This morning our masterful driver, Mr. Chen, and our lovely guide, Melody, took us on a little tour of part of Lanzhou, a “quiet” city of 3 million.
Nora with Sweet Melody
Per Melody, Lanzhou is known for four things, all of which we experienced today.
Number One: Lanzhou is known for the Yellow River running through it and the Water Wheels.
Number Two: Lanzhou is known for its sheep skin rafts, invented by Muslims, these are real sheep skins filled with air. Much to Melody's disappointment, we could not be convinced to do the "raft ride".
Number Three: Lanzhou is known for its stretched noodles with beef. (No photo for this, but we did go and have this dish for lunch.)
Number Four: Lanzhou is known for its gourds (locals paint them with zodiac signs and sell them … and, by the way, Mom, you are a Monkey, just like Samuel).
It was a fun morning of exploring and a nice afternoon of continuing to bond with Nora. She is learning to trust us and has even started looking for us and whimpering a bit if we walk away. No worries, girl! We won’t leave you!
At this point, I would say the hardest thing is feedings. I’ll spare you the details, but we are finding our groove. And, I know we’ll figure this out more as we go along. Plus, I’m happy to say that the girl is not as small as I thought she might be. In fact, by our scientific method of weighing her (i.e., Jason weighing himself, then weighing himself holding her and doing simple math), she is approximately 17 pounds. Albeit, she is definitely top heavy (the girl has a big head! Again, she will fit right in with our family) with petite little legs!
Back on the home front, the kids seem to be doing great. They had a wonderful weekend with their cousins where they were loved on. And, Grandma has been loving on them this week. So blessed to know that they are being so well taken care of!
Thank you to all for your sweet words in comments and in e-mails … your prayers and encouragement mean the world to us!
And, on that note, I’ll leave you with some of today’s photo shoot pictures, the reason we are here.
10 comments:
You guys are too funny -- missing out on the raft ride. :) The weather looks kind of overcast there too.
I wonder if you'll see the Yangtze River like in "Story of Ping". If you do, take a picture for me!
I keep watching for "the blanket". I wonder if it will become a favorite. And oh how I love thumb-suckers!
Very cute pics! Looks like you had a fun day!
I am so in love with her. I mean she is just so precious....the flower head band, so cute;) Definitely proof she's "yours";)
she is just so darn precious....so excited for you guys!
She really is adorable. Just marveling each time I see her in your arms---so awed and amazed at God's grace and goodness. Smooch those cheeks for me---lots and lots of love! XOXO
I don't know about the "raft" ride. Looks a little unstable to me. Nora is sooo cute and reminds me of Lydia, sitting there with her little jumper on and big flower in her hair (and I know that hair won't be cut for a long time!)
I so look forward to these updates and photos! Nora is so adorable---love her happy smile! She is already thriving in your love....what a blessing all around!
Nora has the sweetest smile! She is so lucky to have you two as parents.
Oh how we adored Melody! So nice to see a picture of her. :) I showed Molly the picture of Nora sitting on the bed. As soon as she locked her eyes on it she became very still and quiet. When I took it from her sight she leaned her head over as far as she could to try and get another look. :) She wants Nora to know she misses her friend. Hope y'all enjoy the rest of Lanzhou!!!! Hugs!!
Oh how we adored Melody! So nice to see a picture of her. :) I showed Molly the picture of Nora sitting on the bed. As soon as she locked her eyes on it she became very still and quiet. When I took it from her sight she leaned her head over as far as she could to try and get another look. :) She wants Nora to know she misses her friend. Hope y'all enjoy the rest of Lanzhou!!!! Hugs!!
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