Back in Beijing

June 23,2007
We are now safely back in Beijing. Ali is doing just great. Over the last few days she has endured a 7 hour bus ride, 3 different hotel rooms in 3 different towns and a 2 1/2 hour plane ride including a few victory laps at the airport before landing with a training pilot making her first landing. All of this while breaking in a new set of fumbling parents and she still complains little and babbles alot and has many smiles and giggles for us.This morning we did the paperwork for the Canadian gov't to bring her home. She got her picture for her visa. Also this morning our guide MaRui (Mary) arranged to have the tailor come to the hotel to size the babies up to make them traditional silk outfits. We are having 2 made for her as well as a matching outfit for Jen and a tie for Dave. Some of the dads are also having custom suits made. All right here from the hotel and the should be ready in a few days. This afternoon is free time and daddy and Ali had a 2 hour nap after a long day yesterday while Mom, Aunt Jayna and some of the new friends went out hunting supplies and treasures.They came back with McDonlalds and it's just like home. We've all just been eating room service since the babies have come the last few days. Burgers and fries imported from Australia and they have been awesome and huge. One family even tried a pizza although they didn't get tuna or any strange things on it that were offered on the menu. It's been a nice relaxing day allowing us to rest up as the next couple look to be pretty busy although it is just optional stuff ; we'd like to experience it all. Ali is eating more now as we discover what she likes and can tolerate. We also think she is teething as she drools alot. She still loves to play in the tub and we've discovered how to steal giggles from her. She's ticklish on her neck and belly and laughs out loud. Mommy has also fondly nicknamed her "Nosey Parker". She does not want to miss a thing. She wants to see and touch everything wherever we go and contorts herself in some weird ways to do so although she now makes sure we are never too far away. If she hears something she has to investigate. She doesn't like to sit still. There is a 2 foot marble ledge in front of the window here at the hotel and Ali can sit there and look out for hours and watch the action below with amazement. In a lot of ways she reminds us of her sister Abby. Same chubby features,fair hair and inquisitive nature. Somewhere in heaven she is looking down on her little sister with pride and a smile.