As you can see, Abby is such a helper with Matthew. Here she is feeding him pumpkin soup. Right after the picture was taken he grabbed the spoon from her and she realized just how strong he can be! Tonight we had our first meal at an Italian restaurant - it was delicious! The chef is really Italian. Not sure how you end up in China with an Italian restaurant - I am sure there is an interesting story behind it.
We spent the morning at the hotel with quite a bit of time spent in the playroom. Matthew stood on his own for like 4 seconds. Might not seem like very long, but again huge steps for him. It is so exciting to see him getting stronger everyday. Honestly, he eats like a little piggie, but we let him because we know he can use it all.
Our excitement for the day was going to the Jade and Pearl Market. Inside the Jade market there are over 1,000 little shops all selling jade. It was overwhelming to say the least. Raymond , our guide said to bargain down - to start at under 50% and then you can work your way up to 50% of the cost. He said not to be embarassed to say no and leave and then they might call you back and reoffer. I have no problem saying no and walking away, but it is a little harder when you want Abby to pick something she likes and then you end up walking away. We bought her one jade heart to wear on a string for a necklace. I was not interested in pearls so we went to the second floor where they had other kinds of stones - I got a few things, quite cheap in American dollars and I bargained and never paid full price. I was helping Mom bargain and the woman would not go lower so I told Mom to walk away. Then I felt kind of bad because the woman didn't call us back and then we thought about the price and it was like $3. But you get into the bargaining and then you want them to go for your price.
Matthew was so content all day - he went in the stroller and was happy for the 2 + hours that we were at the markets. He woke up this morning in the best mood and it just stayed all day. He took one good nap - we usually have to wake him up after like 2 hours, so that he isn't up all night. He seems to like his new squeaky shoes and did quite a bit of walking in them today.
We were riding the elevator up to our room this morning and we saw a family get on and they were eating ice cream bars, so we asked where we could get some later. We got off the elevator and then Rob said, "Was that boy wearing a Brewer shirt?" I realized he was and it hadn't even occurred to me for it to be weird- not an uncommon sight back in Milwaukee. Luckily we ran into them tonight again and it turns out they live in Elkhorn, but they used to live in Tosa! It's a small world!
3 1/2 days to go!
Sorry for the view - for some reason the posting will not let me put spaces betweent he paragraphs. :(
3 comments:
Good morning.
Brrrrrrrrr. It's cold here again. After church and breakfast, I plan to go see the "boys".
Matthew seems to be very long (in addition to being very handsome). Glad to hear the daily progress he is making. He looks like one happy little man.
Abby, we are so proud of you. You are a GREAT big sister. Keep up the good work and help mom, dad and Grandma S.
Badgers won. Hopefully Packers will beat the Bears today.
An Italian restaurant?? I bet Abby had pasta.
Miss you. 4 and 1/2 days for us, but who's counting? WE ARE.
xoxo
Grandma and Grandpa Buettner
Uncle Wayne and Aunt Kathy are so proud of you Abby. You are a great big sister to little Matthew.
Glad to see that Matthew is making such good progress and that he is looking stronger each day.
Forgot to mention before CONGRATULATIONS ROB AND WENDY. Your new son is just beautiful.
Are looking forward to meeting Matthew.
Love and hugs to you all
Love the White Swan pics - great memories! And love the stories of Matthew and Abby. It seems they were definitely meant to be brother and sister. Our best wishes for more fun in Guangzhou and an easy trip home. Thanks for sharing.
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