Laughter Lives Here: China Day 8 – Shamian Island Shopping Fun

Today was another good day. We continue to enjoy this child more and more. She has her moments, but with everything she has been through, we are just amazed at how she handles things. Now, she does take some really long naps in the afternoon, but I think it is her body’s reaction to stress.

Our day started with a bus ride to Shamian Island with the other adoptive families in our group. When we traveled here in 2008, we stayed on Shamian Island so we have a lot of good memories there. The shops have all changed since we were here last as the main hotel used by adoptive families has been closed for renovation for over a year and doesn’t look like it will reopen anytime soon. We enjoyed finding new shops to visit regardless. After a very sweaty morning, we had lunch at Lucy’s. Lucy’s has a mix of more American foods as well as Chinese options. When we were here previously, we ate a lot of meals at Lucy’s

After lunch we caught a cab back to the hotel and Stella began another massive nap. We woke her up for dinner and then played a bit in the hotel garden. Now she is bathed and ready for bed. All is well!

She is already learning English. Just a few minutes ago she said, “I love you!” Now, I did say it first, but she knows what it means and she said it in English. We’ve been saying it in Mandarin for days, so it was fun to hear it in my language. This girl is so much fun! She giggles! Oh my goodness she giggles and belly laughs. We have so much fun with her. And she speaks endlessly to us, but we don’t understand any of it. She is quite passionate about whatever she is saying. We love this child. And when she sleeps, so peaceful, so sweet.

When we ichat with the other kids, she is very much connected to Kate. She doesn’t always want to talk to the boys, but she loves to talk to Kate. She calls for her when Kate isn’t on the screen. It really is precious, especially given how long Kate has waited for a sister. I hope this continues once we are home too.

Speaking of, we are getting closer and closer to coming home. Tomorrow is a free day. We plan to spend some time in the park and possibly more shopping. We might do some swimming. Its nice to have options beyond sitting in the hotel room.

Eating lunch at Lucy’s