Another Day in Paradise

It’s almost like we are getting into a routine with Caleb. We are getting to know his idiosyncrasies, his preferences, and his signals. He is also starting to learn ours. We are so glad that we have photos and this blog to remind us of what he was like just a week ago. His personality is blossoming right before our eyes. I now remember our Nanchang guide, Lisa, telling us that this would happen, and I had no idea how right she was. Simply put, Caleb just fits with us. It is amazing to see. Tonight when we were out strolling and walking, Caleb was out of his carrier and we were just letting him walk and play. A really nice Chinese lady came up to say hello. She tried to pick him up and he freaked out. While most parents would be encouraging their children to be more friendly, at this stage in Caleb’s transition into our family it is a good thing. It is indicative that he feels safe and secure around us, and currently has no interest in “mommy shopping.” He knows where his bread is buttered – and he knows where he is loved. This is a good thing. Whether or not this will change when we return home and he discovers that ice cream and Cheetos are not part of the Harris family daily diet remains to be seen.

Today wasn’t the most exciting day, which was kind of nice. Mer took Caleb for his medical exam, and another dad and I took our other kids swimming. Well... we watched them swim. I think that all children under the age of ten years old are part Polar Bear. Even though it is warm here, the pool water is not heated and it is still early spring. It was way to cold for us dads. The kids didn’t seem to mind. Caleb’s medical exam went smashingly well. He has grown four centimeters (about 1 ½ inches) since his last exam prior to adoption.

In addition, we participated in some sort of adoption tradition here at the White Swan Hotel. They have these red couches that they use for the Red Couch Photos. This is where all the adopted children are dressed in their traditional Chinese outfits and placed on the couch for a photo shoot. How anyone has ever managed to get this picture to work is beyond me. To call it organized chaos is a tremendously exaggerated compliment. We ended up with the Mom and Adopted Children Red Couch Photo. It is a cool idea that looks much better on paper than in practice.

The cool thing that came out of this experience, was that I discovered another Hollywood look. From this angle, doesn’t he look like the dude from Kung Fu with that long wispy hair on the back of his head? Who would have thought we could have such a multifaceted little personality.

Two more days in Guangzhou, and we will be flying home. Can’t wait to see our friends and family.