Touring Nanchang

Today we spent the morning touring new Nanchang and Tengwang Pavillion. It was amazing to see all of the new skyscrapers. The area of "new" Nanchang was completely empty just five years ago. Today, it is a fast growing and impressive area of contemporary architecture and culture. Our guide explained that the apartments which are being built there cost about $1000 per square meter of apartments space. So for an empty shell, of up to about 1000 square feet they would cost about $100,000. The average monthly salary here is about 200-300 $US per month, so this tiny bit of real estate would take a lifetime to pay off. With more young men than women here now, families feel that it is their duty to save to buy apartments for their sons so that they can find a wife. Without an apartment, nobody will marry them. The ramifications of the government policies over the year run far and wide. We enjoyed learning more about the contemporary culture of this area and it was fascinating to learn more about the people's practical realities of life.

We have been seeing some great steps with Eliana today. She is rolling over now from her back to her tummy. It still takes her some work, but she wasnt rolling over at all just 2 days ago. I imagine that there isnt much motivation to be on your stomach in a wooden crib and a rough mat. She is rolling all over on the bed and it is awesome to see. She also is getting more stable sitting up. We try to keep a pillow behind her still for the occassional loss of balance, but we are amazed at how quickly she is improving. Also, she is reaching for toys and picking things up with more dexterity. At lunch, we put rice all over her hands and she actually brought it to her mouth and sucked it off her fingers. She is fascinated by the texture of everything and squishes it curiously between her fingers. Later, she picked up a cheerio and put it in her mouth. It took her a few seconds to figure out how to keep it in there rather than bringing it back out, but she did it. We have been playing a little game with her where she puts her arms up and we tickle her tummy. She loves it and now puts her arms up on her own waiting for us to tickle her. Her little laugh is priceless and we are enjoying the fact that her smile is getting easier to bring out. She does seem to have a very serious and contemplative side. We are trying to figure out her routines as they seem to be different than what the orphanage had explained, but we have discovered that screaming bloody murder means I am tired. She has been almost exclusively bottle fed and we are trying to cut back the bottles a little bit and get her to eat some solids. Unfortunately, we couldnt get enough of the formula she was on to last her until we get home at the rate she was going either. They sent some up from Xinyu- 3 hours away- because our rep couldn't find any around in the local stores here. She seems to like most of what we have given her, but falling asleep without a bottle in her mouth is a challenge. So, I am trying to figure out how best to ration what she has being sure to get her all she wants and needs to eat. I tell you, bottle feeding is a lot different that nursing and trying to keep yourself organized and on some sort of routine is challenging away from home.
Well, that is the low down on how things are going. We are still trying to clear up Ella's eyes, but they seem to be improving a little. They dont seem to bother her which is good. Her rash is almost gone, but her tummy has been a little bit upset. Not too surprising I guess. It is amazing how much we love this precious little one already. I can't imagine loving her more had she been born to me like one of my boys. She is our precious gift and I am in awe of the fact that she is ours. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord.

And to our dear boys... Mommy and Daddy send hugs and kisses, and Eliana continues to look at your pictures each day. We love you to bits!!!!

Day 4 - Eliana