Shopping and bonding

Today we spent a few hours shopping in a big pedestrian mall called Bejing Road. We can confirm that it's easy to spend money here, just like it is everywhere... We got all sorts of fun gifts and things, many very inexpensive, although even in Yuan (which it takes 8 of to make a dollar) after while it does start adding up. We also got some very cute baby books in a children's bookstore that have pictures and words in both English and Chinese.

In the markets, the Chinese people are very friendly and very excited to see Chloe. Many of the shop girls came up to us, and some even held Chloe and played with her. Older people also smile at us and come up to make what seem like positive comments (although obviously we can't understand what they are...). Today one older Chinese lady was watching me hold and bounce Chloe, and when I brought Chloe over to where she was sitting so she could look and smile at her, she said some things and made some motions, and then gave me a big smile and a "thumbs up"! It was very cute.

Mostly from now until I (Scott) fly back on Sunday night, the time is about bonding with Chloe. She's already at the point where she seems to not like it much if we try to put her down -- she likes being held and carried around. We've struggled a little with feeding, because they eat hot bottles (we never warmed Caleb's -- so much easier!) that have a combo of formula and rice cereal in them. So, all the parents have to cut larger holes in the bottle nipples to get things at the right speed. Obviously, either too fast or too slow doesn't work, so we are keeping the nipple companies in business over here. But, we have a few "good" nipples and she seems to be eating, at least some, although obviously we don't know yet what's "normal" for her.

Of course, we both miss Caleb terribly. The reports we are getting from my sister is that he's doing well and enjoying the time with his cousin Parker, so, maybe (I am hoping) it's harder on us than it is on him. But, I can't wait to get back to see him and play with him again.