Ebb and Flow

Upon arriving in Guangzhou on Wednesday, I think, we crashed hard into our hotel. It is unfortunate that we spent only one night in an airy modern studio with storage space aplenty and Malin and Goetz toiletries only to drop suitcases in a much smaller space that is ensconced in dark tones. Fortunately, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and while it is very humid, it isn't intolerable so we are able to get out. We spent the next morning in the medical clinic. Because of his special need (he was diagnosed with HIV but later tests were negative, we are told), he has to undergo three days of "sputum testing," which actually involved sticking a tube down his nose to retrieve. Add to that a little blood work and various other pokes and prods, and it's no wonder he is scared and remarkable to me that we get little glimmers of his personality. They are brief but intense. He spent much of yesterday shut down but he is reaching for me (Brandy) and calms easily if upset. We have 2 more days of sputum testing but no more blood. 

Serena is having a difficult time as big sister. We think she used up all of her reserves on the long trip here and is regressing such that I even carried her in the ergo this morning. We are hoping that with a little extra nuture, she will feel reassured. 

We received pictures of him outside but it seemed obvious yesterday that he has never been on a playground. He loves water so I was super excited about taking him to the pool but he was quite terrified of it- maybe the temp?