Summer Palace

Well today was another exciting but tiring day. We visited the Summer Palace, one of the most beautiful areas we've seen in China. It covers nearly 3 square kilometers most of which is a large lake. It has beautiful tree lined walkways and impressive architectural designs (as it's name indicates, it was the summer home of the emperor). It really is quite impressive and a very large area which we wish we could have seen in greater detail, but with the babies, the crowds and the heat (it was probably around 40 Celsius with the humidity) we didn't stay too long (thank heavens for air-conditioned buses!!!).

Although it is not as hot as Guangzhou, we find the humidity in Beijing to be worse. Even at night its a sauna and going from the heavily air conditioned hotels to outside is hard on the system - no wonder people catch colds. Also, the air quality here is horrible - the worst smog we've ever seen (and that includes Toronto).

After the Summer Palace we headed back to the hotel and went to McDonald's for lunch. We then visited the local clothing and crafts market (a very nice 5 floors of clothing, souvenirs, etc. and bought more stuff - we'll need an extra suitcase for sure). We then went out for dinner with several other families and finished the evening off with a final tailor fitting for Stephanie and Mommy's custom made silk dresses - very sharp!!).

Sophie has been adjusting very well. It's amazing how well she's doing considering all the activities we've been taking in (as well as the heat) and the overall adaptation to our new family life. She sleeps well through the night (9-6:30) and is eating better (she's taken to 3-4 feedings of formula per day). We're slowly introducing her to baby foods (i.e., applesauce, squash, peaches) and some baby cookies/cheerios, but she's not sure what to do with these (clearly she's never had anything but a bottle at the orphanage). She now crawls like a bandit and you can she that she is trying to push herself up in a standing position (it won't be long before she's walking). Overall, she is a lovely baby, very happy and giggly and she loves to play. She is however strong willed and has suprisingly good arm strength.

We fell very lucky to have been united with such a wonderful baby and we only wish that we could be home sooner so that you could meet her. Only 3 more sleeps.

Love, Chris, Caroline, Stephanie and Sophie