Having Fun in Guangzhou

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog! We had a full day yesterday with the flight and getting settled in here in Guangzhou.

The biggest news with Lilly the past 2 days is that she has become quite the daddy's girl! All day yesterday, Lilly wanted nothing but for daddy to hold her. Tom had the pleasure of holding her the entire flight (she slept until lunch arrived) and pretty much the rest of the day as we settled into the beautiful White Swan Hotel on Shamian Island here in Guanzhou. Mommy was feeling a little hurt in the morning, but I soon realized that she was a happy girl, and it was relaxing to know that she was starting to feel a sense of trust and relaxation around us.

Last night we explored the island a little, had dinner at the famous Lucy's Cafe (a local restaurant that serves a wide variety of western and Asian foods), found Starbucks, and started scouting out prices for souvenir items the kids have been eyeing ever since Beijing.

We had a great night's sleep (Lilly was up to go potty only twice), and got to savor the White Swan breakfast feast sitting by the gigantic windows right on the Pearl River. This hotel is pretty much "adoption central," as all American adoptive families and some other nationalities have to come through Guangzhou to acquire visas for their babies. So it's very common to see mixed race families wandering around the island.

After breakfast today, we went on a city tour to the local Buddhist temple, an art museum, and an arts and crafts shop. It was a great morning, then back to the hotel for some noodles for Lilly and a (too short) nap. We are about to venture back out for some shopping before going to get Lilly's visa photo taken.

I feel as if we are starting to turn a corner with Lilly. Today, she has been willing to go to either mommy or daddy (still slightly prefers daddy), and she is much quicker with a smile and even some giggles. She is showing a lot more interest in toys rather than just foods, and it is fun to play with her as she stacks and nests the stacking cups we brought. She is also stqarting to look at the books we brought and color with the colow wonder markers. Still not much interest in stuffed animals or dolls.

We are also noticing that she is starting to fill out a little. Her face and legs are getting a little rounder!

Lilly reveals more and more how smart she is each day. Yesterday, Tom was fiddling with the TV in the room to see if we could connect my ipod to it, when Lilly came over and handed him the remote as if to say "here, Dad, this is how you turn it on!"

Jared and Anna are definitely nearing the end of their excitement at being away from home. Their tolerance for each other is growing shorter. Actually, truth be told, as much fun as we are having in China, the thought of being home in just 5 days is absolutely thrilling to all of us!! Too bad there is a nearly 24-hour travel day between here and there!

Thanks for all your prayers! Enjoy the photos and video.of Lilly using chopsticks to eat her noodles!