Typical 6 and Miscellaneous

Mark Writing, Tuesday Noon, Monday evening Spokane:



Amy is becoming more comfortable with us which means a greater ability to express affection, pleasure and displeasure. This was the case yesterday when the time came for either her to win or me to win. It was a "yes I love you, and no you can't have your own way" moment or should I say hour and a half!. She knew what she had to do and did not want to do it. Both of us expressed our will and daddy won. When it was all over, it was over and today is a new day and things are fine. I do think it was an important event. I am glad it happened here without the distraction of home and other kids. For me it was an expected and important event. I do feel that Amy was the princess of the orphanage from what we saw and heard at the orphanage.



We've had some interesting times with our wonderful and wise guide David. Discussions have included the cultural revolution in China, the great famines during the Mao era, minimum wage, health care, Mao's wife who was a real tyrant and lots of other stuff. We have been the only group here and we have had him all to ourselves.


Teri writing now - Mark is tired
Amy is enjoying the pool, a puzzle of China, bacon, french toast, orange juice and has a Matthew like aversion to most things fruit-like. Except for the Litche fruit which apparent is slightly toxic. She loves her "adoption "Barbie doll which is gift to all adoptive families from the White Swan Hotel- a very classic blonde Barbie with a Chinese baby in her arms - Mark says I am not quite living up to the standard. She will fit in with those of you who like to window shop and has a broad appetite for most any goods. Mark's favorite clothing store is the "Mexican" shop. It sells casual sportswear typical of polo or the like. The names for stores are to funny to the westerner.



We went on a dinner cruise on the Pearl river and sat in the VIP Dining Room. we were entertained by a tenor sax and violin player. The Pearl is beautiful at night with the shore line and trees a lit up with colorful lights and there is a light show with music accompaniment. We had a bottle of wine and it was a great end to a very hard day, frankly. Amy had three tough temper tantrums and decided yesterday morning, after her first one that was precipitated by a language breakdown with me, that Mark is her favorite. Our guide even tried to intervene and help understand what she wanted but at that point she was beyond rationalizing with or even consoling - Our guide said she just was mad. Fortunately, Mark handled the long second one to try and let her know I wasn't the bad guy - I was grateful - but it didn't change much. She is fine with me know but has pegged me as the caretaker, teacher, reader and dad is the fun playmate and "carry me whenever I want" guy. (Not too different from the perception of young biological children - yes?) Its and injustice I tell you, but I am sure when we get home things will settle in just fine. Anyway - While we still miss our kids terribly, it is definitely good for us to be able to work through some of this with her on our own .

Today we walked to the local open market - whewy - that was an experience!!!!! The pictures will tell all.

we miss you all
Teri