Sick Boy

Finn woke this morning with a high fever. We have been pumping him full of medication all day and it seems to be helping. He has a nasty cough, very runny nose, and all the meds are upsetting his little tummy. Eliza has a cough too. Adoption time is tough on their little bodies…emotional, stressful, exciting.

We stayed close to the hotel today. Did a little window shopping, and finally had our Starbucks coffee. We had hoped to go off Shamian Island and visit a recommended park, but Finn was just too sick. Maybe he will feel better tomorrow and we can get out a little more.

The heat is really something. We can only tolerate short bouts outdoors. It is absolutely stifling. The second the kids get outside their hair is wet with sweat. Finn’s little head glistens and Eliza’s head drips. Yesterday Eliza said “my head must be sad….it keeps crying. Mom, that’s a joke”.

At dinner tonight there was some interaction between the kids that did not include the words “don’t, stop, or NO!” They sat across the table from each other and made faces and silly sounds. They both giggled. Hooray! I know we should not encourage blowing raspberries at the dinner table, but positive interaction is worth it!

As I type this I am listening to the blessing of the going to sleep sounds of our children. I hear their whispering and breathing (coughing, hacking and sniffling). I am enjoying it very much! They are great kids. Finn is in his little crib settling in and fighting sleep. Eliza is in a rectangular nest of a bed on the floor sucking her finger…much like it will be at home (hopefully without the colds, and ear infection). Finn just announced his fading into sleep with quite “bye-bye”. Two minutes later he is out.

Kyle: During naptime today I went for a walk around the neighborhood near our hotel and there were sites’a’plenty. Just outside the hotel was a determined exercising lady with perfect balance. Next door was a very pragmatic liquor/doll store. Then I wandered through a pedestrian only neighborhood of ancient looking 4-story walk-ups. Most entry doors are gated with bamboo and have little red incense burners nearby. One place had a small dog in a cage not much larger than himself. Like Eliza, the dog did not like to be photographed by strangers…I passed by quickly. In front of one place were a bunch of river oysters set out to dry. What a fun place to visit.

Happy birthday, Mom. Love you.