Low Key Afternnoon

Peyton took a good nap yesterday afternoon. She slept for 2 hours. When she woke up, we took her to the Deli Shop for lunch and ate sausage buns. Peyton had her own this time and tried the hot dog. She liked it and ate a good portion of it on her own. We were sitting on bar stools, facing the patio while we ate. We noticed an elderly homeless man getting up to help an American family clear their table. He took their tray and rummaged through it for food. It made us really sad, so Darren got up and bought him a sausage bun and took it out to him. Darren said he told him thank you in english and was appreciative. It brought tears to my eyes. Peyton noticed her daddy through the window and pointed to him with big eyes. She would never have to worry about being hungry, and I gave her a big squeeze.

After that, we took a stroll and walked a few blocks. I didn't feel like going to the creepy playground. As we walked, Peyton wanted me to hold her. She is growing more attached to me and wont even let Darren carry her anymore. Every now and again, she wants down and will ask for Darren's hand too so she can hang from our hands while we walk and so we can swing her. Then it's right back to mommy's arms! As we rounded a corner, it smelled of sewage. Peyton crinkled her nose and waved her hand in front of her nose like we do when she has a stinky diaper. We laughed pretty good over that. It was hilarious.

We stopped at our favorite store to pick up more laundry and visit with Stella. She brought Peyton a toy to play with, and she'd mess around with it, give it back to Stella, and point to the toy shelf. Stella would bring her another one, and the game continued. It was funny. Peyton knows how to get what she wants!

Then we went back to the Deli Shop and bought an individual serving of strawberry Haagen Daz (sp?) ice cream. Peyton didn't even know what it was, but she was excited when Darren gave it to her to carry back to the room for all of us to share. She wasn't sure about it at first, but before long, she was thoroughly enjoying it with us!

We tried to keep her occupied until Darren could go to our "Departing Guangzhou" meeting. She is getting bored with her toys and our room, and I think we all are. Darren came back bummed because half of the families got their visa packets in the meeting and get to leave for home today. We don't leave the hotel until 7 pm Friday evening. I guess I can now say we leave tomorrow!

Darren could see the boredom and wish to get home in my face as I sat, looking like a hag, I'm sure, on the floor with coloring books and crayons surrounding my feet as Peyton gleefully put them in her box and repeatedly dumped them on the floor, then repeated. That, I didn't mind, but the day was dragging, and it felt like Friday was still so far away!

Darren said we needed to get out of the room and forced me to get up and get my shoes on. We needed to get Peyton some dinner anyhow since she'd snacked all afternoon. She needed something good in her belly.

First, we stopped by to say goodbye to the Stanley's. They were in the room right next to us and were leaving on Thursday. We really enjoyed meeting them, and we will always have a connection now because of our daughters. We feel the same way about the Zinn family.

While we were saying goodbye, Julie was saying something, and she made a motion with her hand and wrist, and Peyton copied her. Julie placed her hand over her mouth as she laughed at her, and Peyton copied that too. This little girl cracks me up. We said goodbye to them and their little Lilly, and Peyton waved and blew kisses. Such a sweet girl.

Then we went to Lucy's, where Peyton ate 2 bowls of congee. We could tell she was still hungry after the first bowl. By the tine they served and she ate her 2 bowls of food, Darren and I still didn't have our grilled cheese sandwich that we were going to share, and Peyton was growing restless. Finally, it came. Not the best grilled cheese, but it was food. Peyton helped us eat the french fries, and then we went back to the hotel, played for a bit, put on pajamas, brushed teeth, and put Peyton and ourselves to bed. We have all been going to bed together. Adjusting to a different time zone with her when we get home should be interesting. She's a really good sleeper once we get her down, but she's like me and has a hard time turning that little brain off!

I can her stirring now. Today is the day we go to the consulate to take our oath! Only one more night in Guangzhou!