July 19

First order of business: sleep update. We split into two rooms again last night, which allowed Julie and me to get some rest. Larry, on the other hand, was up until midnight with screaming Melody. At one point he put her in the stroller, got her to sleep, and then put the stroller on the bed! He got her onto the bed eventually, and she slept from 12 to 6. She howls so bad that she must either be feeling terror, rage or intense pain, but we don't think it's the last option. Maybe this is her way of grieving and coping with everything going on in her life. One more night down, one more to go before we get home.

This morning we took a taxi back to Shamian Island to finish shopping. Morning seems to be a good time to be there. It was a lot less crowded and there seemed to be less pressure to buy. I can't say I'll miss the aggressive sales pitch we get everywhere we go. I've gotten very good at just walking by. Last trip I stopped to talk more, but I think it's gotten a bit old at this point. Anyway, we found some very nice dresses for the girls and some other odds and ends too. In the afternoon we went to the US Consulate to take an oath that everything on our paperwork was correct to the best of our knowledge. We got Melody's passport back and it had a beautiful US Visa inside. We can come home!! There was actually one typo on one of our documents; it said we live at Timber "Trial" instead of Timber "Trail." Our guide said to have the customs officer in Chicago cross it out and fix it. I hope that works! After the Consulate appointment, we all met for group pictures in the hotel garden. I can't believe our time in China is almost over.

Our little family:


With Jennifer and Maddie:


Julie and Maddie:


With the Wellmans:


With our guides, Amy and Lineker (whose baby is due in October!):


My new shoes are fun toys!


One more scrunchy face, just for you!


One thing we've realized is that Melody does not know how to laugh, or if she does, she hasn't laughed once in the last week and a half. We tickle, coo, act silly, etc, but no giggles. Even Julie can't coax a true smile/laugh out of her. She definitely makes plenty of cute faces, but they seem to be disconnected from the feeling that comes with them, almost like she's making them because she knows they get attention. It's not something I've thought about before, but it's really strange to interact with a child who doesn't laugh. I'm sure she'll start soon, after we're home and settled. One more day!