TB Free

Liam being TB free is our accomplishment for today in getting us yet one step closer to returning home. The only thing more interesting than being at the medical center on adoption Saturday is returning on a normal weekday. Steve and I opted out of the morning group tour to the temples and instead met the group at the clinic. We arrived about 15 minutes early and were quite the spectacle during that time. We are so good now at taking everyone's curious stares in stride. Steve and I have taken to talking candidly in English presuming that no one around can understand us. I cracked up at McDonalds the other day as there were some backpackers who were doning their packs. They looked over to us and said some brief hello. Steve proceeded to talk about them as though they weren’t there and I quickly kicked him under the table reminding him that they spoke English. We apologize in advance if we speak about you as though you aren’t even there once we are at home.

I am afraid that we are getting a little boring and don’t have too many exciting adventures to share. Last night we did venture out on our own via taxi over to Shaiman Island. We ‘thought’ we had the Marriott guy tell the taxi guy we wanted to go to the White Swan on the island but obviously he only heard we wanted to go to the island. When we got onto the island, the driver said “out here”. We tried to tell him White Swan but he just didn’t get it. We opted to get out but were VERY proud to say we found our way (okay-the island is only like 3 blocks by 6 blocks but we were still proud). We went to the Rose Garden, a restaurant recommended to us, and had a great dinner. Liam is so easy as he will eat anything we eat. At the end of dinner Liam used his diaper and he looked soooo upset and ashamed. We loved on him and told him it was okay and promptly took care of it. We continue to offer the potty but he is using his diaper more and more. We know that sounds crazy but think this is what is best for him. After we showered him with love last night, he seemed very relieved. Not sure what’s going through that sweet little mind. After dinner we strolled into the White Swan and ran into some very nice families who invited us into their play room. Boy, do we have play room envy. Our hotel is very nice and upscale but definitely more business centered. We would have much rather stayed at the White Swan. Mattel sponsors their play room supposedly so it was decked out rather nicely. Liam enjoyed playing with a sensory ball and pulling the stuffed animals off the shelves. He pushed a little toy and rode on a bouncy animal all the while with a big smile on his face. We played with our new friends for about an hour before bringing a very tired boy home to bed.

The other little boy who is 2 days older than Liam is very cute as well. He is walking pretty well despite a history of a broken hip with ORIF but won’t take ANYTHING other than a bottle. Each time his parents try to feed him anything, he gets so upset lasting for a good while. They are beside themselves but have BTDT and are trying to keep it in perspective. Baby Grace got out of the hospital today and our guides were able to get all her paperwork caught up so she will get to leave China on Friday with everyone else. Out of the 11 kids in our group, every one seems to be attaching well to both mom and dad.

It is sweet to hear all the squeaky shoes all around the halls. Liam even got his first pair today. It was so precious when we put them on he took a step and froze to look down at his feet. He did the same thing with his next step. Then a huge grin took over his face and with his daddy’s help he walked around Jenny’s store. We have been to the stores our friends have recommended. We have met 2 wonderful shop owners who are Christians. Jordan, who Staci sent us to meet, is the most animated man you would ever meet. He told us today why his name is Jordan but his store is Jordon’s. When he first opened up he named it Jordan’s but got in trouble with the Chinese government because of the country Jordan. He was told that China and Jordan do not have a relationship together so his choices were to rename it Jordon or Jordyn. As he told his story we were outside the front of his store. He was animated until he started talking about the Jordan river in the bible during which time he reverted to whispering. There is a Christian church on the island but were told you have to show your passport to go in. We don’t know that this is true but suspect it is.

Steve keeps saying that I have been number one in Liam’s eyes. I don’t agree but today I would say that daddy has clearly tied with me. For naptime, Liam rolled onto his right side and placed his hand on his daddy’s chest. Enough to make me melt.

Funny side story, two times now Chinese people have asked if Liam is Chinese. We are not sure whether they are trying to avoid the question of whether he is adopted or whether they really can’t tell. Someone else in our group had someone say to them “your daughter almost looks like she could be Chinese”. Kinda silly.

Lastly, we are so incredibly thankful for both sets of grandparents. Grandma and grandpa handled week one when excitement was in the air building to the day when everyone got to see Liam in our arms for the first time. Mimi and Pop pop are there for week two. We know everyone can’t wait to meet their little brother and we can’t wait to hug on you. My biggest worry right now is how I can hold Liam and put my arms entirely around each of my kids as I embrace them all at the same time. Oh such worries.

Staci and Colleen and Cherie, thank you so much for loving on our kids while we are gone. Your hugs and love have helped lift them up while they are waiting for us to return home.


Love from Guangzhou,
Paige, Steve and Liam
P.S. Todd-we salivate every night we read about what you had for dinner.

Look at me!

We crashed the playroom at the White Swan hotel...shhhh

Lunch at Lucy's; the congee never tasted so good.

Aunt KT and Aunt Kelly will be so proud of the newest Cardinal's fan!

It was a cute sculpture but Liam was more interested in the grass underneath

My first pair of squeaky shoes!

I love my daddy