Wednesday-Thursday,
August
30-31, 2006
TWO DAYS TO RELAX
After an exhausting day at the orphanage, we all decided to
sleep in. Even Jim slept in until 8:15. Day 6 consisted of a
Tour of the Henan museum. Pretty interesting in learning about
this area, which was one of the first settlements in China. Our
interaction with Tate grows each day. We have gotten to the
point where we repeat some of the things that he says in
Mandarin to us, so he feels that we understand. We are
definitely learning his likes and dislikes. More about that
later.
We get back to the hotel around 2 pm and have the whole day to
do nothing. If anyone knows us, this must be pool time. We
decide to go for a swim. Emily, Gianna and Jim go to the pool.
We are in the pool for a few minutes, then arrives Tate and
Toni. Knowing that he didn't care for the bathtub, we didn't
expect him to like the pool. It took him about two minutes to
strip down and get his swimsuit on. He immediately jumps into my
arms. He tries to imitate Gianna and Emily. He is a natural, get
ready Swim Pasadena, we may have another one coming.
Day 7 was more touring. First stop was pick up Tate's Chinese
passport. No problems, he can now travel outside the country.
Next was a trip to the Yellow River. This is the second longest
river in China. It was very interesting. Tate took his first
boat ride and rode his first horse. After this is pool time
again. He continues to like the water. This is a big relief for
us.
These past couple of days have been great to enjoy being a
family. The girls are handling everything well. Emily being the
second mother and Gianna being a great big sister. We are ready
to leave for Guangzhou in two days.
A few things that we realize about Tate:
- likes chocolate, not vanilla
- likes swimming, not baths
- loves the TV remote, not watching anything for more than 2
minutes
- like to be held, doesn't care to walk much, if not necessary
- hates messy eating, table must be clean
- loves Notre Dame and the NY Yankees, dislikes the Trojans and
the Boston Red Sox. |
He's a natural in the water.
We still can't figure out why they insisted
on Jim wearing a swim cap.
No longer just the Carideo girls
On the boat on the Yellow River.
He's still figuring out whether he really likes
being on a boat.
Tate and Dad running on the beach
on the Yellow River |
