Pavilion of Prince Teng

Okay, I'm going to try and do a quick update while Mina is napping.

First of all, we miss Aubrey!
My sweet, sweet friend had her over to give Zubie a break on Tuesday afternoon.
She sent me this picture, and I just love it!
Two of Aubrey's most favorite things: playing outside and her best friend Lauren!
It does my heart well knowing she's laughing and having fun while we're gone.

Now, back to China...

Yesterday and today we did some sightseeing.
Despite the smog, the weather has been lovely!
And China is filled with some pretty incredible sights.
Our first outing with Mina was to the Pavilion of Prince Teng.
We can actually see this from our hotel. It's quite impressive. It was first built in 653 AD, and has been rebuilt 29 times. Our guide said it was 89 steps to the top, but I'm pretty sure it was more like 890.

Genius me decided NOT to bring the baby carrier that day.
"I'll just hold her!" is what I told Daniel when asked again, "Are you sure?"
By the way, this is Mina's stink eye to Daddy.
And that's me with a smile -- BEFORE the 890 steps to the top.

Let me point something out really quick -- I bought this large, highly insulated baby suit for Mina (see pic below) because I'd heard the locals insist on their children being bundled up, regardless of the temperature outside (it was in the upper 50s on this day). I thought I was going to be looked upon as a "good" mama for this pink, puffy outer layer. Well, I quickly learned that what Mina is wearing is for Spring/Autumn and since it's loose, it means I most certainly don't  have enough layers on her. Women on the street come up and talk to our guide pointing at Mina jabbering away in a not so happy tone. Our guide blows them off after adding some comments of her own, and when I ask what was said she always replies, "Oh, uh, ya...they say you very beautiful." Riiiiiight.

Once we reached the top, we watched a performance of Chinese traditional song and fan dance.
I thought it was pretty, Daniel thought it was lame.
I may have been just a bit delirious from all the stairs, come to think of it.
But seriously, it was truly a spectacular place!



Okay, little pop quiz...who can tell me what this was used for?
(answer at the bottom of the post)

After we walked all the way back down, we stopped in a local shop to pick up a piece of pottery for Mina.
Her Province, Jiangxi, is known for the blue and white porcelain, so we definitely wanted to pick up a piece or two for her.

After lunch we made our way back to the hotel.
We shared some snacks...

And took a much needed nap...

Oh, and just to let you know, she smiled and giggled at Daniel on this evening.

Today she's not cried as much with him around, but she doesn't dare like it if he even attempts to hold her.

Please keep praying for their bond to grow, I know it will.

I'm pretty sure I've never seen Daniel this heartbroken before in my life. 

I have to remind him that this sweet baby has had her world turned upside down, it's a miracle she likes either of us!

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(Answer: The blue and white porcelain piece shown above in the post was used a pillow! It was cool and refreshing to lay your face upon in the hot summer months.)