Wrapping up March 18

Zoe is sleeping *again* so I have a bit of bloggy time.

I love how everyone comments on how beautiful she is. The
pediatrician, the notary, the lady at the registrar's office and
people on the street. They probably tell that to everyone, but it
makes me deliriously happy anyway.

The pediatrician visit went well. He told us she has a cold and will
get us medicine. We had heard a sneeze or two, saw one great big
boogie and heard a lilttle congestion this morning, but aside from
that we thought she was fine. She gives no indication of feeling any
discomfort, but the Dr. said her throat was red and I think he heard
more congestion in her chest.

A little later, Jeff was feeling exhausted, so I strapped Zoe in the
ergo and away we went on a little adventure. I haven't left the hotel
without the group since we arrived in Nanchang, so I was feeling very
brave! We wandered around outside the hotel and I think Zoe was
grateful for the change of scenery. We found a little grocery store
around the corner and decided to have a look. Hooray, I found Oreos!
I didn't buy them because I'm already so much bigger than anyone here,
and I didn't want the sales staff thinking, "fat American woman can't
lay off the Oreos"

Actually the staff was really very nice. They went on and on about
Zoe. Everyone comments on her mouth. That it is beautiful by Chinese
traditional standards. Also, we learned that the flat heads the
babies all have is considered very beautiful by the people in this
area. Our guide told us it makes a woman's ponytail more beautiful.
Zoe's head is flat-ish, but nothing like some of the other's we have
seen.

At the store I was looking for wipes and tried to ask the sales woman
by gesturing a wiping motion. She didn't get it. I said thank you
anyway and started to walk away. She found me a few minutes later
with a pack in her hand. So very nice. I also bought some baby food.
Zoe's not really ready for solids. I chose something called "mixed
vegetable paste" It smelled like franco american spaghetti, but you
have never seen a happier Mom then me when Zoe gobbled it down.
(gobbled down for Zoe, I mean...she's not very excited about food,
which is strange because she's a hefty little thing) I was getting
worried because she hasn't eaten or drunk much at all. But after a
full belly of vegetable paste, she went out like a light.

That is where we are now. Zoe is zonked and Jeff is watching HBO.
Our group is taking a walk to the park and I think I will go ahead and
go with them to find out where it is.

They're meeting in the lobby in 4 minutes, so I better scoot. More
pictures later....promise!

*Later same day*
The park is awesome! I can't wait to go back with Jeff and Zoe. Lots
of room to walk around. Gardens, lakes, and even a carnival quality
merry-go-round and dinky roller coaster. There is a big exercise area
with equipment that older people were working out on and kids were
playing on. There were also peddle boats for rent on the lake. Zoe
likes being outside so much, so I think we will rent a stroller from
the hotel and take her there for a lovely walk after breakfast
tomorrow.

The rest of the group is going to Hengfeng tomorrow. I would really
like to go, but it is a 3 hour drive each way. They will spend about
and hour looking around the town and we were advised not to eat lunch
there so to bring snacks. Jeff is not feeling well, so he won't be
going and I don't think I should leave Zoe for 7-8 hours with a sick
Jeff. I would take her with me, but ugh! We're not allowed to go
into the orphanage itself, and besides Zoe wasn't there anyway. I
wouldn't want to run into Zoe's foster mother either. I would like to
meet her alone, but not with Zoe. They really discourage contact
between foster and adoptive parents.

After the park, I picked up Zoe and went to the nearest restaurant for
a Chinese dinner. It was very good but difficult to navigate with a
baby on my lap. Jeff stayed behind to nurse this illness he has going
on. Hopefully, some good rest and relaxation will take care of him

I didn't take any picture today because I either had a dead battery or
left the camera behind. I will put up one more cutie from the other
day, though.