Nanchang...Tengwang Pavilion

Another full day for us…the kiddies are tucked into bed, and Glen Mum and I won’t be far behind as we are exhausted.

The group went to do some ‘touristy’ stuff today.  First we visited the Tengwang Pavilion…absolutely beautiful and amazing in the way of architecture, and from the top we got a great ‘smoggy’ view of Nanchang.  On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a porcelain store…Thea’s birth province (Jiangxi) is known best for their high quality porcelain, it was all so beautiful and we bought some pieces as a keepsake for our girl. 

Everywhere we go we are stared at…and I mean stared at blatantly!!  It is so bizarre how the Chinese will come right up beside you and just stare…and take lots of pictures of us.  I’m starting to get used to it a bit…kind of feels like the paparazzi follows us wherever we go.  Many are smiling and just interested…but there are also the ones that look at our beautiful girl and give a bad look like they wonder why we would want her.  Makes me so sad, and so very thankful that we are bringing her to a place where she will be loved, accepted, and not judged because of her cleft.

Mataeus has made a new friend.  One of the other families we are now traveling with have a 7 year old daughter named Holly.  So wonderful for them!  They spent most of the day together…hanging out during the tours, swimming in the pool, and then enjoying the ‘Children’s Day’ event held here in our hotel.  China does not celebrate a Mother’s Day…but June 1^st is Children’s Day.  Fun for Mataeus and Holly to be a part of the celebration.  They drew pictures of a pagoda and then all the kids pics were judged…although Mataeus and Holly didn’t win, they were given a gift and an honourable mention for being here from Canada! J 

Tonight our guide took the group for a Chinese meal at a restaurant within walking to our hotel.  It was by far the best meal we have had since arriving…so yummy!  We have also discovered that our miss Thea loves to eat ‘real food’ and not just mush…she devoured 2 bowls of rice with vegetable broth mixed in..easily eating more than her big brother!!!  Although those that know Mataeus will know that eating more than him is not hard…lol

Thea is getting more and more outgoing.  There is an open space for babies to play on one of the floors in the hotel.  We took her there after supper and she was crawling all over and pulling herself up on things, and walking along the small tables etc.  When I call to her and ask her for a kiss…she would quickly crawl to me and lean in…love that!!  Also at dinner, I gave her a spoon to hold onto while I fed her…I asked her if mommy could have a bite, and she put the spoon to my mouth!! Can’t believe how quickly she is understanding us!  She loves to clap her hands to copy Mataeus...and was full of silliness and smiles today

Better get to bed…love to you all!

Gayle J