Dumplings, Mosques & Smiles-Wed July 2nd pt.2

"Mom can't figure out why I'm so tired, when she's been packing ME around all day!"




During the time of the Silk Road and Marco Polo, around 1000A.D. many of the Arab traders living here in Xian married Chinese women. They became the Hui people and have kept their cultural identity and Muslim religion for a thousand years. This Muslim mosque, is in the heart of the crowded, busy city, but is so peaceful and tranquil. The men come to pray five times a day. If they can't come to the mosque, they pull out their prayer rug and pray where they're at. We've seen Muslims in the shops, stop and pray. All the men and some of the women wear white round hats. All of the women keep their heads covered, many with beautiful scarves. There are about 30,000 muslims here in Xian.



"Just keep the food coming Mom, just keep feeding me and I'll be happy."
Yes, this is our 3rd time to the Jaudz dumpling restaurant. YUMMMMM!




We decided to take Siyuan swimming, 'cause we had to try out his new swimsuit. But I wasn't surprised he was terrified of the water, and would only sit on the side. Seth is a pretty easy going kid, and he has not cried since he said Goodbye to his Nanny, except at bath time. As soon as I get him undressed he begins to cry, not whiny like, but truly terrified. I hate not knowing why. Were bath times traumatic, was the water ice cold, did he slip under the water once??? Part of the heart break of adopting a child from an orphanage, is all of their history you never know. He also has a big scar on the back of his head. Did he fall, did he have stitches? And you never, ever know. You don't know some of their most traumatic moments, and you just hope that someone held them and loved when they were scared and when they cried. But for whatever reason, it will take us a while before we go swimming, but he does look so handsome in his little suit!





We stopped my Mc Donald's this afternoon for ice cream and a cold drink on this hottest, sweatiest day so far. (No, we've been here 11 days and haven't broken down and actually eaten a meal here!) Seth loved the little play ground and we saw some of his first smiles. Isn't he so TOTALLY ADORABLE! I can't begin to tell you how we've fallen in love with him. He is so sweet, and fun to be with. His nanny said he was easy going and open minded, which I've decided she was trying to say, 'flexible'. He really has been so flexible. We've drug him all over the place, and he's quite content, and actually pretty tickled to see so many places. He's mostly been in the front pack, but hasn't even fought that, which is surprising for a 2 1/2 year old. He's curious, and pleasant, and we're starting to see a bit of his teasing personality. We can't wait for you all to meet him, especially you, Aubi, Carlie, Gregory & Becca. You're going to love your new brother!