September 14, 2006 Today was a free day for us, meaning there were not any scheduled outings or events.  For many reasons, this was a perfect time to schedule a free day because we have been going so fast and furious for the last few days, beginning Sunday morning when we left to come to China.  This is the first real chance we have had to slow down.  It also gave us a good amount of time to spend getting to know Mary Joyce. Our little girl is just precious.  She is a happy baby, although she hates diaper changes.  She fights and tosses and fusses, but as soon as it is over, and she realizes we are done, the crying suddenly stops. (By the way, for the China parents who will understand, we had our first change of a dirty—as in not wet—diaper today without having to break out the prune baby food.)  She has also started taking her bottles well.  The girl likes to eat!  We have had no problems in that department today.  Mary Joyce also can stand while holding onto your fingers.  She loves to bounce and “dance.”  Today she has also started to show a lot of interest in the other babies in the group. We spent some time this morning with Marsha, Jeremy, and Aidyn.  There is some construction going on on our floor of the hotel, and it is 2 rooms down from ours.  Aidyn and her family are on the other side of the circle, so they can’t hear all of the hammering and sawing.  Mary Joyce was fascinated by some of Aidyn’s toys that are different from her own.  She loves toys and enjoys her tummy time, which many Chinese adoptees do not care for because they really haven’t experienced it before.  As we said yesterday, Mary Joyce’s foster mother really did an excellent job. We did get out for a while today and went to a pedestrian market.  It was a fun and interesting experience.  We did a little shopping—Mary Joyce got her first shoes and a baby fork and spoon set that also includes matching chopsticks.  We also ate lunch at a McDonald’s.  There’s just something about comfort food.  The food at the Lake View is actually quite good.  It was just nice to have a taste of home.  We also attracted a bit of attention while we were there, including one elderly lady who smiled and gave us a “thumb’s up” sign. Tomorrow we are going to do some touring around Nanchang.  It will be interesting to see a bit more of the city.     Out Like a Light     Whatcha doin', Aidyn?   On the Bus     Daddies and Daughters     Friendly Chinese Lady   Lobby at the Lake View     I like to eat!     View from our Window   Baby Fork, Spoon, and Chopstick Set     I can stand up!!!     Wheeee! Do it again, Daddy!   Pretty Girl     Happy with All My Toys           This page hosted by