Better day

I woke this morning with a feeling of dread. We had to head back to
the same hotel where we met Ren to finalize the paperwork, and I
doubted he would like the excursion.

Surprisingly, he only woke once in the middle of the night. He was
awake for about 1/2 hour, but calmed down instantly as soon as I put
on his shoes. We're not sure why, but he really wants those shoes on
at all times. I've been waiting until he falls asleep to take them
off and then make sure I set them somewhere where they are instantly
ready. It would seem his shoes are his transition object, and I'm not
going to argue with that.

We headed to the hotel and I dreaded every inch as we sped along. I
was hoping for a traffic jam to delay the moment. Wouldn't you know
it, none to be found. How could you not hit a traffic jam in China
when you need one? My fears, though, prooved to be misplaced. He was
not particularly upset by being there and his demeanour was very much
the same most of the morning. A general sadness with a hint of
reluctant acquiesence.

We did see a little more of his personality start to come today and I
can tell you, he has the most musical laugh. It's multi-toned and
rather brilliant. Kiyomi, once again, has been the source of his
smiles and giggles for the most part, although Kohji is managing to
solicit a few giggles here and there. Ren also ate a fairly decent
lunch and dinner, and while not wholeheartedly tucking into food, we
are relieved to see that he is willing and able to eat and drink.

He is showing a definite preference for me, especially when he's upset
or tired. He likes to be carried for the most part, although he was
willing to walk around this afternoon as we wandered through the
People's Park. This is a large Park right near the hotel with an
artificial lake and a variety of amusements including rides, roller
skating and, for those more nautically inclined, human hamster balls
on the water. The park was a nice outing for us and the kids, but
there is a very different feel in these things in China. For lack of
any other words, I would say it seems a little trapped in time,
although for the life of me, I wouldn't be able to tell you what time
period. It just has the feel of having been built and remained
exactly as is for decades. It is obviously a popular spot in the city
though, as the place was teeming today (although I suspect it was
pretty quiet by Nanning standards).

Of course, wandering the Park meant subjecting ourselves to the stares
and I admit, there is a part of me that wants to hide out in the hotel
to avoid being the subject of such attention. Most of you know how
much I love being the center of attention, so having strangers openly
stare and comment about me and my family is uncomfortable, espcially
with the communication barrier. A warm spot on the walk though was
that I did notice on a couple of occassions, Ren wandered ahead, but
turned to look for me. I know it's a small thing and it might even be
temporary, but it's not nothing. The one thing this process teaches
you is to rejoice in the small things, even if they are fleating.

Good night from Nanning.