An appropriate summary of the day. The boy is doing phenomenal. Thank you for the continued prayers. We ended the day with Caleb awake and the other two children in bed. (FYI for adoptive parents traveling with children: get two rooms or a suite. We had two because of a Chinese law prohibiting more than four people from occupying one room. We are so thankful for that law - and you will be, too. I know that much of the world lives, sleeps, eats, plays, and works in a space smaller than most American bedrooms. This time in your life is not the time to make the point that you can do that, too. The reality is that we need more elbow room, and if you want to preserve your sanity, and enjoy some moments like this, you will need the space afforded by two rooms or a suite. Check with your agency's booking agent to see what deals are out there. Sometimes suites are a better bargain than two adjoining rooms. Also, get some stacking blocks when you get to China, or bring some with you. I've read numerous blog posts about new children being taken in by these. Stacking blocks seem to be the universal baby toy.)
This was the first time that he was content to have us near him instead of attached to him. He played with stacking blocks and a rattle for some time on the bed. Then he began to crawl around the bed, exploring his new territory. Eventually, he made it onto the floor, and "helped" us to pack as any baby would - by trying to unpack anything that he could get his hands on. The significance of this for us is that he is beginning to put his world together - he feels safe in our presence, and ready to explore and take in the immediate world around him. I've got to say that I am pretty impressed with the boy. God is certainly good to us.
In addition to Caleb putting some developmental pieces together, we were able to put some pieces of his life together, as well. We visited the orphanage that took him in, and infant room where he resided for several weeks before he went into foster care. While the staff does an incredible job there and loves those children with everything they have, words cannot begin to describe the gift Caleb's foster mother gave to him. We are not able to meet the foster parents, but we were able to meet the nurse who was his primary caretaker in the orphanage. She remembered him, and is a retired director of pediatric nursing and was quite sought after in her retirement. Somehow, it just didn't seem right to post those pics. Sorry; I know you'll understand. 
In addition to the orphanage pictured above, we also drove by the hospital where Caleb was abandoned. The importance of all of this is for Caleb's future. For while he will know that he is part of our family, he will also know that his origins are different. The photos taken today will help him to see and understand where he first came from. I remember the countless hours looking at my own baby books that my mom so patiently put together. We can only hope that what we learned today will serve him well as he grows. It was also important for us to know and see as much of his beginnings as we are able to find out. It was tough, but not nearly as difficult or heartwrenching as I thought it would be. I almost didn't go, but am glad I did. 
On a totally lighter note, we went to this Pagoda that is three blocks from our hotel. It is one of the three most important sites in Chinese history. Who would have known!! I have no idea what the other two sites are, nor do I know why this is number three. Never the less, it is called the TengWan Pagoda. The coolest part was getting Abbie and Collin dressed up in these traditional outfits and letting them sit in the dragon chair. Like Abbie needs anymore help in thinking that she is a princess. Unlike the pictures I just took for Caleb, I think I will hide Abbie's until she is twenty five. I think she is trying to corner the market on the whole princess thing. Isn't that what nine year olds do?
After climbing the Pagoda, they found a huge polished marble Yin-Yang emblem on the ground of the courtyard. Who would have known that a polished marble Yin-Yang is good for sliding, playing and general frivolity? They seem to be having a great time here.
Final bonus of the day. Since it is our last night in Nanchang, we celebrated. We went to a really nice Chinese restaurant: like private dining room, slate floors, classically modern, private bathroom in your private dining room, view overlooking the river, more servers than you knew what to do with - that kind of nice. Fifteen of us ate our fill, enjoyed the perfect amount of liquid refreshment, and spent less than $50 for all of us; not per person. In the states $50 wouldn't even cover the beer. I love Nanchang!!
Tomorrow morning we are off to Guangzhou for the last leg in our paper chase. Lot's of downtime, but also several important appointments at the American Consulate to pick up immigration paperwork. Another bonus is that I can finally wear shorts. While many of you might not think it such a big idea, this Floridian hardly goes three days without flip flops and shorts. My legs itch from wearing long pants for so long. But now I am whining, so it is time for bed. It is 11:30, and we have to be on the bus at 7:00 AM. Must sleep. Good night, and please keep us in your prayers. 
