Today, we decided to jump into life as a family of three. After being holed up in our room all day yesterday following registration, we were more than ready to get some (not so fresh) air, and enjoy the day. We ran into the two other adoptive families at breakfast in the hotel this morning– one of them being the folks I had contacted prior to China, and the other family being a kind young couple from Holland who we met during placement. (It’s amazing how much of a bonding experience it can be when you watch someone meet their long-awaited child for the first time! The four of us sat nervously around in the waiting room on placement day practically jumping out of our seats every time the door opened.)
Although our guide was understandably concerned about taking Alexander out for the day given his feeding needs, we decided that we might as well just go for it. He was incredible during our first family roadtrip to Pingyao, a UNESCO world heritage site. I’ll let you check Wikipedia for the details, but the basics is that the architecture dates back more than 2,500 years and is still occupied by residents. The two of us switched off hauling Alexander in our carrier, and he did great.
View from the temple top– a scary, scary climb when you’ve got a kid strapped to your chest
Checking out the lobby of a local Pingyao hotel
Original architecture
Original wall of Pingyao
We aren’t conspicuous at all!
Beautiful old alleyways
Standing in front of the original bank of China. Yes, for all of China!
Another first we had today was our first “on the fly” changing experience. Believe it or not, in Pingyao, the bathrooms (public and private) aren’t exactly suited for diaper changing. Moreover, in Chinese culture, young children generally don’t wear diapers. The youngest often walk around without pants at all, and children of crawling/walking age wear split pants– yes, they’re exactly what they sound like. We wondered when we met Alexander whether he would arrive with split pants, but the welfare institute put him in diapers for the journey to us. Anyhow… we ended up changing Alexander in the middle of Pingyao on the side of a street with a bit of an audience (two Westerners with a Chinese child with a cleft in diapers… what!?!?!) Let’s just say it was memorable! Luckily, we had our little man almost completely covered up (poor hot thing), so all the local tourists cooed over our son instead of lecturing us in Mandarin in proper child-dressing etiquette.
One thing I was hoping to do was attempt a bit of haggling while shopping. After being given the green light with our guide that it was suitable in the shops we were near, I was successful in knocking down the price of a few items. Alexander was the perfect assistant by beginning to whine during negotiations– anything to get those people out of the store! Thanks, son!
The Kelly men after a long day
El Tigre after a long day in the carrier
All in all, today was a great first family outing. We’re taking every tiny victory- especially when they end with our son smiling!
Showers and manicures
It all sounds so great! And Alexander seems very content with the two of you. Smart and flexible – great combo.
Brian, I love your hat. I makes you fit right in. Who would know that you’re an American? Kathleen, your continuous smile shows your joy. Stay happy, mom.
What an interesting city. It must have been fun walking around.
Don’t forget, John Zaar goes into his Cursillo tomorrow evening – along with Uncle Paul. Say a prayer.
Our prayers are continuing as we dodge the raindrops here.
Kathleen! Susan shared this with me and I am so happy that she did!
What an amazing experience. Alexander is such a cutie pie and you are a beautiful family. I am so happy for you and wishing you a safe and “quick” flight home!
Brian and Kathleen,
You are naturals as parents. How blessed you three are in finding each other!
You are all officially refrigerator art.
I just can’t get over it – he’s such a cutie!! Glad he’s taking well to the carrier! Very interesting (and kinda gross) about the diapers. Is he used to wearing them?
LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures! Especially Kathleen & baby Alexander in their towel-heads! 🙂 Keep ’em coming…so happy for you!
Looks like a fun first day of family activity! Brian, you most definitely blend in perfectly with the locals in that hat. We can’t wait to hear how you’re spending your 32nd birthday K! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this all with us.
Pat says ‘can’t wait to see you at home…all the normal things.’ James says ‘ahgoo. ‘ HUGS!!
In reply to James, Alexander says “lalala”.
So happy to hear your first family outing went so well! That is so bizarre about the diaper thing!!! These pictures are precious! He is so cute!! Thanks for all the updates.
You both look so natural as parents. You are doing a great job and Alexander is adorable. He seems pretty calm and easy going. You are I our prayers.
Kathleen – hope you’re having a wonderful birthday!!!
Happy Birthday, Kathleen!
Not only do we love reading your blog entries, but we love the comments! We’re so happy for your new family and also for the proud grandparents, aunts and uncles waiting back at home.
We’ve been showing your pictures to Benjamin and he’s been very interested. He kept returning to the picture of Brian and Alexander asleep in the car, and noticed that he has the same dinosaur pajamas that Alexander is sporting in the last picture. We’re so happy for you and look forward to the day (whenever it may be) when we can all meet your beautiful son!