Our local guide Linda and I took Gage for his physical at 7:45 this morning. I felt bad waking him up so early since we were up until about 1 AM with the long flight etc. I also felt bad waking him because he is so cute when he sleeps! He did fine with all aspects of the physical, but it turned out he needed 4 immunizations. I was really anxious about it because he has been through so much, but Linda told me she had already told him about it (in Mandarin) and he was perfectly composed. The nurse made a big production of the preparation of the syringes, medicines and all. (I much prefer it when they bring it in on a tray all ready to go.) He watched without any apparent nervousness and actually smiled through some of it. The first 3 shots were fine and he did make a bit of a face on the fourth one telling Linda it hurt. This was amazing to me because certain of my older children (and you know who you are) have resorted to hiding under the doctor's desk or even running into the parking lot wearing a hospital gown when an injection was mentioned.
Tonight at dinner, I was practicing pronouncing some Mandarin phrases with Gage and he was in hysterics. Kathy had made up a list for us of common phrases so we could survive without her (we can't) and the staff in the restaurant was having a good old time looking at it and enjoying Gage's laugher. When we first tried to study Mandarin, I thought it might not be too hard since there are no verb tenses, but the tonal part of it is a killer. Speaking of Kathy, she called tonight to check on us and we miss her all the more. We are very lucky that she has two sisters living in LA and will surely visit us in California some time. She took a special liking to Gage as all of you will!
Dave and the boys are down in the game room of the hotel. It has pool and some arcade games I think. Gage was blown away when he saw it this afternoon and kept reminding us it opened at 5:30. He didn't know what to call it, just kept saying "5:30." We went to the pool today - yes, the fabulous pool with the waterfall at the White Swan - and bought Gage some water wings. He is timid in the water, but very interested in learning so we will arrange lessons for him when we get home. There are so many things he has never had a chance to do or to learn. Jake has noticed that he changes his mind a lot and we are assuming that is because he has had so few choices in his life that decisions can be hard to make. On the other hand, he really knows his way around Dalian which is a very sophisticated city so he has had some nice experiences outside of the orphanage too. It seems that philanthropic groups in Dalian provide some great outings for the children.
We did lots of walking in the markets today which was awesome. I especially loved the pearl market and Linda had a certain vendor to recommend. There were many pets for sale in the markets and Jake tried to hatch a scheme related to turtles and the indoor ponds at the White Swan. He seemed to think he would be doing something benevolent for the turtles, but we weren't buying it.
Tomorrow will be a sightseeing day and our guide will go to the US consulate and get Gage's visa. I'm amazed that we don't have to do some of these things ourselves, but I'm not complaining! Love to blessings to all.
3 comments:
Love checking in on your blog! Your photos are great and I really love reading about how things are going. Having two adoptions - an infant and a toddler, which were both so different, it is really intersting to read about your experience with Gage being so much older! I am so overjoyed that things are going so well and I can't wait to read what he thinks about California!
(Kimberly - AH mom)
Wow what a brave man you have there to take 4 shots like that! Made his Mama proud I'm sure!
Pam (Dalian Group)
Barb,
This has been so wonderful following your family's amazing journey. An experience of a lifetime seems like an understatement. By the way--your restaurant stories were priceless! I am so excited Gage is finally coming home. I can't wait to meet him and see all of you in Dec. Best wishes for safe and healthy travels.
Allison
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