Another day in the life of Liam

My sweet Lauren has informed me that simply writing about our everyday experiences, including her brother's bathroom habits, is all she is asking for. I am happy to be bringing her such joy.

Last night our entire group walked about 15 minutes to a nice Cantonese restaurant for dinner. Simon had told us that one attribute of a traditional Cantonese restaurant is that the food will be VERY fresh. So fresh that the live animals will be out in front of the restaurant. He did not let us down. Depending on the season will dictate what animals there are. Our pictures only turned out okay. I tried to take a picture of the snakes for you Ryan but it turned out kinda dark. I gave you one of the alligators instead, however, he was already deceased. I am happy to say that it was a really good dinner. I am not always sure what I am eating but have decided to go with the don't ask and please don't tell me attitude. We survived the Koi pond incident and think that our stomachs must be pretty strong.

At bedtime last night Liam couldn't seem to fall asleep. He just layed between the two of us and kept taking turns touching each of us. It was so sweet. It was like he was exploring our hands, arms and faces and being so gentle. This morning at breakfast he fed us both. Such an important sign for a little boy who has been hungry much of his life to share his food. He is learning to trust that we will be there to provide for him.

Our guides went to the consulate today to present our paperwork. We were required to be in our rooms for a short while this morning in case there were any questions. We learned later that there was a problem with one of our forms. Liam's abandonment certificate (not the kind of certificate you showcase) had been translated wrong and didn't include that he had gone into the orphanage the same day as he was found. We certainly didn't have anything to do with translation! Our guide was able to take care of it and all is good.

We took Liam back to the pool earlier today and he gave it two thumbs up. He enjoyed staying in Steve's arms but enjoyed splashing and being silly with daddy.

In an effort to make meals easier we are doing some in our room. Today we had gone to the 7-11 and bought some good ole' fashion cup of noodles. However, this hotel room doesn't have much in the way of silverware as our last room. We had a very small bowl and spoon which we had 'borrowed' from the dining room earlier. We all 3 ended up cracking ourselves up. I would try to scoop some noodles on a tiny spoon and then Steve used our scissors to cut off the unmanageable pieces which made me crack up every single time which made Liam crack up every single time. Needless to say it was quite a messy, but fun, lunch.

We have learned that Liam likes transitional time before sleep. (I guess we didn't remember everything from last parenting a toddler about 9 years ago). We have been going onto the 4th floor of our hotel which has a spa and pretty waterfall and a gorgeous garden. We stroll around until we see his sleepy eyes. The girls in the spa have come to expect us. We are trying to explain to Liam that things will be just a little different at home. Probably no omlette made to serve every morning along with a giant breakfast buffet. No fun elevators to ride in and music in the lobby. No waterfall or zen garden to sooth himself by. We will just have to do. He has told us that this will be just fine with him if his sisters and brother are really as good as we have told him they are.

Counting the days but trying to enjoy each moment.
Love, Paige, Steve and Liam