Shopping & Down Time

Sunday (yesterday here), we went to a wholesale pearl market. Guangzhou is known for its pearls. This is just one row in the store we went into - there were at least six aisles like this of pearls of every size, shape, color, and quality. You pick the strand you want and they string them for you. We bought Maddie a pearl necklace and earrings for her wedding day. Now that's thinking ahead!

Below is a photo from the 5th floor of the wholesale market. This entire mall is nothing but jewelry - in bulk! We got some really good deals on jewelry. Most of the shops are pearls, but there are also a few others... jade, agate, silver, gold, etc. You name it, when it comes to jewelry, it can be found here.

Maddie's little (BIG) personality is really starting to shine through. She is so cuddly and lovey one minute, and the next, she's on the move... gotta be bouncing, busy, engaged in some manner. The first day we had her, she could barely lift her head when lying on her stomach. She also had very limited use of her arms. Now, we put her on the floor on her back and she immediately rolls over, pushes herself up on her arms, and looks around. She has also learned how to propel herself forward by using her legs. She'll probably be crawling by the time we get home or soon after.

Maddie is teething and in so much pain some of the time. There are a few things that make the shrieking return - one of them is when we put Orajel on her gums. She does NOT like that! However, it is a necessary evil and she usually calms down after a minute or two. She chews on anything she can get ahold of... yes, even her dad's toe! YUK!!! She still does not like to get to the end of a bottle either. That too upsets her a LOT!

Maddie is starting to sit with less and less support. The high chairs in restaurants here are not made for infants who cannot support themselves and she had a very difficult time in them the first few days. Last night at dinner, she sat in her highchair like a champ. She is really starting to balance herself well.

The bonding is going very well. She is no longer avoiding eye contact with us. The first few days, she would make brief eye contact, but then quickly look away. Now, she makes eye contact with us for extended periods of time. This is a really good sign of attachment. At first, the only way she would go to sleep was to be put in her crib and she would lull or fuss herself to sleep. She did not like to be held when she was tired. Now, she won't go to sleep unless I rock her and sing to her. We'll work on falling asleep without the rocking once we get home. For now, however, that bonding time is way to precious to not take advantage of it.

It has been chilly and rainy here so we are all fighting colds and sore throats. Thanks for your continued prayers during our journey.

Much love from Guangzhou,

Beth, Doug, Maddie, and Grandma Jo