Fun Dazzle

Today we had a change of plans. Instead of going shopping, we had to rush back to the Civil Affairs Office to finish up paperwork. Then, it was off to the Notarization Office to take Xiaolei's passport picture and apply for his passport. Now all of the paperwork is done for Beijing, so now we just wait for his passport for many days. Then, we fly to Guanghzou to do more paperwork at the American Consulate. Then, back to Beijing and onto Dallas!

Now the sightseeing tours begin. Beginning on Wednesday--today for our time, we will visit the usual tourist sites. I will send pictures and updates of where we go each day. :)

After the paperwork took all morning and Levi had a nap, we took him to a place called Fun Dazzle. It is a spot where locals take their children to play. It is kindof like a really big McDonalds or Chick-Fil-A indoor play area. Levi was apprehensive at first. I think he might have been a little overwhelmed with all the toys. He did not want to go down the slide, but then did eventually go down a little one later on. We realized today for the first time how some things will be more challenging for Levi. For example, he cannot pull up the slide or climb because he cannot use his right hand/arm to help him pull up. His right arm was almost limp, and he just kindof slid on his belly through the tunnels like a soldier in the trenches. He was very excited to play and didn't seem to be bothered about his lack of arm strength in the least little bit. His favorite toy was a little toy roller coaster that he had Babba-Rich put him on over and over and over again! He got excited and a little loud while playing. We had to tell him to "Shhh". :) He shared a ball with another boy. Levi gave the boy a ball and said something to which the boy threw the ball down the slide. They did it over and over again laughing. He really liked the other children--especially babies! He had a wonderful time. It was an adventure for us as well. We hailed a taxi on our own, showed the driver the translated card that told the driver where we wanted to go, and we survived the ride and actually ended up back at the hotel. It was really very easy. Levi did not want to get into the taxi at first. He was scared, as this is not the usual van we have been riding in each day provided by our adoption agency. We assured him he was safe (as safe as you can be in a taxi-ha!), he sat on my lap and was okay then.

When we went to eat dinner, Levi wanted to try getting on the escalator by himself. He had been scared and always asked Rich to hold him. He was brave and did it all by himself with a little support from Momma and Babba. He was thrilled. Now we know he isn't terrified of heights. He just didn't know about escalators.

At the Civil Affairs office this morning, Levi saw one of his little friends who was in the same group/class with him at the orphanage. She and apparently one other little girl were being adopted today as well. I think knowing this helped all of the children adjust better and be happy for each other. The children colored together while we signed and waited for paperwork. The little girl was very shy--not like Levi. Ha! He talks to everyone everywhere we go. We never know what he is saying. Most people smile, but some people give us weird looks. We wonder what he is saying. :) You never know with a 4-year old! ha!

We get many stares on the street because people are interested to know why an American family has a Chinese boy with them. Our guide gave us an explanation card written in Mandarin explaining that we had adopted Levi and that we love him and will take good care of him. We haven't had to show anyone yet. We do feel a little bit uncomfortable walking down the street with Levi in hand with all the stares, but we just smile back and they usually smile then too. I think the people are just curious.

Levi has figured out how to use the western potty. He even tells me "Momma potty" now when he has to go. He is very good about repeating words in English to us and trying to learn them. He likes to push the elevator button and knows exactly where our room is. We decided that he must think the hotel is his new home. Instead of the cute children's story "Eloise at the Plaza"--we say he is "Xiaolei at the Plaza" (We are in the Poly Plaza Hotel). We'll have to write a book about his adventures at the plaza when we come home. ha! He teases us by calling me "Babba" and Rich "Momma", which he just cracks up over. He thinks this is hysterically funny. He is so witty!

Xiaolei LOVES to sing. He sings all the time--while playing, walking (except when eating). He sings familiar songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". When we sang it back to him in English, he loved it. Now he says "twinkle, twinkle" and the rest of the song in Chinese. :)

At bedtime, he had us play our nightly game of cars and bus on the bed where he directed us on what to do. We figured the game out a little better tonight which made him happier. It is a sweet time playing with him each day. EVERY day is full of new discoveries for him, and it is so fun to watch and be a part of his new life.

We have been reading the children's Bible before bedtime and talking about Jesus. He is beginning to sing the "B-i-b-l-e" song with us. It is so cute. Last night I told him that Jesus loves Momma, Jesus loved Babba, and Jesus loves Xiaolei. He repeated me and grinned a huge grin. We are so happy that God found a forever family for this little boy. He is going to have a happy and successful life--but most importantly, we pray that he will come to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior.