{China #5} A Much Better Day

First of all, we want to thank each and every one of you that has commented on the blog and prayed for us.  This area is NOT very touristy and we are the only Americans at our hotel and possibly the only Americans in this area.  It’s SO nice to read the comments every morning and to feel connected to our family and friends.  Thank you for your encouragement!

Emerson woke up early this morning and wanted to wake up Chase, but I came out and gave her something to eat and she did take a nice long drink, too (huge praise!  We were concerned about her getting dehydrated).  We went down for breakfast and the same as yesterday….lots of crying, sad crying.  But at least we have been able to figure out a few foods that she will eat during breakfast.  She seemed to do better when feeding herself.  And also same as yesterday, Chase was able to get her to start giggling a bit towards the end of breakfast with his bouncy ball.

We came back up to our room and every time we get to the room, Emerson starts crying and doesn’t want to come in.  We were able to skype with my parents and the kids for the first time since we left home!!!  Emerson cried a good portion of that time, so Jeff took her out to the hallway so that I could continue to talk.

Today was a free day, so Jeff and I knew that we needed to get out and keep busy.  No tour guide today.  We ventured out a few blocks away to a supermarket and had fun looking around and buying a few items.  It gives us something to do.  Emerson hung out in the stroller and was content to watch all the “action”(if you can call it action).  She likes to go out and has, thus far, been very content while we’ve been out and about.  We checked out the local restaurants and had to try McDonald’s. ☺  Yep, double cheeseburgers taste the same in China!  We also tried ordering chicken nuggets, but got some fried mystery meat that we decided not to eat.  Unfortunately, we left our camera at the hotel, so we don’t have pictures of that part of the day.  But we plan to go back at some point.  

We came back to the hotel so Chase could work on some homework.  Emerson wasn’t very happy, so I took her for a stroller ride.  We walked for about a half hour down the street, while Emerson jabbered to herself.  She was quite pleased to be out and about.  When I came back, I put her down for an hour long nap.  

{Always watching Chase - even when he's doing homework!}

{Ready to go on a walk with Mommy}

When she woke up, we headed down to the pool so Chase & Jeff could go swimming.  In talking to our tour guide, she had warned us that swimming caps are required, that you’re not supposed to jump into the pool and that the “baby” shouldn’t swim because she might catch a cold.  So obviously, that was a cultural oops we made with Abram last time.  The pool was more of a lap pool than a swimming pool for kids to play in, which was a disappointment for Chase.  And the “hot” tub was NOT hot!  Another disappointment.  But Emerson loved watching them swim.  She is very curious and inquisitive in a very quiet way.  While walking back to the elevator I put my hand out for Emerson to hold (not expecting her to), but she reached up and held my hand for just a few seconds.  When we got back to the hotel room, she did not cry this time.  

{Swimming}

For supper we ventured out to a “Hong Kong” restaurant (that was the name of it) about a 5 minute walk away.  We saw a street vendor selling huge steamed buns (this is a family favorite) – we were SO tempted to buy some as they looked delicious, but heeded the warnings of our head, rather than following our stomachs.  Emerson did VERY well at supper time, eating a fair amount and not crying once!  Then we headed for McDonald’s for ice cream cones!  (3 cones for about $1.25 total!)  Once again, she did not cry when we returned to our room.  

{Heading out for supper}

{Steamed buns at a street vendor}

{Emerson trying to feed herself with chopsticks}

{Ice Cream at McDonald's}

We were determined to give her a bath tonight.  Chase put on his swim trunks and got in the tub and showed her the toys we brought.  She fought us removing her clothes and her pink coat which has become her security blanket.  But once she got in, she did pretty good, even playing a little.  

Finally before bed, we watched a little of the Olympics…curling (of all the events to be on during prime time!)…it was China vs. USA.  Oh so exciting to watch…it would have helped if we understood the rules and the scoring!! 

{watching the Olympics}

A couple of random side notes about today.  Emerson repeated “uh-oh” today and also mimicked Chase, taking his pencil and writing on his math book.  She also took the pencil sharpener and a pencil and although she didn’t put the pencil in the sharpener hole, she did make the twisting motion.  She is very observant and is quick to catch on…she seems to be a smart little cookie!

{Figuring out the Pencil Sharpener}

{Already learning the iPhone}

Today has been MUCH better than yesterday.  Thanks for praying for her and for us – we need them!