the Velcro Baby Cometh

Sorry it has been 2 days since I posted but D has become quite the velcro baby. I can't put her down or get more than 6 inches from her without her having a total meltdown. This makes typing (along with everything else) rather challenging. It is really a good sign that she has begun bonding with me but it is challenging nonetheless. She became so upset yesterday when I went to take a shower that she cried until she threw up. We will work through it- it will take some time.

On Saturday, Kaige had some work things to do so we ventured out without her. We went to the Bell and Drum Towers and were able to tour them. While we were waiting on the street for Grandma and Grandpa we had many Chinese women come up to fuss over the boys. One began to talk to D (who was facing away from her) and when D turned to look at her the woman was shocked to see she was Chinese. We were finally able to explain we are adopting her and will take her back to America with us. Everyone is so nice and despite the fact we don't know a word of Mandarin they are very patient with us while we muddle through. We had lunch at McDonald's which was the high point of the kids' day. For dinner, Kaige took us to a dumpling restaruant, which was not the high point of the kids' day (they ended up having peanut butter and crackers in the room) After dinner, we walked down the Muslim street, which was full of culinary delights that we were not nearly brave enough to try. I was able to get 2 tradiitonal teapots, one for us and one to save for D. I love walking out at night- the city is so alive but, except for maybe a pickpocket or two, very safe for us. There is a real sense of community here- I wish our neighborhood was like that.

On Sunday, we went to the Provincal museum to see artifacts dating back thousands of years. Then we went for a walk on the old city wall. The Xi'an City wall dates back to the first emporers and is the best preserved city wall in China. It really is kind of cool. It is much wider than the Great Wall and we were about the only people walking on it (of course that might be becasue it was 95 degreres and sunny) We walked along on side ot the wall before getting too hot and heading back to the hotel and pool.

Hopefully, we will getting our forms back from the notary today and we will be close to receiving her passport. While we are having a nice time and learning about China and this area- we are ready to head to Guangzhou and then home.