January 24th - Shopping & Cold

Disclaimer:  Apologies for typos.  I will go back and proofread my posts when I get home.  The jet lag was more difficult to get over (mostly because Elise has had issues, therefore we had issues) than anticipated.  I have just started to feel human again and just in time to leave on Thursday! 

Sunday was technically an "off-day" meaning that we didn't have anything necessary for the adoption processing.  It was very cold here (around freezing) so we didn't want to spend a long time in the elements especially without our winter coats.  

We spent the morning at the hotel followed by a couple of shopping excursions.

Starting off the morning right!  The little guy LOVES pancakes and can really put them away.  He also enjoys peaches and plain yogurt.  I share these details because we are truly amazing by his openness for western food.  Many other families are not experiencing this - their kids reject Western food for the Chinese food that they are familiar with. We are REALLY lucky!  He's eating like a typical American kid so his food transition appears to be great!  I look forward to hearing from the pediatrician and CHOP regarding his nutrition as we prep for the palate surgery.

 Couldn't post a picture about eating without sharing one of Elise eating her pancake.  She's doing better, especially when she gets her afternoon nap.  The feeding situation - Drew DOES eat more than her.  We need her to continue to eat so she can put some meat on her 27 lb frame.

Had to snap this quick picture outside of the hotel restaurant.  Drew is rocking his dinosaur-inspired hoodie.  He didn't seem to mind the hood being up.  I think it has something to do with how his foster mom kept him bundled.  We put it up for the meal because it is uncomfortably cold in the restaurant.  

Elise has enjoyed the lack of competition with other siblings to push all the elevator buttons and open the hotel doors.  She really enjoys staying in hotel - says it's the best thing about the trip.

While we've been gone, we've stayed in touch with family via Facetime and skype.  It's been a lot of fun to share Drew with them.  Here's a picture of us face-timing Brett.  Drew will imitiate what he sees in the phone, especially when you wave at him or cover your mouth with your hand.  A couple of times we've face-timed both Brett and Regan at the same time so our entire family was all "together."  

We headed out briefly to pick up a couple of items that we needed.  We took the awesome subway to the China Plaza underground mall.  Here are the kids on the train.  Even though the cars were full, people were very kind to stand up so Elise had a seat.  

While in the mall, we took a few shots while Derek ran to get the baby wipes. Drew had so much fun he fell asleep while Elise enjoyed looking at these plaster creatures in the middle of the mall walkways.  

 We had to snap a quick picture of this store.  Reminded us of friends back home.  I wonder if they are related?

Here we are heading back to the hotel.  These are shots of the entrance and platform.  This is truly the nicest subway we've ever ridden.  So clean, safe (glass doors ensure no accidental track falls), and easy to maneuver. 

In the mid-afternoon, we joined other Holt families in a trip to the pearl market and nearby jade market.  Our memory of the pearl market was very positive - a clean and well lit mall.  When we arrived, we were shocked - I'm not sure they've cleaned it since the last time we were there.  We were eager to leave.  

We then headed outside to the jade market around the corner.  It was all outdoor.  Of course, Elise fell asleep so I had the privilege to carry her everywhere.  

We walked past a Buddhist temple.  We wanted to go inside but there was a big step that I didn't want to have to deal with the stroller and sleeping child...so I took a quick picture of it.  

It was so cold outside that we sought refuge in the dirty pearl market until it was time for the shuttle.  

We had dinner in the hotel restaurant again.  We are getting very tired of buffet meals.  At this dining experience, we finally noticed something odd:  the adults dining in the restaurant wore their winter coats at the dinner table.  We took a picture of Elise smiling with her ice cream (yes, ice cream - I asked her if she really wanted it because it was so cold inside) so it was less conspicuous that we were taking a picture of the restaurant.   

After dinner we usually retire to our hotel room to catch up on the happenings back home, thanks to the 13 hour time difference.  Below is a picture of the CNN report of Jonas.  We feel terrible we are not at home to help with this snow.  We are SO ready to come home.