Our Incredible Family ~ ~ Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Hong Kong.  Disney loves to celebrate Halloween.  Today we play at the hotel this morning while Daddy tours Hong Kong City Center.  Later this afternoon we will head back to Disney for some more fun. This will be our last BLOG from Asia.  (Lucky you).  We are down to the two final breakfast buffets.  3 final bottles of water for tooth brushing. (We can't wait to use our tap water and to be able to drink water freely.  David and I both drink at least a gallon of water a day and have TOTALLY missed it). We depart in 23 hours and go to San Francisco.  As soon as we hit the ground in San Fran Maran is automatically a US CITIZEN.  We have four hours to clear customs and then head to Charlotte.  I am sure I will cry the whole way.  We can't wait to see our family and friends.  Saturday we plan to have a drop-in to show off our Lil' Miss Sassafras.  We think her nickname needs to be Sassy.  Her shell continues to break.  We aren't sure if she will be the Class Clown or the one who everyone loves and thinks is perfect but gets away with EVERYTHING. 

Since I have been completely selfish and blogged only about our Little precious Porcelain Doll  and Snickerdoodle Luke I wanted to tell you about the rest of our family.  If I sound like I am bragging then I apologize up front.  We truly have some incredible people whom we are proud and honored to call family!

Nammy & Pop Pop -- the best grandparents in the world who always make you feel loved and always have time for their family regardless of what they have to do.  (David's Parents)

Grandpa Bob -- Maran has the "BOB BRYANT" look down.  Dad gives this look when you are telling him a story that he either doesn't believe or can't believe the absurdity of.  It is quite funny.  I can't look at ice cream without thinking about him,  As a kid we always got ice cream no matter what time of day or night it was.  (Ann's Dad)

MeMe Bryant --Ann's mom who is in heaven and has the best seat in the house.  She would love our two children more than life itself.  She now enjoys them from a different view and we know she is watching over them as she watches over us. 
Napha:  Grandpa Bob's girlfriend whom we love and adore. She is so beautiful and makes the best spring rolls ever. She treats all of us as if we were her own children. 

Our Grandparents who are no longer with Us:

MaMa --the coolest lady I have ever met who would tell you like it was and loved Arby's horseradish sauce (Horsey sauce she called it)  like it was water.  I miss her every day. (David's maternal grandmother)

PaPa -- Gruff but lovable.  (David's maternal grandfather)

Poppy -- Very active until the day she died.  Incredibly worldly. Taught me (Ann) how to love broccoli.  Great cook, great homemaker and would not allow you to eat chicken because she ate it too much as a child. (David's Paternal Grandmother)

Grandaddy -- loved to read his grandchildren classic stories. (David's Paternal Grandfather)

Grandma Adams -- Perhaps the sweetest lady who ever lived.  She never said a bad word and never cursed.  She saw the good in all. (Ann's maternal grandmother)

PePaw Adams -- the man who always had candy and who knew what it was like to treat people with respect. (Ann's maternal grandfather)

Grandma Bryant:  the toughest lady I ever knew.  She taught me many things about life. (Ann's Paternal Grandmother)

Grandpa Bryant:  There truly was no man like him on earth. Overhauls were worn every day and farming was in his blood.  Loved his family but always wanted to be a tough skinned man.  (Ann's Paternal Grandfather)

Our Siblings:

Mary:  David's oldest sister who is extremely loyal and the biggest political buff I know.  She can tell you everything about what is going on in the world and is a wealth of knowledge.

Peggy:  David's older middle sister who is a fighter.  She has been battling colon cancer for 9 months now and is a true warrior.  She and David are very close and they are very protective of each other.

Chip:  Ann's big brother who is a huge teddy bear with a tender heart. Extremely funny &  loyal.  He would run into a burning house after me  (Ann) without hesitation or care for what may happen to him.  

Lisa :  Ann's big sister (by 10 months).  Battling multiple sclerosis like it is a bad head cold, will never give up and has a very tender heart when she let's it slip through her thick skin.

Our Siblings Spouses:

Michael: Belongs to Mary (David's sister).  He is the reason that David and I are together today.  Non Judgemental and can fix any computer there is... want his phone number?

Byron: Belongs to Peggy (David's sister).  He is the one that we love to tease.  A workaholic who has a smart comment about everything.

Donna: Belongs to Chip (Ann's brother).  Another figther in the family.  Has survived anueryisms and makes the best apple pie I have ever tasted (when she doesn't fool me and give me Ms. Smith's).  Will cry with you in a moment's notice and support you when you do really stupid things.

John:   Belongs to Lisa (Ann's sister). Perhaps the most grounded person we know. Not afraid of a challenge and absolutely adores Lisa like there's no tomorrow. 

Our Neices & Nephews:

Meghan: The engineer & smart one.  The one who loves seeing life as lollipops & candy.

David:  The family clown. Loved by all and loves all.  Morehead Scholar Semi-Finalist.

Stephanie:  Beautiful young lady who loves children and will be a great teacher one day.

Dylan:  Incredible athlete and a very tender hearted soul. 

Christina N:  Outgoing & always ready to have a fun time.

Edward N:  Skateboard dude who has a soft spot for children -- especially Luke

Tyler N:  In the running for family clown. Adorable smile and mischevious in a cute way.

Logan:  Athletic raw talent like none other.  Big Man on Campus.

Chandler: Behind the 'reputation he has to protect' is a sweet and tender hearted young man who is loyal and great with kids.

Nicole: The caretaker who loves caring for others.

Alesia:  The sweet soul who is loyal.

Christina B:  Wise beyond her years and an extremely hard worker.

Heath:  A tender hearted jock who has the cutest face you have ever seen. 

Aunts & Uncles:

Aunt Jean:  All I can say is that everyone should have an Aunt Jean.  She can always make you feel good and is the best cook ever!  She will always tell you that she loves you.

Uncle Leon:  The one who made many childhood Christmases happy.  (Ann's Mom's Brother).  Loyal family man and one who just always makes you feel loved. 

Aunt Louise:  A tender soul with a huge heart who loves family and loves my cousin Heather Leigh as if she birthed her.  I am forever grateful to her for that but also for making me feel so loved.

Our cousins are the best too:

Heather Leigh who is going to be the best nurse ever.

Mike and Timmy -- who always played with us as kids and who are dog lovers like no others!

We have second cousins too and we love you all very much and thank you for being in our lives!

FRIENDS:

Our friends are our strength to life and daily challenges.  Whether they are GIRLS NIGHT OUT FRIENDS or co-workers who are freinds.  You can never have too many friends and the older you get the more important they are.

Love and Hugs to all.  We are off to enjoy our last FULL DAY here!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  BOO from Hong Kong!

If you Can't Be at Home then you should be at DISNEY!

When leaving China it was the weirdest bittersweet feeling ever.  Maran was waving bye bye and saying "Bye Bye China".  I took a deep breath as we left the hotel knowing that I would hopefully never smell the Ox Beef & Stomach Skank ever again.  It was the best worst smell ever... as it was my last!

At the train station I hugged our driver bye.  He waved and smiled.  Helen, OUR INCREDIBLE GUIDE walked us all the way in and went as far as they would let her with us.  I find it funny that our last real experience with China was one that had annoyed me so much the entire time we have been gone. While in line some Chinese ladies tried to get in front of us and the man at the gate yelled at them in Chinese and told them Mo --- which means no. (Sure that isn't spelled right but I know it's the word as we have gotten to break it in a lot with Maran). I looked at him and thanked him in Chinese and he just grinned.  Uncanny that one thing that annoyed us so much the entire time we were there turned around and ended in our favor.  I know breaking line is not the worst thing ever but it is not acceptable and it is  not acceptable to be pushed aside.  As a whole and in general I am happy to say that many Americans do not do that and do not push people out of the way -- note I said "IN GENERAL". 

When it came time to say Good Bye to Helen I became very emotional and very teary eyed.  It hit me that the lady who had led us to our daughter once we landed in China and who had been there with us since the day we got to our province was no longer going to be there.  She would speak to Maran in Chinese and explain to her things and tell her what was going on.  She was a great communicator and helped us learn what we needed to know in order to communicate with our daughter.  Granted we are talking the basics here but what an incredible help it was.  I flashed back to having my sister Lisa with us in Guatemala when we got Luke.  Of course she was not here in China with us so that meant that truly David and I were alone with our daughter with communication skills limited to what we had been able to take in.  That meant it was time to step up to the plate and put on the big girl pants.  We were alone with our child.  We no longer had a translator and a protector.  Tears rolled down my face for a few minutes.  David looked at me and said "Are you OK" I said "Yes, I am over it now".  He said "That was quick" I said "Yes, Maran has to go potty and it is a squatty potty so I gotta be able to balance her and me while making sure our aim is OK".  He said "Well, OK then".  I also read the sign that said that you couldn't take any "FOUL SMELLING ITEMS" on the train.  I found that incredibly humorous as we had already been offered Ostrich Soup and some other delightfully smelly items for consumption on the train.  Our seats on the train faced backwards which made me nervous as I can NOT typically ride backwards on a train, plane, car or anything.  It turned out to be fine.  Lil' Miss took in some scenery and was fast asleep for about 40 minutes. 

When I saw the Mickey Ears noting DISNEYLAND I had a grin on my face.  When we got to the hotel I told David "OK, this is good".  We are stuck here till Monday.  NO WAY to get back early although we tried and my boss tried so thank you Lecil for spending three hours on the phone with the Airline Carriers.  We appreciate your assistance and will JOYFULLY ride to Charlotte from San Francisco in the First Class Seats you acquired for us.  Despite what they say you really aren't a bad boss.  JUST KIDDING! 

Our new Hotel is GREAT.  The wine is even better.  We had another ASIAN DINNER  (shocker I know) and found COKE LIGHT.  If you can't have Diet Coke then Coke Light is next best with Coke Zero running a very distant third.  We slept like logs on our nice and COMFY Disney Hollywood Hotel beds.  We woke to a wonderful buffet (gosh we haven't had a buffet in about 24 hours) of Mickey Waffles and Smiley face potatoes and how can I forget.. MORE FRIED RICE. 

The rides at the park were great.  Maran got on them with NO TREPIDATION at all.  Seeing her eyes light up on the carousel and It's A Small World will always be a memory.  The Carousel reminded me of our recent NEW YEAR'S 2010 trip to Disney Orlando with our family. Nammy and Pop Pop treated us all to a Disney Cruise.  I remember us standing in line two days after Christmas at the Carousel dancing around to Christmas Music and just giggling away.  All 16 of us. 

IF YOU CAN'T BE AT HOME THEN YOU SHOULD BE AT DISNEY! (preferably with your whole family though). 

Countdown to Home is less than two days away.  We do hope our travels are NON EVENTFUL as they were so full of events getting here.  We are thankful to be nearing the end of the 'pick up journey' and happy about what the future hold for us and our growing family.  Our beautiful daughter has already learned so much English.  She did not fall ONE TIME today at the park (that's a HUGE improvement).  We are anxious to have her legs and feet fixed so she can run without falling all the time, however, we are going to be in trouble because despite her special need she can run like a jack rabbit --- until she falls.  We just pray to get home without stitches.  So far we have gotten only one real scrape from a bad fall at the Zoo.  Nothing slows this child down though!  We can't wait to see our Luke.  I can hear his voice and feel his soft hands in mine.  I can hear him whispering secrets to me and talking constantly about Thomas the Tank Engine.  Before we came to get Maran he asked every day "Mommy have they called us to come and get my sister yet?".  I am hopeful that they will be good playmates -- as good as brother and sister can be. 

OUR FIRST ICE COKE LIGHT IN 17 DAYS WAS CONSUMED TODAY!

We found an American place at Disney to eat lunch.  The hamburger was processed and the pork sandwich was edible but it was not rice and it was not noodles so we were smiling like we had just done something criminal. I know we sound like we can't live without Diet Coke but when you can't have something it makes you want it even more.  (We drink about one a day each -- honestly). 

BESIDES LOVING AND HUGGING our family when we return we are going to find a serious piece of cow and a wedge salad for all to consume. 

Off to Skype with our Snickerdoodle Luke and catch up on some e-mails.  Below are some shots from today! 

 Our First Minnie Mouse ears with matching Minnie Mouse Outfit (See how excited she is to have those ears on? Seconds after this was shot the ears were off).

 Maran's Meal at Disney. (Don't ask)

She LOVED the tea cup ride and spun the cup around like crazy!

Ode to China -- Farewell !!

It's hard to believe that we are leaving in a few hours for Hong Kong.  To say we are happy about departing is an understatement but we will never forget our experiences here.  We have learned so much and grown in many ways.  As we say goodbye to China I have an excerpt from what my dear friend Merri wrote to me in an e-mail. (She has been so loyal -- e-mailing twice a day and texting often to check in --- she has been a wonderful "KEEP THE SPIRITS UP" friend and we are so thankful).  We have laughed many times over her messages.  Thanks for keeping us on track Merri! 

From Merri's E-Mail ~~~~~

"I have never seen a child adjust this fast.  It is like she was born to you and so sweet.  She is the sweetest munchkin.  After not having so much love at the orphanage she is really embracing and returning it.  Amazing.  I think you got the best child China had to offer, your gain, their loss.  Too late and too bad for them". 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She is right we do have the best child in China (Alice is a VERY CLOSE 2nd).  We still think about the little boy in the orphanage and have been unable to get him out of our thoughts.  I dreamed last night it was Thanksgiving and he was sitting at our table with our entire family.  It was such a perfect picture.  He is not available though and I need to realize that. I just can't understand how someone can just leave their child and never come back for them so therefore the child grows up in an orphanage. (Meaning leave them in an orphanage and not allow them to be adopted).  There is so much wrong with the world.  I don't get it... I never will.... those who are anti-adoption people who probably had a family and home of their own but are against orphans being allowed to have it... OK I WILL STOP NOW.... no soap box for today (well maybe just a little).

OUR ODE TO CHIINA

• 16 days in China
• 4 planes
• 17 hours of flight delays
• One incredibly nice man from Tokyo who will always be remembered
• 14 breakfast buffets
• 53 bottles of water
• 18 bottles of water for brushing our teeth
• 12 Coke Zeros
• 2 Coke Lights (remember they ran out?)
• Many random pictures taken of us
• 100 plus rubs on our Daughters face & head
• Countless weird looks
• Many smiles
• Many super weird skanky smells (including me almost wiping out avoiding stepping on the worlds largest rat)... sorry but I had to say that.
• Some good Chinese food
• A few good glasses of wine (VERY MINIMAL but that's OK.. I DO LOVE MY VINO!)

ONE INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL CHILD who has given us many hugs, kisses, potato chips, smiles & giggles which makes this all PRICELESS!

The families that we met were incredible and they were such fun.  The Jenson's are traveling back today to Utah and we pray for their safe return home and a flight that is as peaceful as it can be. 

To the people who gave us the looks that said "Thank you so much for taking this child to a place that she will be able to grow up in and have opportunities" we thank you.  So China we are leaving with one little beautiful girl who has already shown us so much love.  Again we are blessed with two of the most beautiful children whom are both adopted. (Snickerdoodle Luke is from Guatemala). They could not be any more a part of us than they are.  We could not love them any more and we could not be happier that God has allowed them to be in our lives.  We are truly honored to be parents but most of all their parents. 

A day at the Zoo & an EARLY VISA ARRIVAL

 Jensen Family Children and Avay (Maran)

 She reminds me of my sister in this photo.  She is NOT happy about the bow and the dress for that matter.

 Lil' Miss Sassafras about ot come crashing off the wall.

 ZIU LAN (pronounced Shiulon) and Avay (Maran) in their Traditional Dresses

 The Jensen Family. Joel, Sandy, Jade, Kyra, Ziu Lan, Taryn from Utah.

Our guide Helen who has been an incredible HELP.  She made it all happen once we got to China. From taking us to the grocery store to speaking to our children in their native tongue and making sure we have some yummy dinners not full of that "STREET STUFF".  She is an Angel on Earth.  

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As if our blessings have not been enough we found out this morning that we are getting our Visa early.  That made us feel so relieved.  Not sure that we can come home early but if we can make it work then we will.  We have my boss Mr. Lecil working on it so hopefully he can pull some rank and get us HOME!  I will sing Michael Buble's HOME the entire way and promise there will be more tears when we land than ever imaginable. 

Spent the day at the zoo.  They have a SUPER GREAT Zoo here.  So if you are heading this way.. Check out the Zoo!  Avay (Maran) loved it.  What made it even better was that we spent it with the Jensen's. (not sure that I have spelled that right).  They are such a wonderful family. Four kids all wonderfully behaved and two parents that are just fun loving.  They have been so nice to be around.  As I said before it helps to be around their children.  What a special family whom we will always remember! 

Red Couch Photo was done this morning.  If you adopt from China you have to have a picture made on the RED COUCH at the WHITE SWAN HOTEL.  There is a special police force group that will not allow you out of the country until this photo is done. Well, not really but just about.  So pretty much ANYONE who has adopted from China has this picture done.  So another check off the ole' list for us!  Going to have a late afternoon snack and then some dinner and then onto the really important stuff... PACKING SO WE CAN GET CLOSER TO HOME!  OH PLEASE if there is a way to allow us to land even THREE HOURS earlier than planned let it happen!  Never having TOTALLY BEEN HOMESICK before I can say that this is the pits. (I was homesick in college but this is a different feeling).  Nammy and Pop Pop have done such a great job with Luke.  We are so thankful for their unselfish time given to him.  It allowed us both to come and get our daughter.  We could not have done it without them.  We know how incredibly exhausted they are from their youngest grandson... he is a mess for sure! 

CONSULATE DAY went off without a Hitch!

WE ARE GETTING CLOSER!  We are so happy that another day is almost behind us.  Our precious lil' Miss Sassafras is just conquering daddy with her bubbly self and love and hugs.  She will now "Share the Love" as Luke does and blow kisses.  I have been unable to get her to tell people to "Put the kiss in their pocket and save it for later".... maybe another few days? 

The Consulate Swearing In was more like an informational type deal.  We were dressed up as we felt that we owed that respect to our new daughter and her birth country.  Also we are representing our family and the GOOD OLE' US of A.  We got to the consulate and I saw the sign that said US CONSULATE 5th floor and it had an American Flag on it.  It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  Tears welled in my eyes and I just wanted to get the ceremony done and get HOME.  If we could have we would have left the Consulate and headed straight to the airport leaving all the 'stuff' behind.  I truly wish that many could experience what we have here.  Things are not all chipper and cheery in America (NEWSFLASH anyone?) but this experience has been so enlightening in many ways.  (NOT GETTING INTO POLITICS HERE) Just stating that a reality check is often what we need and believe me reality has been wild here. Anyway we basically promised that all the information that we submitted was right.  (We did not have to promise not to beat her like I had to write on GOTCHA DAY ---yes completely write out).  I am not going to beat her and I just tear up thinking about the people that would do that to their child but we won't go there. In fact I hate to think of what I would do to the person who would lay a hand on her or Luke for that matter. 

Heading to dinner.  We have a little girl who is acting like she has had five pieces of pure sugar birthday cake.  Daddy has his hands full. 

 Outside the Consulate.

Maran's Consulate Day Dress

Internet finding us out I think as it won't let me spell check so sorry..ONCE AGAIN posting without checking...you guys are used to that aren't you?  HA HA.



A Free Day of Fun & Alice's Parents Get Their TA (Gotcha Day for Alice is November 8th...YIPPEE!!

We are ELATED that Jennifer & Charles got their TA which means Maran's BFF from the orphanage will be going home soon.  It makes us feel comfortable in leaving here knowing that there is a time frame to when Alice will get home.  What a precious child she is and she could not be going to a more loving family than the Morrison's.  We wish them UNEVENTFUL travels and many days filled with Blessings and Joy.  God is truly good in so many ways.  Their journey is at: http://www.oursweetleap.blogspot.com/

Got to sleep in this morning.... what a blast!  We actually woke Miss Sassafras up by skyping with Luke.  There is no better way to start the day than speaking to our Snickerdoodle Luke and watching Maran sleep.  They are both so precious and cute.  We did some more shopping today and bought many family members their requested North Face jackets.  Tomorrow is our Oath of Citizenship Ceremony at the Consulate.  After that all we do is wait for her Visa.  SLIGHT (and I mean ever so slight) chance that we may get out of here early.  We are thinking about shortening our trip to Hong Kong if we can because we simply want to be home with our family.  Homesick has never been so prevalent to us before.  Flights are extremely booked and it may be more of a hassle than it is worth due to different connections and all but we will see.

A few pictures from today are below.  Hope you enjoy them. We had fun shooting them... oh and Maran (Avay --- we still call her by her Chinese name) is starting to repeat MANY things.... see they do catch on quick! It is so much fun hearing her say "Sweet Pea" which is Daddy's name for her.

Still loving your messages and appreciate them all.  Sorry if we have not or can not reply to them all but they are still appreciated the same!  All the Best from China! 

 Awwwww man..... this bow is so annoying!! 

 She thought she was going to get to climb the statue and the tree so we had a small grin going on.

 By this time she was tired of not only the pictures but all the people rubbing her face.  (In China it is an act of respect for people to rub a child's face. They are saying that she or he is pretty and wishing them well).  Well Lil' Miss Sassafras is over that.

View from the top of our Hotel in Guangdong Province, GUANGZHOU City. 

Children's Pants here are VERY DIFFERENT

This may be a little TMI so if you are FEARFUL of TMI then stop now.  You have been warned.  I have spared you first by not posting a picture of what I am about to explain.  Don't read this if you are eating becuase well..... I will let you decide.

We try to walk as much as we can as Maran loves it and she is the "GIRL IN THE KNOW".  That being said I was simply surprised to see children playing in what appeared to be pants and shorts but something was really weird about them.  Upon further inspection the pants are crotcheless.  YES, so there is no crotch so that they can handle their business at any time.  NOT LIMITED TO ANY TIME BUT also at ANY PLACE.  It can be inside or out. It can be on the sidewalk or not. It can be in the hotel and it can be on the carpet or in front of the buffett. Ok, so I am really just kind of over it.  I was wondering why every place I went it smelled like a bad urinal. Now I have my answer.  I have never seen anything like it and hope to never again.  It makes sense now why when Maran had to potty once she just stopped where she was and dropped trou.  WHEW... I couldn't get her pants up fast enough and everyone was looking at me like I was beating her.  Sorry, my child does not do that just 'anywhere'.  Brings me to the next thing.... if you are so concerned about your child being cold and being colthed then why are you not concerned about their crotchless pants?  Makes me wonder... actually makes me quite proud that we have things called training pants and true toilets.. not squatty potties.  Maran can NOT flush the toilet enough.  She waves BYE BYE at every flush whether something is going down it or not.  See, I have taught her something! 

Shopping/Playing & Eating A LOT !

We passed our TB Test-- YIPPEE!  Now we have to wait for our consulate appointment and swearing in Ceremony (Wednesday).  We should get Maran's (AVAY's) passport tomorrow.  Still can't come home early though. 

Today when we were shopping Maran took my hand and kissed it & then took David's hand and kissed it.  Of course we just melted (we have done a lot of that lately).  She took a great fall off the bed while we were rough housing and popped right back up.  She put on the feed bag again today and now has decided that hoarding food in her cheeks is her new MO. 

Snickerdoodle Luke Skyped with us this morning.  He was all excited about his train. It is so hard being away from him.  Luckily there is a family here that we have been hanging out with.  The Jensen's from Utah.  They brought their 3 children with them and they have been such a joy to be around.  They are also a great help with Maran. 

Off to bed as we have another busy day tomorrow.  Nothing of significance planned except for finding Lil' Miss Sassafras a pair of shoes for this RED COUCH PHOTO that I have fretted way too much over.  Other than that it will be time for some Maran photos in the park and trying to guess the next realm of delicacies we may come across.  

We were offered OX stomach and Beef today for lunch.  We passed.  Then we were offered Fish Stomach.  Please.  I do think that they need to 're-think their food options' here as Jade (A Jensen child) stated. 

Sweet Dreams to all.  Oh and in case you haven't heard enough about Maran yet she will now blow you a kiss.  So we say "Share the love" and she blows a kiss.  Awww................

Museum Time

Today we enjoyed the Folk Art Museum and Chen Family Temple.  It was nice and full of history.  Our guide Helen is just incredible.  Tomorrow TB test results and more cruising the streets.  Again lots of giggles today and a wide open little girl.  It is amazing that this is the same child that we got just 6 days ago.  We can't feed her enough peanuts and she can put a serious hurt on some noodles.  I think she has gained some weight since we got her.  Her 'hoarding' is not nearly as bad as what it was.  I think she is beginning to trust that Daddy and I are not going to take her toys and her treats.  What a beautiful child this is! 

 Maran (Avay) loves wearing Mommy's glasses

 This picture is actually embroidery.  It takes about two years to do a work like this... all by hand. 

 This is a famous painter in China.  He is working on a piece for us and putting our family name on it.  It was so cool to watch him work.

Chen Family Temple.  It was a truly beautiful place.  The flowers, shrubbery, bonsai and the building itself was breath taking.  Unfortunately this photo doesn't do it much justice.  (No discredit to the photographer).

Maran's Traditional Dress is FINALLY Chosen!

Maran's Traditional Dress for her photo really had us looking.  David decided he wanted her to be in a dress and he wanted it to be blue.  No problem with me.  We have yet to find a color that this kid can't rock.  After about 7 shops we finally found it.  It was far cheaper than the other shops and three times as nice.  We still have to get a pair of traditional shoes that match. We also found many pairs of shoes there for only $5.00.  YES, $5.00.  They were even wide enough to fit her foot.  Shoes have been a big issue for us.  We finally got her to take off her sandals on GOTCHA DAY and have them hidden deep in a suitcase.  Now we need to get her out of the SQUEAKY shoes (original pair we bought).   How something can be so cute and annoying is beyond me (I know I have said that before).  You just have to do it though.  We got a few pairs in larger sizes too. (Squeakies ALREADY removed). No luck in getting her in the US shoes we brought.  Far too small and too confining.  We don't think that her feet hurt her but it hurts us to put shoes on her. We found many trinkets at this store and many future gifts for our little porcelain doll. Bartering here is funner than finding cool junk.  David and I have that system down. 

The GIGGLING LAUGHING girl will NOT nap today and she and Daddy have gone to buy Luke (She calls him Luca) a remote control plane.  Something tells me this is truly for daddy but hey... Boys and their toys! Maran has been a clown all day.  She is quite funny and a character.  She can be so silly (just like me).  She has been FULL THROTTLE wide open the last few hours.  I really think she has a cute personality.  It showed when we were at the orphanage and her BFF Alice got her going.  The two of them together was heaven.  I can see them experiencing a lot of life together.  Their hidden secrets will always be theirs.  I feel better today about leaving Alice. I know she is well cared for but I just wanted her to be hugged and loved.  The affection here exists it is just different than what we are used to.  I told the orphanage director that we would take all the children and I would make sure Alice got to her parents and that the other girl did too.  They laughed at me.  I can't stop thinking of the little boy.  We will e-mail them when we get home and tell them to let us know if his mother decides to give him up.  He has a place in my heart and will always be in it. Enough of that.  

We skyped with Luke this morning and he was so cute.  We can say how handsome and beautiful our children are because 1 -- it's true and 2 -- people don't think that you are totally conceded.  We are so anxious to get home.  We wish that we could change our travel plans to leave early but the flights are so booked due to the trade fairs here, the Asian games starting soon and the huge Golf Tournament that starts next week.  Also, Mickey is waiting for one pretty little girl to arrive next weekend and we can't take that away from her. (She really doesn't know who Mickey and Minnie are but that's soon to change).

Daddy is in heaven.  If he had Luke here then he would really be in FULL heaven.  I knew that a little girl would melt him but didn't know it would be like this.  Believe me, this child has it made.  She will get anything she wants as I am sure most little girls do.  She deserves it.  He is already protective and can't wait for her hair to grow.  He  prefers her in dresses and will not let my tomboy ways rub off on her.  He loves it when the people on the streets stop us to rub her face.  He just gloats.  Such a proud pappa! She calls him BA BA and will run to him.  Today she finally said Ma Ma when she was waving bye to me.  Unlike Luke, she loves to go with either of us and so far has no separation issues.  Luke is quite the opposite (a problem created by us because we have spoiled him rotten). As older parents we admit what we have done wrong and it is easy to do so.....however, we wouldn't do it any different. 

Last night we spent the evening with the Johnson's and their newly adopted daughter Emma.  What a beautiful family.  I admire them and adore them.  They have such open hearts and want nothing more than to give their love.  They are truly inspiring.  We hope their travels home today to Georgia are without any great adventures.  Heaven knows adventure free traveling is NOT OVERRATED!

Tonight is dinner with our guide and the Jensen's. We are looking forward to some Chinese food that we truly know what it is.  (NO FURTHER DETAILS NEEDED THERE). 

 Maran's first STARBUCKS.  ICED LEMON TEA.  Daddy made us drink it super fast before the ice melted.  That was not a problem for us. First on the list when we get to SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT?  A large Diet Coke with Ice! 

 Scorpions... also tonight's soup. Thankfully we will NOT be consuming them. 

 Frogs.  They are going to be soup later.  They are truly on the street as you see. 

 Can we say again how much we love our new room?  The Holiday Inn is the best and the bed is not the softest but much better than the slabs at our last joint.  Come to China... go to Holiday Inn. 

 Maran and her buddy Emma.  Emma will live in Georgia.  They laughed for a long time while looking at the pictures on Daddy's cell phone. Marn LOVED it when she got to one of Luke and would say "LUCA".   We indeed apologize to those who got the 5 am wake up calls.  They were sent with lots of love from two frolicky little girls!

 Just a few of the things that we got today while shopping.  Ok my friends don't zoom in too close becuase I was smart and didn't put all your gifts in the picture so don't waste your time! We found a COOL THOMAS THE TANK Jacket for Snickerdoodle Luke.  Also some nice Burberry outfits for Thanksgiving. 

We clearly went against the norm by not choosing the Dragonfly dress.  Daddy chose the flower dress and it turns out that it is the Traditional Dress from Maran's province -- Guangdong (There are I think 32 provinces here --don't quote me on that). NO BUGS ON HIS DAUGTHERS DRESS!  (sorry I am not savvy enough to figure out how to rotate the picture).

If we are in NATIONAL ENQUIRER please know we didn't do it.

We are not young, we are not blonde and we are not Brad and Angelina.  We do, however, have one of the prettiest children these people have ever seen because our photos are continuously taken.  I asked one man to make sure he 'photoshopped' me before he printed it but he didn't get it.  What gives with these people? 

Maran Gives Me My First Kiss

I could die and go to heaven now... well I would have to hug and Love on Snickerdoodle Luke first but then it would be fine.  How sweet it is to receive a child's love who wants nothing in return except to be loved.  It should all be this SIMPLE!

Lil' Miss Maran's Shell has Cracked! A day full of Grins & Giggles!!

What a difference a few days make.  We were unclear this morning how she would be when she woke up after yesterdays adventures.  She was fine last night at dinner and ate a lot and wanted Daddy to stroll her around.  She will play peep eye with him with "Hello and Hi" but will only do it if I am not around.  Thankfully last night was our last night of sleep on the "GRANITE FOR BEDS" that we have had for the past 5 nights.  Maran (Avay or Ivay)  woke early and went potty and then crawled in the bed with me (Single beds for all whether you want them or not).  She quickly fell back asleep.  I got up to finish packing.  She woke as happy as she could be.  She put on the feed bag for breakfast and was all into every one's business.  She could not take it all in fast enough.  Her wild side from yesterdays orphanage visit obviously carried over.  She knows what "NO" is and when you say it to her she grins and laughs.

She was a true champ at her Doctor's visit.  She had 5 immunization shots and did not cry at all.  That was more than what Daddy and I could say.  It obviously hurt us more than it hurt her.  She was just as good as she could be. Big Brother Luke can learn a little from her.  Dr. Anne would be SO PROUD!  (Our pediatrician is just incredible).  Maran wanted to walk back to the hotel so we took a stroll.  It was such a pretty day.  The "Island" --where we were staying is a nice area.  It reminds me of Europe because many years ago the island is where the Europeans settled.  It is flowery and clean for the most part.  We took some photos around the hotel and left for our 3 minute journey over to the Holiday Inn Guangzhou Shifu.  Our room is huge.  The entrance and foyer is gorgeous.  The bar is large and pretty (and full of Chardonnay too).  The room smells so clean and we are just as happy as we could be.  The bed is heaven on earth!  You can take me out of America but I guess you just can't take the American out of me!  I enjoyed our experience at the "BABY HOTEL" but really like it here.  At the BABY HOTEL you get a special Barbie that is holding her adopted child. You can ONLY get it at the hotel if you are adopting a child and they will not sell them to anyone.  They are in tight with Mattel obviously.  NO Ken allowed there.  (That's what Ken gets for being so nasty in Toy Story 3 -- see it does come back to haunt you).  Of course there is a lot of traditions at the hotel too like the picture/portrait on the red couch and the Swan room which are all nice and lovely but quite frankly you can't beat a good nights sleep.  I don't care how stinkin' cute the pictures are!  (HA HA).  Tomorrow we will do some shopping and kind of hang out. We were told today that we may get her passport earlier than Friday which will be nice.  Apparently we are in a slight break in the Consulate visits so we are getting processed a little faster.  So what does that mean?  NO we can't come home early.  If only.... but we do get to go to Hong Kong earlier than planned via train. THANKFULLY NO PLANES FOR US TILL MONDAY NOVEMBER 1!  That means we can look around the great architectural mecca of Hong Kong a little more which will make David super happy. 

I don't even want to talk about how homesick we are.  We are such good travelers normally and simply LOVE TO GO.  I guess it was the exhaustion we had before we started, add the travel issues and add not seeing our Snickerdoodle Luke for 19 days and you have it all wrapped up. 

Maran Brushes Her Teeth!

Maran decided that she wanted to look at her toothbrush again. She stuck it in her mouth and acted like she was brushing her teeth. (We have made sure that she has watched both of us brush since we got her).  She then took the other toothbrush and tried to stick it in the soap.  She knew she had seen us put something on the brushes and I guess in her mind it was soap.  I quickly got the DORA THE EXPLORER toothpaste and before you know it she was brushing her teeth like a pro.  She even let me help her and I showed her how to do the sides and the top.  She was so excited after she was done.  GRINNING from ear to ear.  She then started pointing to her leg where one of the shots was given.  She allowed me to rub it and to kiss it.  I know it hurts.  It hurt us when we had the flu shot and she had 4 others today plus a TB!  (don't know what was given in the leg).  She will sing when she is being strolled.  She calls David  DA DA and BA BA.  She doesn't call me anything.  She has us both where she wants us. 

Tomorrow we will get her "Chinese Dress" for her pictures.  Daddy has decided he wants a dress and it must be blue.  So blue dress it is.  It will be nice to kind of do nothing tomorrow.  We may head to the zoo or we may not. We will see.  Monday we go back for the TB test results.  Sunday is a tour day of some sort.  We are enjoying our daughter very much.  We wish Luke were here but know that it wouldn't have been a great idea since he is so young.  The other families that have brought older siblings seem to be doing great.  I am sure it does make the transition easier.  We have been so lucky with Maran.  We have seen families whose child does nothing but kick and scream.  We met another family who said that the first two days their child was kicking at the door and screaming uncontrollably.  Our blessings are countless.  It is amazing how much English she already understands.  What a cutie.  We can't wait to share her with everyone.  Onto dinner to feed our little bottomless pit. Seeing her use chopsticks is amazing and beautiful.  She is not afraid to eat anything.  She loves hot soup (heat hot as Chinese children are not into spicy). She will not go near a piece of Pizza so we have some work to do when we get home.  It is sad to see her hoard food the way she does but it is not nearly as bad as it was just three days ago.  Each day is a new adventure, a new discovery and a day of growth.  How incredible is that?  Internet service at this hotel is not nearly as good & it kicks us out a lot so good for you it looks like brevity may have set in!  LUCKY YOU!   I can't wait to tell you about the pants that the kids wear here... uhm..........another blog entry!

Our Visit to the Orphanage & YES all you Alice fans out there we checked on her and she is PERFECT & waiting on Mom, Dad & Big Brother Charlie to come & get her

Today was an early one for us.  We had to meet to go to the orphanage.  I didn't sleep well at all.  I kept listening for Maran to stir and get up to go potty.  I am so concerned about her falling. She falls so easily.  I know that a 'big one' is in the future and I dread the day it happens.  She is such a trooper.  She finally got up around 5 and quickly was back asleep.  The bed here is so hard and I can't lay on my sides for long because my hip starts to hurt.... oh the woes of a weary traveler!  I didn't know how to feel on our journey there.  We were scared, nervous, anxious and ready to see where she has grown up for her whole life.  How can you be all those feelings at once?

THE RIDE THERE:

OK, it was like I was Julia Roberts in her trek in EAT PRAY & LOVE.  If only I looked like her I could have handled it better.  PROMISE YOU NO FIBS that at times we were not even on a road.  It was the bumpiest ride ever.  I was very happy that breakfast really didn't go down this morning because it would have been so ugly had anything of great substance been in the ole' tummy.  We passed billy goats on the road and countless chickens.  There were parts that were so run down and poverty stricken that even I was surprised. Some parts were so beautiful and green that it was simply breathtaking.  Our girl is definitely a mountain girl.  We met for lunch.  OK, back up a few steps.  The orphanage is fairly young and has been around for 5 years.  They have only done domestic adoptions until now.  We are the first international adoption to occur so needless to say it was quite a fanfare. (This should have been the Morrison's and not us but due to paperwork delays for them we got booted in front of them). 

LUNCH:

When we got to lunch Maran heard one of her nannies voices, she popped right up and immediately became teary eyed.  Her nanny came to get her and was crying to.  We enter into a large room and there are many more people there.  The Director of the Orphanage (Who made Maran's Gotcha Day trip) the assistant director, who was at Gotcha day too, two nannies, and a county administrator who handles all the adoptions.  Wow... an impressive group.  Pictures were flashing and food began to show up.  David and I knew then that we were kind of in trouble. We found out pretty quickly that you eat what they give you and when they give you more you eat it too.  So after some Roast Duckling, Roast Pigeon, Roast Port, Noodles, Tofu and a long list of other things our lunch was complete.  Thankfully our guide told them we were not interested in the Fried Beetles and the snake. (Snake truly tastes like chicken but moister).  The nannies feed Maran and get teary eyed... OK so mommy does too. 

MARAN'S FINDING PLACE:

We leave the restaurant and go to the bridge where Maran was found.  I must say that it is a beautiful bridge.  Her mother placed her there because she KNEW that she would be found and found quickly.  It was not as sad as I thought -- in fact it was enlightening.  I always felt in my heart that Maran's biological mother wanted her to be found and now I know that for sure.  We have a copy of the letter that her mother left when she found her and turns out she left 500 Yuan's (Chinese currency) for her to be cared for.  (About $75). 

ORPHANAGE BOUND:

We arrive at the orphanage I am the last one out of the van so I miss Maran going crazy when she sees the rest of her nannies waiting for her. David did get it on video though.  OK so my main concern is to see Alice.  I feel like this little girl is almost mine... like she is my niece.  I see Alice coming down the stairs and I start crying my eyes out.  She is as beautiful as Maran is.  I know that Jennifer won't mind me posting some of her pictures because I have gotten the messages about everyone keeping up with Maran's BFF Alice and those who are following Jen's blog as well.  The reunion was priceless.  Hugging everywhere and then the playing begins.  It was quite obvious that Maran and Alice were the ring leaders.  The true party girls.  The Lord will help us when they become college roomies and sorority sisters.  They handled their own and had a ball.  I gave each of them lollipops and a box of Jelly Belly Jelly beans.  We then gave all the nannies some small gifts.  The orphanage was so clean and well kept (the part we could see).  They allowed us to photograph all the kids and video them.  (I hadn't yet figured out how I was going to video Alice if they had told us no but I knew that I was not leaving that place without some pictures of Alice and footage... it was going to happen whether they wanted it to or not).  I asked about the little boy whom I have always been in love with.  It turns out that he has a mommy who has yet to completely relinquish custody.  So, he is in an orphanage until she decides what she wants to do.  I will not go any further than that because I was ready to take him with us (again not legal but oh well).  All the children were so pretty and you could tell that they were loved.  The nannies would hold them briefly but they were not hugged very much and were never kissed.  The children hugged and kissed each other a lot.  We were told that Chinese do not kiss their kids as much as Americans do.  I find this sad but that's my opinion. 

We did a huge group photo in front of the orphanage and during this time others came by to see what we looked like.  They were told about the plans for Maran's surgery on her legs to fix her Club feet.  They were so excited.  I hope we can get it done sooner than later because I don't want our beautiful little girl to have stitches on her face because she has fallen onto something sharp and believe me this child can fall very fast and you can't catch her.  When we left Maran was not happy.  She screamed and yelled for about a minute.  She kept looking back and our guide kept speaking to her in Cantonese.  She finally calmed down and fell asleep in my arms.  David and I were both crying with her.  I can not imagine how she feels.  She has been ripped away from these people twice now and they are all she has ever known.  When she woke up she grinned and smiled and seemed to be OK.  She ate like crazy at dinner.  She has had her bath and is playing like mad and just crashed into the wall (yes her crashes hurt me more than her).  She tripped on the comforter. 

What a day.  One I am glad is over but one that I am glad we chose to do.  It was as special to them as it was to us.  We are so blessed to have had such wonderful people caring for our daughter and also blessed that her biological mother placed her where she did and even more blessed that the gentleman (whose name we do indeed know now) found her when he did.  We are going to bed now and trying to get a FULL OF ENERGY little girl to go to sleep.  Tomorrow we go to the Dr for her TB test and other various shots.  We then get to move hotels.  We are here during the trade fair and I wouldn't want to pay three times as much for this bed that David says is "only good for flat folding his shirts".  Again we thank you for your messages, e-mails, texts and comments on the blog.  We love hearing from you and you have helped to make this trip bearable.  We skyped with Snickerdoodle Luke earlier and he was so precious.  We have two of the most beautiful children ever. Thank you for loving them as we do!

Sorry the pictures aren't in order but I have to post before the CHINA BLOG POLICE figure out that I can blog from here and shut us down. (Truly I hadn't the strength right now to figure out how to rearrange them.

 The FOUR musketeer's.  Sad but after December the little boy in red will be there all alone. All his buddies will have been picked up and taken to their new homes in America.

 The lady of the hour.... Alice. She is precious and tiny tiny! She is a little shorter than Maran but as skinny as Maran is.  Oh and WHAT A SWEET DISPOSITION! 

 Maran's Bridge.

 Maran falls asleep after leaving her buddies.

 Maran posing in front of her bridge.  (We finally got different shoes on her)

 The Orphanage

They run from the door to this middle section and go around it.  They did this countless times today. If only the calories had been burning off me instead of them!

Some Tears/ Where We Are/ TYPHOON READY/Orphanage Visit

Maran woke up this morning and had to go potty.  We went  two nights in a row with no accidents although we were told that she is not totally potty trained at night.  Beginner's Luck for sure but we will take it.  After a few minutes of being up she looked at me and had the biggest tears coming out of her eyes.  I cried with her.  She just wanted to be held and loved.  She likes being cuddled but I think at times she gets scared because she is not used to it.  She is playing both David and I.  She likes me during her moments of sadness and Daddy when she wants to go super fast in the stroller and go for a walk.  She grins at us often now and we both got our first laughs from her today. Mine occurred in the potty when her skirt fell completely off her and onto the floor. Thankfully it was a "REAL" potty and not a squatter.  She thought it was way too funny that her skirt was on the floor.  She had ice cream twice today.  Vanilla for early in the day and ChocolatE FOR NIGHT TIME. (caps on herE COMPLIMENTS OF MARAN). She LOVES the computer and ANY type gadget!  As the day passed she became more mischievous.  She knows when she is doing right and wrong and right now she is testing the waters.  So far she has won.  Earlier we passed a Starbucks and I had to get something cold.  Just something with a little bit of ice in it.  I got an iced lemon tea... not my first choice but it sounded cold and that was all that mattered.  I gave Maran a sip and it was way too sour for her.  Her expression was priceless... first experience with Lemons ahe?  I drank the tea quickly and then threw the ice and cup away (I didn't want to) as David didn't want me to eat the ice.  OK I let him win.  The stroller has been a gift from heaven.  She LOVES it and wants to be in it alot.  My back is killing me... not cause of her but because the beds we are sleeping on are as hard as granite counter tops.  The hotel has been great.  They totally cater to Adopting parents and are so accommodating. Maran likes watching the other kids play but has been hesitant to participate. (She is quite shy but so flirty at times).  She falls often due to her legs.  It is heartbreaking to see her fall so often. Soon this will not be an issue.  Shoes are such an issue now.  We have found a few pairs but it is very difficult to find some that are wide enough.  (She walks completely on the left side of her foot and she can turn her right foot completely in. We found squeaky shoes that she will wear but wow they are annoying and totally cute at the same time.  We would  have done anything though to get her out of the shoes that she has worn every day since June 23rd (when her birthday care package was received).  Right now we are playing a drawing game.  She will draw something and then I will.  When I draw something she looks at me and giggles. I think that this may be a good game for the plane ride home. 

TYPHOON TIME:

The sandbags have arrived.  Supposedly it will make landfall tonight.  We are 200 KM NW of  Hong Kong.  They are ready to put sandbags wherever they may be needed.  Thankfully we are on the NORTH side of the hotel (that's what David says so that doesn't mean much to me but I am thankful because he is).  We are on an island called Shamian Island (within the city of Guangzhou).  Tomorrow we will go to Huizhou to visit the orphanage.  Train service has been suspended and who knows what else may occur.  Our paperwork for today went well and was non-eventful (whew).  So we passed again today.

MARAN SAYS HI and HELLO:

We were strolling earlier and some people walked by and said Hello in Chinese.  Maran said in reply "Hello, Hi".  She has picked it up from us.  It was so cute.  She has said bye bye since about day 1.  When we flush we say Bye bye ... (I couldn't think of a better way to get her to learn the word). We also wave bye bye. 

      

Singing in the Stroller:

Some of our shyness has left the building as she now will sing in the stroller and often quite loudly.  This is quite interesting since she is such a quiet little girl. 

Orphanage Visit:

We have been very torn about this issue.  We know it will be hard for her to go back.  I don't know that I can NOT SEE where she has been raised for three years of her life.  It was different with Luke because we had the option of paying for him to be in Foster Care and we did.  Also, we have some gifts for the orphanage and the nannies and want to make sure they get them. (This is not a huge deal we know but it is nice to thank them in person for loving our daughter so much).  I also want to see Alice, Maran's BFF. I hope to get some pictures of her and I just want to make sure she is OK ... WHICH I KNOW SHE IS.  Many pros and cons about this issue and I respect all sides of them.  It may be something we regret but just don't know.  Right now I feel it is the right thing.  Tomorrow I may feel different.  Our guide will make sure that Maran knows that she is ours and that we are just going to visit.  Maran is very attentive when she is spoken to.  Her dialect is not what we have learned.  We thought we were learning it but there are apparently a number of versions.  So, as they say "don't kill yourself trying to learn the language"... well, don't.  It is amazing how you are able to communicate with each other.  We have found knowing Potty, Water, Hello, Good Bye, Thank you, hungry and hurt have been beneficial. 

Off to bed to try to get a toddler asleep.  We have to get up early tomorrow for our drive to the Orphanage. It should take about 2 1/2 hours.  Hopefully it will not be horrible weather. 

Again many thanks for your comments and E-mails.  We have never been so homesick.  We miss Luke terribly and can't wait to have a big ole' steak.  We know he is in good hands but that doesn't make us miss the Snickerdoodle any less.  

Hugs from China.  Many families are traveling in the next few days to get here or try to get home so we pray for them to get home safely and that they be granted many traveling mercies.  It is getting extremely windy here and the feeling outside reminds me so much of Hurricane Hugo.  I know everything will be fine! 

PROMISE TO POST MORE PICTURES TOMORROW... .she gets prettier by the day!

Other things we have Learned while we Have Been here

1.  Budweiser is the King of Beers

2.  Carry your own tissue with you as you never know when your option may be a hole (aka squatter) and there is no supply of tissue in them.

3.  Covering your mouth is too much of an effort so therefore it is not done.

4.  Saying "BLESS YOU" gets you the look of evil.  OK I will keep my "BLESS YOU'S" to myself.

5.  Coke Light is sold out so you have to drink Coke Zero.  Excuse me, how do you sell out of Coke Light?  (Yes this is an issue for us... especially David but he is coping)

6.  Staring is the norm.

7.  Mass humanity is the norm. If you don't do crowds then I have no advice for you.

She loves looking at the fish in the in door river and Waterfall. 

8.  Traffic --OK put Boston and Atlanta together throw in a little LA and you have the traffic here.

Now that things have settled down we are looking forward to embracing where we are.  I have never traveled somewhere and NOT done that and don't feel that now is the time to start.  There is so much culture here.  The area we are in is quite lovely.  Flowers are beautiful and such vibrant colors.  We are looking forward to finding Maran's China outfit for her picture on the "COUCH".  This is a tradition that all babies adopted from here and who stay at the White Swan do.  We are looking forward to it.  There are a ton of shops around here and what a surprise they are ALL looking to help you with these outfits!  So convenient!  Everyone stops us and tells us how beautiful our daughter is.  Our guide even told us that she is 'prettier' than most of the children.  We are bias but we agree. She has such an angelic look to her and her dimple is just to die for.  Her skin is such a pretty color.  I think she will have thin hair but it is hard to tell right now.  It has been shaved so much that you never know.  Onto learning more things.  We will eat at the Thai restaurant later. Yes, come to China and eat Thai!  Go figure........