Today started off great. BinBin woke up still fever free and in the best mood. He ate eggs and yogurt for breakfast. We met our group at 9 and boarded our bus to drive to Shamian Island. Everyone was so happy to see that BinBin was feeling much better than yesterday.
Our drive was much different than any other we had taken this week because I had a toddler on my lap that actually felt well enough to play. We laughed and tickled and had the best time with him. He was a completely different child, and it was so good to see him play!
When we arrived at the island, we just felt like a weight had been lifted, and we could really enjoy the day. BinBin rode in the stroller while we shopped and bargained with the different shops for souvenirs.
We stayed in one particular shop for a long time because we bought stamps and an artist carved our children's American names and Chinese names into each stamp. While we waited BinBin played and snacked. BinBin loves goldfish and raisins and loves eating them out of the snack trap cup we brought. We can't get him to eat any of the fruit pouches though.
After we left the shop, we went to look at some of the statues around the island before meeting our group for lunch. This is when BinBin began getting clingy. We thought maybe he was just getting tired and hungry.
We ate at Lucy's, a western restaurant. I tried to put Aiden in and high chair and he started crying. I am starting to get used to holding him during meals. I could tell then that he was getting warm and was worried his fever was returning.
The meal was fabulous! We all got cheeseburgers and fries and ate them like it would be our last meal. We each are craving certain things when we get home. Alana and I can't wait to get a salad and sweet tea! We don't eat the salad here. Alana is also craving lemon cookies from The Bread Basket.☺️
We went back to the hotel after our lunch. I checked BinBin's temp and it was 102.5. We put him in a cool bath, gave him meds and kept a cool washcloth on him. He wouldn't take a nap so I just held him.
We finally got his temp back to normal. He turned back into the fun BinBin and we played all afternoon. He colored and played with his cars. He tickled us and then would give us his adorable laugh. Then we took him swimming. He enjoyed it a little more than he did yesterday, but we can tell he still fears water. He prefers sitting on the side of the pool watching others play while he eats snacks. I spent the time talking with some other moms in our group. We talked about what our lives would look like when we return home. We all left children behind and can't wait to have our families reunited. I have so enjoyed getting to know these other families and experiencing adoption with them.
I had to change Aiden's diaper while we were at the pool, so two of the moms helped me, one being the pediatrician. After she saw his bottom again, this time it was bleeding, she felt like we may be admitted to the hospital when we return to the states. We have done everything we can here to treat it, and it isn't getting any better. I am going to try to get in to see our pediatrician asap.
We left the pool and went to the room to get cleaned up before heading up to the lounge to have dinner. Alana met us a little late for dinner because she stayed at the pool longer with Karis. BinBin loved the duck and vegetable pasta we had and also finally ate some watermelon. I have been offering him this everyday.
After dinner we walked some more through the hotel. Alana made plans for Karis to come to our room and watch Leave It To Beaver. I LOVE that she can't watch Disney here!
When we picked up Karis, we walked down to Starbucks to get the girls Alana's favorite treat here, warm chocolate chip cookies. We returned to the room and they had cookies and milk while watching a few episodes of the Beave.
Baba put BinBin to bed tonight. It was a battle that Baba eventually won. I did love hearing David sing to him.😊
Tomorrow we are going to the U.S. Consulate to apply for Aiden's visa. Because Aiden had a fever when we went Friday, he has to be checked and his temp has to be normal in the morning before we can proceed with his visa.
This has been one of the best days with our BinBin. He is opening up and learning to trust us. He gives us kisses when we ask but I can't wait for the day that I receive a kiss from him without asking! This little guy has been through so much in one week. We are so proud to be his parents and can't wait for everyone else to meet him!