Hodgepodge Day

My day started with a little yoga; Harper's day started with watching me. She wakes up very mellow and I can just hear her stirring, nary a peep; she watched me very peacefully. Today we had to go back to the chaotic medical facility for her TB read - clear! And then I had Michael go with me to the bank that is a block away from the hotel, where the ATM machine "retained" my ATM card two days ago (never offered an English option so my attempts to cancel obviously produced some security response). Anyway, much paperwork later, my card was returned. That was a relief. The rest of our day was low key - picking up laundry, dropping off more laundry, napping (I was oh so tempted to close my eyes), going to Starbucks, playing in the room (quite a bit - the afternoon rains go on and on and on...), walking in the light rain because I had had enough of the room, and ordering room service for dinner (noodles for her - of course - and chicken curry for me). Tasty. And on the topic of eating, Harper was feeding me tonight the little yogurt drops for toddlers I brought from home. She got a xie xie (thank you in Mandarin) for each one and was very pleased with herself. I take it as a good sign that she continues to attach to me. She moved on to crackers and I had to distract her because I couldn't take much more. Between her feeding me snacks and trips to Starbucks, any weight loss on my China+toddler diet is going to be negated!

We are in the home stretch; two more full days here then on to Hong Kong for a night before returning home. I am trying not to think of the long flight, but starting to collect little items to distract her (how many things do you need if each keeps her occupied for 5 minutes?!?!). I hope to understand her better by the time we go, fingers crossed!

I feel like I need a big dose of sleep, which I can fortunately get because Harper is an excellent sleeper, so that's it for today folks! Enjoy your Memorial Day holiday. I am in a country where I am reminded how fortunate I am to have the liberties and freedom afforded as an American. And on Friday, add one more new citizen!

Today's hotel room game: Put something under your shirt at the neckline
and have it drop out the bottom onto the floor. Belly laugh. Do it 10 more times.
Get a new item and repeat!

Shamian Island promenade.

Harper in new stroller in front of my haven.

We find a nice Starbucks employee to take our picture. She is snacking on
a chocolate biscotti today (this was before mama got bites of anything!).

Walkway on the side of our hotel block. Very European in design.

There have been photo shoots in the above area every day, throughout the day.
Never quite sure what they are promoting, but I think the couples are announcing
engagements or marriages. This was a very pretty red dress and Harper and I enjoyed
watching her walk, twirl, and pose. I may have a girly girl here!