We met our group at 10:00 am for a trip to a local historical site in Nanchang, the city in which we're staying. Then we returned to the hotel where Alexis took her afternoon nap and had her first swim in the pool. With two others from our group, we walked a few blocks this evening to Walmart for some supplies and then to Pizza Hut for dinner. There were no appointments today. We received some documents and are waiting for Alexis' passport to be completed.
Longer version: Most of our appointments with Chinese officials are done now. They are processing our paperwork, and we don't have to go to any more appointments here in Nanchang. Our guides go and pick up completed paperwork and bring it to us, while we go about trying to bond with our children and learn how to parent them. We did a 2 hour sightseeing trip today, and the pagoda we visited had lots of beautiful artwork and views of Nanchang. The city is huge, much bigger than we expected, with a population over 4 million. We expect to get Alexis' Chinese passport late Thursday and then we'll be ready to fly to Guangzhou Friday afternoon.
Alexis had her first swim today in the hotel kiddie pool. At first she was a little tentative but she gradually warmed to the idea of being in the water. By the end she was doing some splashing and seemed to enjoy herself. Each night when we give her a bath she is becoming more accustomed to the water.
Our guides told us that the Chinese potty train their children at a very young age, and that if we held them over the toilet, they would "go potty". We had a hard time believing this based on the children's age. We gave it a try once and it worked. However, this is impractical for Americans traveling with their children and for our American culture. It's probably more polite to explain in person so if you're interested in knowing more, feel free to ask us when we arrive back home.
For some reason, Alexis didn't want to go to bed until 10:00 tonight. We're supposed to leave at 9:30 for sightseeing tomorrow, so hopefully she'll get a full night's sleep. She has been waking up once in the night for a feeding. After just over two days with Alexis, we're still trying to understand her and figure out her patterns. Today she seemed a little frustrated at times, but we also had some wonderful moments where she giggled and laughed and made us laugh with her. She is super observant and is always looking around to see what's going on, particularly when we are out walking the city streets of Nanchang.
We ate dinner at Pizza Hut tonight. After 100% Chinese food for the first three days of the trip, we've taken the opportunity to eat some American food the last couple of days. To our surprise our waitress spoke some English. I'm sure she waits on all the Americans that show up at the restaurant. The hotel staff are all able to communicate in English at some level, but once you leave the hotel, you can't (and shouldn't) expect any English. It's all part of the adventure.
Please pray that we'll have wisdom to understand Alexis' needs. It is a challenge at times.
Longer version: Most of our appointments with Chinese officials are done now. They are processing our paperwork, and we don't have to go to any more appointments here in Nanchang. Our guides go and pick up completed paperwork and bring it to us, while we go about trying to bond with our children and learn how to parent them. We did a 2 hour sightseeing trip today, and the pagoda we visited had lots of beautiful artwork and views of Nanchang. The city is huge, much bigger than we expected, with a population over 4 million. We expect to get Alexis' Chinese passport late Thursday and then we'll be ready to fly to Guangzhou Friday afternoon.
Alexis had her first swim today in the hotel kiddie pool. At first she was a little tentative but she gradually warmed to the idea of being in the water. By the end she was doing some splashing and seemed to enjoy herself. Each night when we give her a bath she is becoming more accustomed to the water.
Our guides told us that the Chinese potty train their children at a very young age, and that if we held them over the toilet, they would "go potty". We had a hard time believing this based on the children's age. We gave it a try once and it worked. However, this is impractical for Americans traveling with their children and for our American culture. It's probably more polite to explain in person so if you're interested in knowing more, feel free to ask us when we arrive back home.
For some reason, Alexis didn't want to go to bed until 10:00 tonight. We're supposed to leave at 9:30 for sightseeing tomorrow, so hopefully she'll get a full night's sleep. She has been waking up once in the night for a feeding. After just over two days with Alexis, we're still trying to understand her and figure out her patterns. Today she seemed a little frustrated at times, but we also had some wonderful moments where she giggled and laughed and made us laugh with her. She is super observant and is always looking around to see what's going on, particularly when we are out walking the city streets of Nanchang.
We ate dinner at Pizza Hut tonight. After 100% Chinese food for the first three days of the trip, we've taken the opportunity to eat some American food the last couple of days. To our surprise our waitress spoke some English. I'm sure she waits on all the Americans that show up at the restaurant. The hotel staff are all able to communicate in English at some level, but once you leave the hotel, you can't (and shouldn't) expect any English. It's all part of the adventure.
Please pray that we'll have wisdom to understand Alexis' needs. It is a challenge at times.
How wonderful, touching, and joyous to see you with your precious little daughter! She is beautiful, and a true gift from God. How blessed she is to have found two such amazing parents, who will raise her to love Jesus.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are wonderful as well. Isn't China an amazing place?
Can't wait to see little Alexis Gately in person!
God bless you all,
Kevin Tolliver
Such beautiful pictures of Mommy and baby Alexis! So sweet!! Loved the close up one, where you can really see her eyes :). It has been so fun reading your blog, and reading all about your experiences in China!
ReplyDeleteWe're so happy for you, Malcolm and Marilyn! What a joy to share your joy through your blog. We can't wait to meet Alexis!
ReplyDeleteKeith and Rosalyn Carlson
I was talking with a dear friend about you last night as they also have a daughter adopted from China. Realized that their Grace was from the same city, so I gave her the link to your blog. You are staying at the same hotel where they were--she even commented that the crib sheets were the same. Fun to see worlds collide! Blessings in the coming days...
ReplyDeleteTerri Miller
She's beautiful! What a wonderful reward after such a long wait.
ReplyDeleteawww...Tears seeing you hold your long awaited miracle, Marilyn!!! You both are so beautiful! :) She is PERFECTLY yours! Love these precious photos! ♥
ReplyDelete