China Day 17

Sorry for the delay in this post. We have had a rough two nights...not much sleeping going on here. 

So Day 17 was Saturday here in China. We met our guide and the 10 other Lifeline/Small World families in the lobby at 9:30 and headed to the medical exam. Each child had to go to 3 stations and then if they were over 2 they had to go to a 4th station to have their blood drawn to check for TB. Both of our kiddo's did great with each exam, Julia had the Dr.'s laughing and JT had them talking about how blue he is/was. The only traumatic event was when Julia had to have her blood taken. They do not allow families in the room with the child when this takes place...but I'm pretty sure everyone heard her scream. She was sobbing uncontrollably when she emerged from the room and kept showing me her owie on her arm. Poor sweet baby. 

That afternoon Aaron met the guides and other families in a meeting room to go over paperwork. I stayed with the kids, and then got an adventuresome spirit and decided to go shopping with my mom to look for a swimsuit for Julia (I left hers at home). According to the front desk, we could find children's swimsuits at the Friendship store across the street. Well, across the street is not just across the street in China. You could not just "cross the street". So my mom, pushing the stroller, and me, with JT in the carrier and holding Julia's hand ventured under the street and emerged in a location that did not look like "across the street". No big deal, right? We finally did find our way around to the store, and then went from floor to floor describing what we wanted and being pointed in different directions. We eventually did find a swimsuit, and some snacks, drinks and other baby necessities we actually needed.

Last night we ordered Pizza Hut for dinner. This was almost comfort food. Our amazing little man decided to show off and finally accepted some solid type food! Until now, he has only eaten formula with mushed up cracker type things in it and some baby food. But last night, he grabbed for my pizza over and over and when I offered him a little bit I had torn off he opened his mouth! Then, I cried. Each new step he takes seems like the biggest miracle. It is so amazing to witness. He proceeded to eat a few bites of the pizza and then I fed him a whole cheese breadstick, little pinches at a time. He actually made some chewing motions though...and then later he bit off several pieces of a crunchy stick snack of Julia's that was dipped in chocolate. 

Mrs. Julia has made progress in her language and she continues to be such a happy little girl, except for a few tears here and there. She is a sassy, wild, loud little girl! Oh how I wish I understood everything she was saying! 

Just a few pictures...

This is JT holding my hand hostage with the bits of pizza on it :)

This little chickie loves to take pictures with my phone or her sister's iPod. 

And sometimes I can get her to smile without her little "pose". She has the most beautiful smile.