tidbits

We haven't been posting to the blog as much as we had hoped. Mainly, when we have time, which is after K is down for the night, we talk about the day and fall into bed tired. Also, the internet connection is slow and putting a post out requires more time than usual. But here are some tidbits of times that will stand out in our memory over the past two days...

Medical Exam - Most of the babies in our group received IV's before we received them. We were told they were sick and we are guessing they were hydrated through an IV. Really don't know but when we showed up for the medical exam K took one look at the doctor wearing a mask and had a melt down. The exam itself is fast and not invasive. We are shuttled through three rooms. One room weighs and measures, one room looks at ears, mouth and sees if she can track objects with her eyes. And the last was listening to her heart and checking her belly and body out. In all, took about 10 minutes. One doctor told me "she has two teeth". I had to correct him, she has 6 teeth. Like I said, not an in depth exam. Thankfully the doctors back home don't wear masks and I hope this will help make future exams a more pleasant experience.

Shopping - customer service at a new level. The minute you walk into a store at least two people will attach themselves to you and constantly show you stuff, tell you about stuff and in between it all ask the same questions you have heard from every other store attendant. "Oh, you have a pretty baby, where is she from?" "How old is she?" "How long are you staying here?" At one point I turned to both the ladies that were trailing me and said "I really like to shop alone" and they said "yes, yes, okay" and proceeded to still show me stuff, get in my face and play with K so much she had another melt down. Someone needs to tell the shop attendants we would buy so much more if they left us in peace but we understand why they are pushing their wares. Our guide tells us that adoption here has slowed so much and these shops are struggling because of it. Most of the shops on the island cater to us adoptive families. Baby items galore. Alot of stores have shut down due to the slowdown in adoptions. Girls stand on corners and when they see you ask if they can take you to their shop. Its very interesting but tiring after awhile.

Food - Most of our group agrees that the food in Changsha was better than the food here on the island. The food here is not spicy. The people here feel that being by the water provides enough "spice" in their lives and in order to ying/yang the food can not be spicy also. But we've had some standout dishes. Everyone that tried the pigeon said it was good, even the head. Thank that stars I'm a vegetarian - no pigeon head for me. Had a nice red bean, mango dish that I know I'll be trying to duplicate once home.

In other updates: Captains back is about the same. Still managing with drugs. He has a doctors appt lined up for the next day he is back. K is doing well but super attached to me. Makes it difficult at times but we are hanging in there. We both miss M big time and can't wait to be home.

Miss ice cubes in drinks, not worrying about water, cooler weather and our big soft bed.....