It isn't often one gets to see a wonder of the world, but we were fortunate to have that happen today. I'm not sure who decided what the criteria for a wonder is, but this was pretty good. Today we toured the Terra Cotta Soldiers in the outskirts of Xian. For a really quick summary, the first Chinese emperor (~200 BC) wanted an army with him in his grave to defend him in the after world. So, for about forty years he had the people create these warriors ... thousands of them scattered throughout an area several football fields in size. Each warrior is unique, modeled after an actual soldier. A farmer stumbled upon the warriors when digging a well in the early 1970's. We actually got to see the farmer who made the discovery.
As for parenthood, Sheehan is still a joy. He is showing us that he isn't going to make parenthood a piece of cake like the first couple of days :) He is starting to show some of the typical two-year old things ... pushing things off his high-chair, tantrums when he doesn't get his way, the usual. But he continues to demonstrate true happiness and joy, especially when he is being fed or held by Mom (pray that Kate's back holds up!)
I have been enthralled by watching Kate's parenting skills. She seems to know exactly what he needs emotionally despite the language barrier, and he is infatuated with her, needing to see everything she is doing. And her patience is never ending. There have been times where he will not attempt to sleep unless she is holding him and she has been there for him every time. It is a pleasure to watch her in action.
As for some of the questions that were sent to us:
1. We fly back on Thursday September 14th, returning the same day in the late afternoon.
2. Yes the crickets pictured in our last blog do chirp ... pretty loud in fact. There were several of them in cages chirping together.
That is all for now. Tonight we are off to a dinner show that is supposed to be pretty sweet. Hope everyone slept well and has a great September 6th ... ours is almost over :)
September 06, 2006
Day 7 - The 8th wonder of the world
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I'm glad to hear everything is going well for you guys!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool that you got to see the Terra Cotta Soldiers! It looks amazing from the pictures! I really like the one with Sheehan in the stroller and you guys behind him.
I can't wait until you guys get back and we can all go to the zoo!!
I love the pics of the Soldiers. I bet it is an awesome sight. I'm happy that Sheehan is getting to know you both. He will grow to love you more and more each day. I know you both loved him from the moment you saw his pic. You both look like happy and loving parents. Love mom, Jon and Peckie....
ReplyDeleteSteve and Kate - Following your journey (physical and parental) with great happiness for you. Can't wait to meet your son! Fondly - Miriam
ReplyDeleteKate and Steve,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this journey with all of us here at home. It is amazing to watch you guys become parents and see you become more and more comfortable with your son. I am glad to hear that the bonding is going well (that was a prayer I said for you). And--ahh, the toddler years...we are going thru them ourselves at the Meier household and they can be trying...patience is awfully important these days :-)
I have known for a long time that you would both be excellent parents. I have teared up throughout reading your blog as I realize how blessed Sheehan is to have you both as parents...and so happy for you both that God has answered your prayers.
I'll keep following along...
Love,
Mandie
I'm loving reading about your trip... Can't wait to make it ourselves in a month or so (God willing!).
ReplyDeleteSheehan looks like a real sweetie. This will be such a treasured memory for you and him! You both sound like the perfect parents for him. God is so good!
Do you have any idea if or when you'll get to go to the Xi'an orphanage?
Hi Steve & Kate, I just love seeing the pics of you with Sheehan.It really looks like he's taken with you two. I know that you were in love with him just from his pics. The terra cotta warriors are awesome !!!! Maybe someday I'll get to see them. Mark still wants one of those crickets!!! Yuk not me. Can't wait to see you guys.
ReplyDeleteLove Mom & Mark
Is Sheehan a Cubs fan or White Sox fan? Has he memorized the book of John yet? :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to meeting him!
kate,
ReplyDeletewow i just read everything you guys have posted since you got there and im so happy for you and Steve and Sheehan!!! Paige and Jenny have been telling me all about it this week so i had to check everything out for myself! He is so cute=] and i cant wait to meet him! We are all praying for you guys and hope you have a safe trip home!
Godspeed
Hi Guys,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you! I have been praying for throughout my day (does that mean it's night, or is it tomorrow?). Anyway, Kal and I are looking forward to meeting Sheehan and seeing you all again (can you tell I'm in Texas. I'm typing with a drawl).
We continue to pray that all goes well.
We love you guys!
Charles and Kal
Hi Family!:) The pics are GREAT! You two are doing a wonderful job sharing with us "state-side" people about your trip. Maybe you have a future in editing, or even writing stories. The Memoirs of Adoption, by Kate & Steve Hall. Sounds good!!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone mentioned to try and have a drink while flying? Not the alcoholic kind, but something to help you and Sheehan remember to swallow so your ears can continue to be depressurized. Just an idea.
Looking forward to meeting him face to face - and welcoming you home!
wow, its soo cool that you guys got to see the terra cotta soldiers, its looks pretty cool! i love those pictures so keep them coming!! again, cant wait until your back!!! miss you all! - jessi
ReplyDeleteNancy, Aiden, and I are very excited for the new family. Have a safe trip back to America. We can't wait for Sheehan to meet Aiden. -EC
ReplyDelete