Today we visited Baiyun Mountain Park (in the northern section of Guangzhou) which contained a lot of interesting trees, bamboo, and naturalized (and native) vegetation. Within the park was Birdcage Natural Habitat (i.e., Aviary), including endangered and other unique birds. Especially amazing was the Red-crowned Crane (a bird we have only read about): it is a feature of many Chinese paintings and other art, representing longevity. I love birds, as you know, and cranes are amazing (Mom, if you are reading this, I know you are happy and jealous!). The image above was made in tile, and depicts a national park to the north, Huangshan (and it's famous "welcoming pine"; Huangshan is Yosemite's sister park). Interestingly, the birds and nature seems to capture the attention of The Little One. She stayed awake the entire time, and her eyes were wide open. After coming home, we went for a short walk on Shamian Island. We happened upon a store that sold artwork and objects-of-art to help disabled children. It was unique, in our (minimal) experience in that it also had lots of antique items, particularly embroidery and fabric items. We purchased an interesting handmade fabric dragon (not pictured; maybe tomorrow), and the shopkeeper let us take a picture of Willow wearing a hat which she said was 200 years old. It was beautiful, and we were fortunate to have the perfect baby to model it.
Last night was a rough night for the little bubelah. She awoke twice, and screamed and writhed uncontrollably (a bad dream? grieving? both?). But, alas, when morning came we discovered a new child. Her awareness and "fun-ness" peaked this evening. We got a much larger glimpse into the child we have adopted (laughing, modeling our behavior, drumming, making sounds ... and generally being more adorable than we could stand). She never shut down today; but remained very aware, or very asleep. I wonder what tonight will yield? I'm tired, and my body aches (from wearing her all the time; she loves playing with Chris, and being fed by Chris, but she will only tolerate me carrying her).
The last picture includes our now-sleeping cherub in a baby sleeping sack/comforter which we purchased yesterday for about $17 USD. They gave us a nice discount and said it was because they were so happy we had adopted a baby with a special need. Anyway, the baby sleeper is filled with that interesting gel-type down alternative, and is very puffy (with an intricate assortment of zippers and places for the baby to slip her arms through, staying completely covered all night long--those of you who have adopted from, or shopped in, China can intimately understand how intricate and practical these products often are).
Thanks to all of you who have sent us emails and posted comments. Glad to know you are enjoying Meryl & Chris' Amazing Adventure.
1 comment:
Meryl, oh how I know that crying. Our girls did it at nap time and bedtime for the first three months they were home. It was bone-chilling and nothing would comfort them. I was surprised none of the neighbors called the cops!
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