One Week Anniversary

Hello!

We hope that this finds you all doing well and getting ready for Easter.

Today is our one week anniversary together. Of course we are all still getting used to our new life and figuring out the necessary routines, but in many ways it seems like Joey has been with us for much longer...like it or not, he's just one of us now. As Joey becomes more familiar with us, he also becomes louder! It appears he is feeling more comfortable expressing himself...a good sign I'm sure. One rule we have established is "where Joey goes the Cheerios go". Its the best pacifier we could have.

Today we went to a wholesale pearl and jade market. It was in a mall and took about 20 minutes to get there by foot. Because it was drizzling it became necessary for Joey to wear his red Wisconsin baseball cap. He didn't mind it because papa was wearing his. We took a taxi home but the markets we passed on the way provided quite an educational experience and were more of an "eye opener" than the shops on the island where we are staying. I believe the street we traveled represented some sort of a medicinal farmer's market as it was very interesting to see all of the vendors selling their goods (scorpions, rabbits, medicine, fish, puppies, etc.). Once you walk through approximately a mile or so of vendors, you hit a very large open area. Standing in this area you could see both the poorer housing and fabulous high rises. This area had a large video/tv screen as well as huge bill boards, KFC, McDonalds etc. We attempted to stimulate the economy by leaving a few green backs behind!

Joey was very good throughout the 3-hour excursion. Gratefully, he continues to do well in the hip hammock. He was fascinated by the external glass elevators in the mall and clapped each time they stopped at a floor. Makes for cheap entertainment. We ate at McDonald's for lunch (and it never tasted so good). Upon our return from the pearl market we took a taxi back to the Grand Mall Dept store for more groceries 'cause little Joey can really eat and we needed to prepare for tomorrow's big day.

Actually, he continues to be a delight. We are always laughing at him as he mimics everything we do (like wearing the baseball hat). He tries to mimic some words too, but that seems more difficult for him. With time, that will come too. We're told by our Guide (Grace) that he probably did not have a lot of people talking to him in the orphanage...the Nannies just didn't have that much time. Also, he was probably in a room with other children who were younger, so the conversations were most likely "beneath" him!

Tomorrow is our trip to his orphanage. It will be a 3-hour (round trip) bus ride, but we will be gone all day. Tom and I will probably take turns going inside, as we don't want the little guy to get confused as to why we are there. Could be an emotional day.

Well, Tom's putting Joey down now (he didn't have a nap today) so should hopefully be quick, since the little fella is tired. Will report back later.

MB