Saturday,
June 21, 2008
Well, do you know those days when you wake up and know
that the day will be filled with adventure and excitement?
...this wasn't that day. We woke later this morning than
normal, which was good, due to having no morning required
activities or meetings. Once we crawled out of the rack at
0700, it was time for a quick workout and then the dude
woke up and decided it was time to play. We played throw
everything everywhere and Shepherd cracked up at seeing
how many times he could get Baba to chase the same toy
around the room or pick up the sme toy off the ground. It
is awesome to see how much interaction he is having with
us now and his laughter lights up the room and helps us to
realize just how quickly some kids can begin recovering
their innocence after any trial that they may have faced
in the past.
After some more playtime, we departed for breakfast on
this side of the hotel (there are two sides to our hotel
and we are on the west while the older section is on the
east). After yesterday's attempt at this side's breakfast
I think we will probably continuing eating here (west
side) versus there. Shepherd was able to polish off some
pork congee and play with chopsticks while also crushing a
cracker in his hand. He has a totally amazing superpower
-- he has the ability to turn any cracker, no matter the
size or consistency, into mush. Not sure how that will
help him in his future but I know that it will come in
handy somewhere down the line. Anyway, Stefanie and I
polished off some chow, me more than her -- especially the
french toast. Apparently french toast here has to be
served with honey which I found to be different but very
tasty (to the tune of about 10 pieces) and Stefanie just
found interesting. We then rolled ourselves out the door
and out into the streets of Guangzhou to do some shopping
and visit the Starbucks for a frozen caramel frappachino.
After the coffee, which Shepherd really enjoyed (he
actually seemed to be sucking some from the straw), we
went to two of Stefanie's favorite shops. At one, we
didn't find anything to buy, though there was plenty
brick-a-brack and knick-knacks from which to choose, but
did manage to avoid the cat which was about 200 years old,
7.5 ounces, laying on his back, and seemingly hacking up a
hairball -- this thing was ancient, skinny, except for his
head, and perhaps the laziest animal I have ever seen. We
boogied down to another shop that is great because all the
profit from the items they sell goes to orphans in
northern China. They have antiques, silks, jewelery, and
various other things. Stefanie was able to pick up gifts
from friends and family back home. No revaling of the
gifts just yet, that will wait until we can get them home
and get them to you!
We had enough time then to get back to the room and let
Shepherd play some more before it was nap time. He fell
asleep while laying in his crib and holding my hand.
Stefanie took care of some internet items and I watched
another stupid movie on Star (quickly becoming my
activitity of choice -- I didn't know that Hollywood could
actually put out this many terrible movies). Shepherd woke
up in plenty of time for us to get prepared and head to
the White Swan to meet our guide and another family for a
shopping trip at the mall. This thing is 5 stories high
and circular with what seems to be a million stores and
everyone hawking anything possible to buy in the entire
world. It is at once fascinating and also intimidating. We
were however able to throw down some buckage and satisfy
the need to shop. Although when we returned to the island,
we discovered that the mall trip hadn't actually cured the
"buying bug" but had actually only scratched the itch so
we proceeded to spend some more dough on items for
ourselves and the family back home. After this spending
spree it was back to the room for a quick and needed
break, especially for Shepherd. He had another chance to
throw some stuff around and then, lo and behold, he
surprised us by walking back and forth to us. Stefanie,
always thinking and quick with the electronic toys, was
able to capture it on video. It was so cute seeing our boy
who seemingly couldn't even sit up by himself when we
first met him suddenly take off and motor, if a bit
wobbly, across the room on his own -- a proud moment for a
papa.
We decided to head to Lucy's for the congee for Shepherd
and figured that since we would be there anyway to eat as
well. Stefanie picked the spaghetti bolognese and I
fish-n-chips (when in Rome do as the Romans -- ok maybe
not every night). Shepherd was hungry enough to down two
bowls of congee and crush another cracker; again showing
that his superpower was no fluke but was indeed here to
stay. After our meal it was grab the laundry time and then
back to the room for Shepherd's bath and early bedtime due
to his shortened nap. Like I said at the beginning, not
one of those big adventurous days. It was however, in its
normalcy, a reminder of the tremendous gift that each day
granted by God is. Shepherd continues his incredible
ascent into normalcy while we become more and more in love
with him. Even the Chinese recognize that he is a happy
boy. His laughter would make even the toughest soul laugh
along with him. It is fantastic to share this adventure
with him and yet, at the same time, we miss our kids back
home and can't wait until we can all come together and
share the joys of life together. So ends another night in
China. Good night to all and join us again tomorrow for
the high flying adventures of Shepherd and his parents.
Some new video of Shepherd is posted on the blog
here. |
Being silly
Tummy time
Baba gets the biggest smiles
Our precious boy
Having fun at Lucy's
Enjoying a beautiful night in Guangzhou |