Two things I never want to hear again in Mandarin: Bu yao (don't want) and Ge wo (Give me). I think Xiaozi says those two things more than everything else put together. I know he only has a few words and phrases that he knows we'll understand... But still, I'll be a happy woman if I never hear those two again.
He has added "More" and ""Please" to his sign language repetoire. Now we need to work on "Thank you". He's understanding more and more of what we say. Frighteningly smart. Still yelling "Hi" and Bye-bye to anyone who will listen.
Today, joy of joys, the sun came out for the first time in days. It was so clear you could see mountains in the distance. And the temp. went up into the high sixties. For our group tour, we went to a beautiful gardens. (I'll post pictures tomorrow) Xiaozi happily stayed in the stroller for most of the visit, and didn't freak out too much when someone other than Mama pushed the stroller. He loved it when Allie would push, and race him into the back of Daddy's legs with a crash. Daddy got tired of that after four or five good hits. Xiaozi also sat in a bus seat with Allie with Mama and Daddy behind them. Awesome! They are behaving like any brother and sister, arguing over toys, parents' attention, etc. But Xiaozi is starting to relax around the rest of the family, not just Mama. I even left John and the two kids in the White Swan playroom and did a little shopping on my own. Heaven! It was such a beautiful day, I went back early and dragged them all to the playground. This time, Xiaozi climbed up the steps and went down the slide. Over and over, and over. Stood his ground when bigger kids tried to push him out of the way, refused to hold Allie's hand while going down the slide... Happy as a clam.
Tomorrow we head to his orphanage. I don't know what to expect. Will he think we're bringing him back to stay? And will that make him happy or sad? Will he be glad when we all leave together? Should make for an interesting day.
Must go to sleep. Yesterday we got totally off our normal schedule and the kids didn't nap til 3:30pm. They didn't go to sleep that night until 10:30pm and they were up at 7am. Mommy and Daddy need more sleep than that.
Gaylynn, John wants to know if you have a hi def DVD player, Blu ray or just a normal DVD player!
Erik and TC, we'll call you when we get home, before you leave. It will be nice having time to bond with your new little one, without the demands of Jie-jie!
Miss you all!
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Glad the sun came out and allowed you all to fully enjoy your time. AND it sounds like you all are enjoying each other. What a wonderful experience you are having and what wonderful memories you are creating.
ReplyDeleteDi & John--I'm enjoying keeping up with you all.
ReplyDeleteMy friend Martha's brother & his family are currently in China adopting a 3 year old girl. Here's there blog--are they in your group?
http://journeytoquinnjournal.blogspot.com/
If so, small world!
Dianne,
ReplyDeleteIt is just a normal DVD player. Thanks so much!
Gaylynn
Di and John,
ReplyDeleteI am beginning to realize that you will be home soon. When would you like me to come peep through your windows - March 14-15 or March 21-22. As the representative of the Schrader family, I promise not to be "Favorite Auntie Camera Eye" and despite Elliott's pleading, I won't let Elliott bring his baseball bat and balls to show Xiaozi. I'll be good and won't wear out my welcome. Promise.
Forgot to mention, I can't imagine what the orphanage visit will be like. It is bound to be very emotional though. Take lots of pictures if they let you. (However, I think by the time that you read this you will already be back.)
ReplyDeleteYou guys are doing awesome!!!! I can't wait to see you when you get home.
ReplyDelete