Travel Journal - Day 7
Hi all! Well, we're halfway through our trip. Abby is doing better and
better with each day. Her rash is looking much, much better today. We'll
keep up with the treatments and hopefully she'll be all better by the time
she's home. She woke up smiling this morning and is eating a lot of food.
She is absolutely crazy over cheerios - it's the cutest thing watching her
pick up them up with her tiny little hands. We're also giving her bananas,
which she is crazy about also. Abby is such a good baby -she's so sweet,
rarely fusses (unless she wants her washcloth to suck on - don't want to be
without it). Today was pretty low-key too - we are waiting for the paperwork
to be processed so we can fly to Guangzhou on Friday morning. We went to a
porcelein factory today. There is one other store that Guilan wants us to
check out, so I waited to purchase anything. I would definitely like to get
a couple of things, as Abby's province is famous for its porcelain.
We also went to a museum - I can't remember the artist's name, but the
art was very beautiful and the museum is surrounded by gardens. It was a bit
cold to have the babies out, so we didn't stay long, but it was a nice day.
There was a local couple - an older man and woman - and they were staring at
all of us with the babies. We get lots of stares, especially when we're on
the buses and other buses pull up along side of us. If you smile or wave,
the people always smile or wave back. The Chinese are very sweet people for
the most part. While we were eating breakfast this morning, a nice gentleman
looked at Abby and smiled, and then gave me the "thumbs up" sign.
It makes you feel good when the Chinese are supportive of you adopting these
babies. I asked Guilan the other day what the Chinese think of us doing
this. She told us that they are very thankful to us, and that they think the
babies will be brought to paradise....That is why it is very common for them
to tell you "Lucky Baby, Lucky Baby". I think we all agree that we
are the lucky ones to have these babies. They are so beautiful, such
blessings. I cannot imagine my life without Abby now.
I asked Guilan to take me for a walk down some of the streets here so I
can photograph daily life better to give you an idea of what we see from the
buses. I'm really looking forward to that.
One more thing that I've been meaning to mention is that when I was given
Abby on Sunday, and we changed her clothes, somebody put a piece of red yarn
on her wrist - "the red thread" that we always read about - about
people that are destined to be together. It is also a symbol of good luck.
No matter what shape she was in when we got her, I do believe that somebody
in that orphanage cared for her and wished her well in life. I want to leave
it on for as long as I can, and someday when she's getting to chubby
(hopefully!), I'll take it off and save it for her.
Tonight we are going to the Western-style buffet in our hotel (Thank God
- I'm really, really, really done with Chinese food!) LOL We will be
celebrating a first birthday tonight. Our friends, Nick and Maria, and their
new daughter Isabella - we are so happy to be here to share it with them...
As always, missing home. It gets harder to be so far away with every day
that passes by. I cannot wait to be together - our family of four that we
have waited so long to celebrate. I miss sharing all of this with you Scott,
and I miss tucking Evan into bed, snuggling with you both. Soon, soon.
Sending you kisses and hugs, please tell Evan I love him, miss him, give
Bernie and Gizmo a couple of extra dog biscuits from Abby and I, too. There
is no place like home. Give Aunt Cheryl a big hug from us, and thank her for
taking such good care of you. Love you, love you, love you.
xoxxoxoxoxoxoxo Mommy and Abby Grace Si Hua
