Cow and Bridge

Last night we went to the Thai restaurant---Cow and Bridge. It was very good, although I still say the Chinese restaurant across the street from the White Swan is the best meal we've had in China. The Cow and Bridge is beside Beatrice grocery, about 4 blocks from the hotel. It was full of adoptive families, and got so loud with talking, and babies babbling, that Amelia became a little alarmed and wanted to be held. Talk about over stimulation.

Afterwards, we walked along the park and watched several more young brides getting photographed, and finished up our shopping. For Amelia we got: 2 traditional Chinese dresses, one for now and one for the 2nd birthday, squeeky shoes, a double happiness lantern, some decorative fans, a baby doll with chinese passport, a child size Chinese umbrella with painted plum blossoms, a granite etching of her sweet baby face, a nice quality porcelin tea set, jade bracelet, and a strand of pearls for her 18th birthday.

and of course...........the "Coming Home Barbie" which is a gift from the White Swan Hotel to all adoptive families. Its a blonde barbie holding a Chinese baby. cute.

The first few days I had her, I was so homesick. I just wanted to become a mom in familiar surroundings, you know? make bottles with safe water in my own kitchen, sleep in my own bed, have my mom and friends and pediatrician a phone call away.

By the 4th day though, I started looking around and thinking, you know..........this is such a cool experience, and I'm not going to wish it away! plus, by then, I was really getting some confidence in my ability to do this mommy thing well. After that, I've had a wonderful time. I'll never forget these 2 weeks in China. If you think about it, in some ways, its the perfect way to bond with a new baby. There's no laundry to do, no cooking, no cleaning, this is all done for you. Dont feel like going out for dinner? order Danny's bagel for western food delivered to your door. Just poke you head out the hotel room door, and there's a staff member asking what you need. Matter of fact, all you have to do in China is eat, sleep and nurture that baby.........no distractions.

We are still happy to be coming home tomorrow, even though we've had a great time. A hotel room gets small after 2weeks, and I cant wait to introduce Amelia to her life back home. Little does she know, she has a puppy dog, and kitty cat, and her own room!