Sleepless in Tai Yuan ...

It's probably a bit comical to watch what happens in our rooms each night here in Tai Yuan. We have adjoining rooms and so we have plenty of space. We had to get two rooms per the Chinese rules because Austin is considered an adult. But that turned out to be a really good thing, even though it did cost a bit more. Sleep comes only in a few hour increments each time. So at all odd hours of the night, you will see someone wondering about the room, trying not to wake the others. But truth be known, the others have their eyes open too, but refuse to talk for fear of getting more awake! Lily Grace is the only one who seems to be getting her fair share of sleep. But Lia looks like she has no trouble sleeping either. They've both been asleep since around 9:00 last night - for the record, it's about 4:00 am here!

Our Very First Glimpse of Princess II

I can't put my finger on what is causing all the sleep deprivation, except for the excitement of a new baby girl with us this Christmas. It is a little cold in the room, and as was the case in Shanghai, we do not have control of the temperature. We're all very tired, but very excited. Austin and I went on a mission last night to get pizza and while we waited for our pizza to be cooked, he fell asleep on the table! He's sleeping peacefully now, so that's good.

The Kids Checking Out Tai Yuan

Tomorrow, the adoption will become official in the eyes of the Chinese. We will see the Civil Affairs department again and will have our documents notarized. After that, we'll probably do a little shopping. We need to find Connie a nice coat. It is really cold here. Austin and I have been wearing heavy coats and gloves everywhere and Austin has a hood with fur on his. He looks like an eskimo when he pulls it over his head. The river, a branch of the famous Yellow River, is frozen solid. But at least it isn't snowing. Apparently, there is not much precipatation here.

You're So Silly

We need to find something special to take home from Shanxi Province for Lia Faith to have later (with Lily Grace, it was porcelein from Jiangxi Province). The most famous product from Shanxi, according to many, is winegar, or 'tsoo.' We don't use a lot of vinegar, so maybe we'll keep looking. Shanxi is also famous for dates and tea, but we need something we can put up for Lia to have later in life, something more permanent than food and tea! Any suggestions?

A Little Blurry, But You Get the Idea

On Wednesday, we may go to Datong. We haven't decided yet. If we don't, we will probably visit the Jinci Temple here in Taiyuan or Pingyao, an ancient Chinese city nearby. On Thursday, we will definitely go to Datong, to visit Lia's orphanage and see the site where she was found. It will take four hours to get there by van, but our guide and driver will accompany us. That will be an important day.

Sign Here!

Friday, we will go back to the Civil Affairs department and pickup Lia Faith's passport and then leave for Guangzhou. Austin is excited about that because he really enjoyed Guangzhou last time. He likes to barter with the local merchants.

"Guh Guh Bao Baow Baow (Big Brother Hold Baby)"

Oops, a bit too early on the good sleep assessment for Lily Grace. She just woke up crying! Bu Ku, Bu Ku. Ah, back to sleep. Now, Austin's up too. Welcome to our world here in Tai Yuan.

God Bless You,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, Lily Grace, and Lia Faith
Green, Party of Five