March 6, 2:00 p.m.
Big news of the day: We received our first kiss from Abby this morning. Yes, that did make our day and inspired me to write. It was just a little one, on the lips, but it was big to us. First, mommy; then daddy, and even Ana got a little one. Who knows, maybe she had an itch on her lip, but we'll take it as a kiss anyway.
We've received several emails asking why we have not posted anything the last two days. Well, we had forgotten how much time -- and energy -- it takes to care for a baby. It's wonderful, though, and we're falling into a nice routine. Steve, Trevor and Ana are at the park, hopefully swinging by Starbucks on the way back to the hotel with my latte. Abby Lin is napping, which is giving me time to write.
This morning, our group took the subway to the decorative arts museum in Guangzhou. The subway was so clean you could eat off the floors. It had flat screen TVs in the station and in the cars. The museum was beautiful and the architecture quite ornate...filled with hand-carved wooden structures and gardens. We went to a tea house, where Ana and Abby tasted their first Chinese tea. For lunch, we went to an old favorite -- McDonalds. Who can resist McDonalds at least once while in China?
During the past couple of days we had to do some "official adoption" business, such as getting Abby's passport and visa photos taken and bringing her for a medical exam. Our only other official business will be the middle of next week when we have our U.S. embassy appointment. Till then, we're bonding with Abby and enjoying the sights, food and people of Guangzhou.
Abby is truly like a little China doll. Physically, she is so tiny that she really seems like a doll. She is very quiet, but seems pretty happy. Her laugh is contagious, and she loves when daddy throws her up in the air or mommy tickles her feet. Her favorite toys so far, besides for the Disney princess figures, are her hair brush, a Doodle Pro, balls and a telephone that Uncle Trevor bought her. She hasn't yet warmed up to stuffed animals or dolls, but we know for sure that's in her future. (Actually, Ana was slow to warm up to both those things as well...now she can't get enough. In fact, Uncle Trevor bought Ana two Chinese barbie dolls last night, Ruby and Luck.) Abby is very regimented, loves routine. She lets you change her, cut her nails, put her down for a nap, brush her teeth with no problem at all. We're hoping she brings some routine and discipline into the Sewell household.
Ana is having a ball. She is completely comfortable here in China. Actually, too comfortable. You would think she lived here forever, making new friends everyday. She is a blessing to travel with. Ana has particularly enjoyed seeing the brides having their photographs taken in the park. Loves those fancy dresses. Ana wanted us to tell everyone that she likes her new baby sister and she wants to keep her.
By the way, I did learn how to spell "diaper" since my last blog. Oh, so much to learn.
Yeah...an update! :-) You all look great. I'm glad to hear that things are going well. It sounds like you are going to be paying an excess luggage charge on the way home though, with all those toys and souvenirs you are getting beyond a baby! I'm enjoying your descriptions of all you are doing too. China was never really on my list of places I wanted to see/travel to, but you are increasing my interest. Can't wait to see you guys. Tell Ana that the Self's said hello....and Laura Nell Walker and Anna Brittain also said hi. I showed them your blog last night at the dance studio and they couldn't help smiling either. Take care!
ReplyDeleteIf you ever get the chance to be adopted by the Steve and Linda, like I have this week, take it! On behalf of Ana and Abby, we couldn't ask for better caretakers!
ReplyDeleteIf you know them, you love them, and you know they have a rare yin and yang connection which gives me hope that my other is out there somewhere. Abby, who is so introspective, calm and cool (unless there is food involved!) could provide an interesting, similar balance to big sister's 100mph personality (we're joking about the fun Linda and Ana will have when Ana's 15...). Who knows, these are early days... it's gonna be fun to watch! I'm sorry I'll miss the day-to-day fun.
I've had such a great time this week being Uncle T - the wacky uncle role suits me. Despite a ban on buying new dolls, I shamelessly tried to buy my way into Ana's heart with two new dolls! She saw right through it, but I'm still trying to build some credits. There is at least one more doll coming, but don't tell Steve and Linda!
Ana and I have had a couple fun adventures on our own while mom and dad were with Abby. She's one of the most creative people I know! She's spinning yarns and creating scenarios with her dolls (like playing adoption agency) which could be developed into screen plays... I should be taking notes.
You know Steve and Linda never do anything 50% - you'd all love to see them in action, making sure everything is perfect for Abby, and giving Ana ownership and making sure she knows how special she is, despite this new situation of having to share the attention.
And like many parents with their second child, they know you can't plan for everything and are rolling with the punches like champs! Yes, even Linda!
My poor Chinese has helped us at restaurants, but the real linguist is Steve, who speaks baby talk fluently, unabashedly, chasing Abby around the halls, making her squeal with laughter.
Is 39 too late to be adopted? I'll have to check... anything is possible in China.
What's clear is that Ana and Abby are the luckiest girls on the planet!
Uncle T
Dear Uncle Trevor,
ReplyDeleteYou have been such a wonderful part of the Sewell family adventure, and you will forever be part of our little girls' lives. We were so blessed to have you with us on this journey. Who else would have gone on runs for Chinese Barbie dolls, diapers, Starbucks and champagne. We love you dearly, and we're considering adoption you. Linda, Steve, Ana and Abby
Linda, Steve, Ana, Abby, and now, Trevor:
ReplyDeleteReading your blog is one of the highlights of my day! In fact, our family looks at the pictures sometimes more than once a day. We'd love to be there experiencing all this too, but your posts make it seem as if we are. Isn't adoption magical?
We hope all the official adoptions stuff goes very smoothly.
By the way, in your last blog you talked about Abby being more drawn to Steve. Anna-Li bonded with Mark a few days before she cared much for me. Apparently at first the kids are in such shock that they reject the mom since she reminds them of their nannies. Most of them have never seen many men, so the contrast is somehow more comforting to them.
But, if you guys already got kisses, you must be on your way!
Take care,
Lori, Mark and girls
Hi Lori, Mark & girls,
ReplyDeleteAs I was completing an earlier comment back to you, the computer went down. I realized Abby was standing by my side and pushed the computer button to off. Already competing for my time! We miss you all so much and look forward to sharing in the next chapters of this journey with you. Please let us know if there is anything you'd like us to bring home for you that you regretted not getting when you were here. Much love to Anna-Li from Ana.