We haven't been run over yet...that's the good news. And there is no bad news. Isaac is doing really well. Our biggest problem is feeding. He eats like a horse, but it's hard to find what he really likes. Even most of the Chinese food is new to him. He is very sure about what he likes and doesn't like. It's also amazing the training he has received from the orphanage. Our challenge is keeping up these great habits.
Yesterday morning, we had the TV on with music playing. He started doing his morning exercises..side steps and then touching his toes. Very funny. We didn't get the video camera out in time.
He also feed himself completely and is very particular. He picks out things he doesn't like and puts them on another plate...or lets us know he needs a plate. He always take a cloth or napkin and cleans his face (and the table) after his meals. He's quite adamant about the things he doesn't want...and the things he does.
We said good bye to the American family yesterday. Got our group photo on the same steps as we did in 2005.
I think my mother feels it is a miracle sometimes that we are still alive. Each time we leave the hotel by foot, we are taking our lives into our own hands. Even though the streets have been widened and much improved, and the sidewalks are quite wide and new, they are not just for walking...they are also for the thousands of electric scooters racing around this city daily. On the day we finalized the adoption, our driver actually hit a cyclist on the way home. He was knocked from his bike but everyone was O.K. Crossing the street is quite the challenge as it seems people do not obey the traffic rules...if there are any.
Having said that, we ventured out again on Thursday morning to visit the department store we went to on Wednesday. We actually didn't go inside on Wednesday, so here we were again. It was much like Walmart, but we did get a few more toys for the kids and then went downstairs where we enjoyed walking around the market. We bought some little fruit that looked like very tiny apples. Our guide later told us they are dates...fresh dates. When Isaac saw them back in our hotel room, he brought them to me to wash and he ate several of them. Obviously something he's had before. We were so amazed at how well he ate them and spit out the big seed inside. I was afraid he might choke, but he really wanted them and had no problem with that seed.
In the fish market, people were choosing their own fish by scooping them out of the tank or bucket with a large dip net. They then took the fish to the man at the counter who took the fish and whacked it against the wall before gutting it for the customer. So many interesting things for sale...just not sure what they were. There are many live turtles, frogs, and other things we do know....just not ready to try.
We went to the museum in the afternoon. Big lineups which we were able to skip due to our guide. Had to bring our passports to get in and go through security like at the airport . Saw a 2000 year old mummy. Had a great dinner. Back to the hotel for a kids bath and off to bed. Isaac kept splashing Ella and she got mad at him. She said, "Isaac, I'm mad at you. I'm not going to talk to you for a week!!!" When he splashed her, we said "boo shin" (not sure of the spelling) but it means "don't do that". Then, Ella splashed him and he said to her, "Boo shin!" He absolutely loves the bath.
I forgot to mention that China's national day is October 1st. Everyone is getting ready for the very big celebration as it is 60 years since the new government was formed. The city is decorated for this event....beautiful lanterns and banners all around. Also, they are selling moon cakes in the lobby of the hotel for the autumn moon festival.
We are on the 30th floor and there is a play room on this floor. It has been great as both Ella and Isaac love it there. I don't even remember if we went there with Ella in 2005, but it is certainly a godsend this time...especially since it's just around the corner.
Off to the park now.
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