Joey turns "21"

Hello:

Joey is a happy, healthy, 21-months old today. Translated, he's on the move all day long! (Even if he doesn't want a nap, Mom & Dad could use one.) Just as we talk about getting him into a routine while we're here, the agency offers another tour and we hate to miss the opportunity to see more of China. So, any sense of "normalcy" is becoming difficult. (Starting Saturday, we will finally be able to try to get him on a routine in his new home!)

We continue to enjoy the confines of our four walls (and our beautiful view). One would think that with two adults and one small child, that keeping watch over his active little life would be easy. I'm not sure if our minds wander, we day dream, or are simply tired, but all of a sudden we'll here the toilet flush! We rush to the bathroom door to hear Joey saying "no, no, no" while waving his finger at the handle of the porcelain bowl! Then he looks over and gives us this big grin! (I think he's mocking me.) I always figured that I'd be the disciplinarian in the family, as Tom really hasn't even taught the dog to obey, but I have a harder time keeping a straight face than Tom. It's been suggested that I use a stricter tone when disciplining Joey as well...I'm always ready to break into a smile or simply laugh out loud at anything he does. Who would have thought...

It is amazing to watch all 16 children in our adoption group transform into active kids with new found personalities. Every parent has commented on how their little one has "come out of their shell" in recent days. What a difference a little one-on-one attention makes in these little peoples' lives. (Their much bolder personalities should make for interesting airplane rides home across the Pacific!)

Well, the weather is warming up here so hope to hit the pool again this week. Tomorrow's itinerary includes a trip to the Baiyun Mountain Park.

Can't wait to be home and have you meet Joey,

mb, tom, and baby kirsch