After 24 hours of travel, we made it safely back. Marissa didn’t appreciate her new home right off. But after 2 days and nights of crying, she settled in and is her normal self now.
She had her first doctor appointment on Thursday. She needed four shots to update her vaccinations. She had her blood taken for several tests including one for Hepatitis B. In China she’d tested positive for Hep B shortly after they vaccinated her. Her tests came back today and she does not have Hep B. Fortunately the prior positive result was indeed from the vaccine. She was also referred to an ophthalmologist the same day for her eye. He diagnosed her eye tumor as a limbal corneal dermoid. Basically a tumor on her eye. It’s benign as expected. He said it’s very rare. It’s just one of those things that happens and not necessarily genetic. Since it’s so rare, he referred her to a pediatric ophthalmologist at OHSU. She will most likely also need to see a corneal surgeon up there.
We signed up for gymnastics and went to our first class today. It was very exciting for Marissa. She immediately noticed the full wall of mirrors and checked herself out several times. She liked running a little on the springy floor. She doesn’t run fast yet, but she’s improving. She also jumped up and down for the first time. I held her hands to help her and show her how. She giggled, laughed and was just ecstatic over this new skill. She played ring around the rosy and was rather worried that it involved falling down on purpose, but when everyone else laughed, she decided that was okay too. When we got home, she demonstrated her jumping skills for grandpa.
Marissa got to pet the horses today. She fed them each a cookie and helped me smack Snickers in the nose when he got too lippy. Marissa’s going to make a good horsewoman. She pointed her finger at Nellie when she was pushy, and Nellie, being the well trained baby that she is, backed right off (of course, Nellie is a scaredy cat and somewhat afraid of a person so small as Marissa). Nellie did decide Marissa was okay after checking out Marissa’s shoes. I’m not sure what shoes have to do with being okay, but whatever!
Marissa learned how to play on her own without me today! I’m not saying this was a peaceful event that she willingly cooperated in. Rather it was a temper tantrum, feet kicking, finger biting event. This is what occurs when I am not doing just what Princess Marissa wants. But with grandma’s assistance (mostly in the form of her saying…when you’re done crying, you can come out of your bedroom….), she learned that she could indeed play outside my presence.
We are working on potty training. She does pretty well and likes it. She’s currently sitting on the pot now as I write. Who knows how long she’ll stay….
Now, for some words from grandma.
I just wanted to say a few words ………. I worried about going with Kris to China. Where would I eat and go to the bathroom. I heard all these stories about it not being so good. Was I surprised. The food was great. In Beijing at the Hudua Hotel the food was excellent. The food in Guangzhou was excellent except at the Victory Hotel. Do not eat there. The White Swans breakfast was primo. We bought breads from the White Swan Hotels bakery and deli that is located right next to the hotel. We ate at Lucy’s which is in the park next to the White Swan. They serve a great hamburger and tomato soup and salads. We ordered in from Danny’s Bagels. They deliver for a dollar and their pizza, subs, salads, and soups were extra primo. Needless to say I did not lose any weight. The bathrooms at all the tourist places were fine. They have attendants that keep the restrooms washed and clean. The only thing is you need to carry wipes because they do not always have paper. They keep everything spotless and are always cleaning. Do not worry about using the in the floor toilets. They flush and are very clean but most places have both kinds of toilets. The people are very friendly and we had no troubles at all except at the Victory Hotel. If you have a choice of where to stay, stay at the White Swan. It is fantastic. They are friendly and it is first class and is worth the money. Be sure you ask your guide to take you to the biggest underground shopping center. There you can shop and pay local prices instead of tourist prices. You can buy groceries to eat in your room and save some money. We also rode on the subway and it was good. Going to China was a great experience and getting my first grandchild is and unspeakable pleasure. She is great. To all of you who are waiting to go, relax and enjoy the trip.
