2/20 Wednesday – Randy’s Turn

Author: Donna  |  Category: Uncategorized

I figured I’d give Donna a break and post some stuff for her today.  For the first time since arriving in China, we actually have a day with no tours, no trips to the CCAA, no sightseeing…just a day hanging out with my two girls here in Hefei.

I have to start with something for my boys, tho . . . your dad found a game of pickup basketball yesterday outside the market, and Jane (our guide) asked them if I could play.  It was awesome.  I finally understand what Shaquille feels like on a basketball court.  Quite a crowd gathered to watch the crazy American playing basketball with the local guys.

 

Our guide said I looked like Michael Jordan…this place is good for my ego.

No harm, no foul.

I think they all wanted to see me dunk the ball.  They were going to be waiting a LONG time.

Selling produce outside the market.  It looks good, but I’m leary of trying it.  See the weight on the end of her stick that she uses to weigh the produce?  High tech.

Below is a good picture of the hotel where we are staying in Hefei.  It’s a very nice, 5 star place, but I would avoid the Brazilian BBQ place in the lobby.  Way too confusing sitting in a hotel in China, eating chinese “bar-be-que”, listening to Latin pop music with video screens of women wearing wayyyy to little clothes jumping around on stage.

This is a picture of an arena across the street from the Lotus Center where they play soccer.  Notice how pretty the blue sky is?  Neither do we.  Jane said that the pollution only clears up enough to see the sky maybe 2-3 days in a week.  The air is really getting to me, too, and my sinuses and chest are killing me.  We purchased some Chinese prescription cough syrup at the market . . . only cost 8 Yuan (~ 10 cents), tastes horrible, and I have NO IDEA what’s in it.  Seems to be helping, tho.

O.k…enough about me and Hefei.  I know you just want to see pictures of Lainey.  She is still doing great and more of her personality is beginning to come out.  Most of it is anger, however, if you change something or do something different.  That child has a temper.  She is still not using words, but Donna and I think that might be because of her palate.  As severe as it is (we finally got a good glimpse, when she was on her back and crying), she may not yet have learned how to talk.  We’ll find out about that when we visit the orphanage on Friday.  We are also struggling to figure out exactly how much to feed the girl . . . she eats like a steam shovel.  We decided this morning at breakfast to just let her eat until she was done.  Today is the first day that she’s actually stopped eating on her own.  Wow.

Looking at the family book with Baba.

Walking with Mama, being held in the carrier.  She leaned back the whole time so she could look around . . . the girl wants to check things out.  Or, she’s wary of getting too close just yet. 

Is that a smile?  Below Lainey is chilling after a huge breakfast.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, prayers, and comments.  Makes it seem like we are not so far away.

18 Responses to “2/20 Wednesday – Randy’s Turn”

  1. Linda Lee Says:

    Love the thought of you playing basketball before a crowd, Randy! The photos of Lainey, and all the “little bits” of information about her are priceless. You are truly connected to us all who love you, even if you couldn’t read our remarks. But it’s wonderful to feel like I’m partly there with you. Gabe explained the time difference to me on Saturday (I took him to a Carolina basketball game), so when I look at my computer clock, I can figure out what time it is for you. I especially like the picture of your hands together.

    Take care, and treasure this time with her. When she comes home, she’ll be surrounded with even more love. I may have to arrange another trip to Florida sometime this year. :)

    Ephesians 5:18-19: “Be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms & hymns & spiritual songs, singing & making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

    Much love to you,
    Linda Lee

  2. carrie Says:

    ok Randy my husband says you look like a good friend of his! anyways it is 1130pm here and I had to check on you guys- I got aaron out of bed to see your Michael Jordan moves! Oh my that is so funny! well we are still praying for you and we are so happy to see a glimpse of China! Thanks for all the updates into your personal lives! God Bless!

  3. Janet T. Says:

    I am LOVING these updates! Thanks, Michael. :-)

  4. Derek and Julie Says:

    Thanks for posting lots of pictures. We are drawn to your cite several times a day anticipating a new posting. We are praying for you all!

  5. GramStegall Says:

    Leave it to Randy to find a basketball Anywhere in the world he goes. I’ll bet you did enjoy being the tallest playing. Were these little kids you were playing with?? LOL

    I find myself checking this site about a hundred times a day and night just to get updates about all of you (especially Lainey). It seems that with each new picture more and more of her personality is coming through. I think that was a smile on her face in that picture. So… Lainey has a stubborn streak?? I can’t see that being a problem in her new family as I can think of one person that won’t allow that for very long. (wonder who???) I love that you finally have a child that loves to eat. I’ll bet she hasn’t had anymore hard candy since she became a Clark or has she?

    Paul’s mom wanted me to print her some pictures of Lainey so she could show them off. I thought that was sweet.

    I love the family book and that picture. Does Lainey still not like the stroller or does Donna just love to hold her so that Lainey feels secure and trusts her? I can see Donna wanting to do that because she has wanted to hold your new daughter for so long.

    Couple of questions: Does Lainey sleep through the night? Also, are you all “introducing” Lainey to new foods, fruits and does she have to eat certain foods because of her palate?

    I had wondered about yours and Donna’s dealing with the polution and if it was bothering you. Try not to let it get out of hand before seeking medical help, okay. (hey, a Mother has a right to be concerned).

    Love you all and keep sending the updates.

  6. Supermavs Says:

    This was a great post for us to see the area we will be staying soon. My dh would have been right out there in the basketball game. That is the real China we want to be a part of. I am glad to hear that Lainey is beginning to show some of her personality, even if it is anger. I think that is a good start…better than catatonic or something. This sure is exciting to follow along with you, thanks for posting. :)
    Becky
    waiting for LOA for Cassie

  7. margaret Says:

    I too loved seeing the pictures from this part of China. I especially loved the basketball pictures. That is one unique experience that you will be able to share with her later in life. It is exciting to see how Lainey is changing each day. She is precious! It is wonderful to check in and see how you are all doing each day. Beautiful pictures!
    Margaret
    waiting not so patiently to bring home Graeme

  8. fourgrands Says:

    The basketball story is just toooo funny, Randy!!!!! We read this at 6 AM Wednesday…feels pretty good to be able to laugh that hard that early!! Lainey really is doing so well, probably better than anyone, even you guys expected! She is actually SMILING?!!! Seeing her little hand on yours is so adorable..makes me feel warm & fuzzy! I guess Donna was glad to have a break from doing this…you did well! We’re glad it’s almost time for you guys to head back to the USA..all that smog is not good for your health! I would love to write more, but I’ve got to get ready for work so the time will pass and I can finally see my 4 grandchildren and we can all head for Florida tomorrow AM!! Bunches of love to you 3 so far away!!
    Mom & Dad

  9. jessica Says:

    Donna,

    You never told me you were married to an NBA player! ;-) LOL! Cute pictures and Lainey looks like she is doing very well!

    Jessica

  10. Lisa Says:

    Love the pictures of the city and Randy playing basketball. I of course LOVE all the pics of Lainey. Glad you are seeing some of her personality even if its anger. Continueing to keep you guys in my prayers.

  11. Tony Clark Says:

    So no comments by me until now, but that’s just ’cause I’ve been trying to prevent Lainey’s older sibs from hurting each other, burning down the house, etc. Taught ’em some solid theology to go along with their stellar knowledge of xbox 360 (kidding!).

    So, Gene Hackman was right! What, everyone else isn’t up to date on all their movie quotes? Well, in the thoroughly enjoyable movie HEIST, Hackman says, “There’s not much that is as cute as a Chinese baby!” Agreed – this is a cute addition to the family! Thankfully she looks nothing like Randy (grin).

    We’ve been praying, and already love her from here. I am glad that this is not only a great experience from the standpoint of bringing home your daughter, but also from a standpoint of seeing another place, another culture. Now that you’ve played ball with them, I assume street evangelism is next? Probably be better if you didn’t do anything to get thrown into jail…..

    Strange feelings here for me. Admiration, pride, love…and crazy jealousy! Ah, well, God’s plans and ways are better and bigger than anything we can devise on our own. I am stupidly proud of my brother and his wife! I have been showing your site to patients in the exam room, getting way behind schedule, just about to bust. I haven’t passed out any cigars or anything, but the feeling is there nonetheless.

    Love you guys, hang in there a few more days, and then you’ll be home. By the way, the older 4 are basically doing well. Obviously proud and excited, but also eager to be with their Mom and Dad again. I think they are also excited to be a part of the drama themselves, so be ready to put them center-stage a bit when you get home. They were a little sad the 1st day or 2, but had lots of fun with our kids. I fear they will remember their crazy uncle Tony yelling and thundering around the house too much, but Dee Dee reminds me who their Dad is, so maybe they were already prepped for that! Overall it was a very good week, and I think they had a lot of fun.

    Well, we love you guys, are proud of you, and look forward to your safe and soon return.

    Tony

  12. thedingos Says:

    Hey guys! We love the pictures, please keep them coming! Randy, it’s nice to see you living your dream of being a pro-basketball player! I’m glad things are going well with Lainey. I love the picture from yesterday with her purple outfit and white bow! She looks so content!!! We’re praying for you guys….God is so good!

    Love,
    Mike and Angie

  13. Melinda Says:

    What great basketball pictures! You must have felt like a star with everyone stopping to watch! I am glad that each day brings new glimpses of Lainey’s personality. Continuing to keep you in my prayers as you go through this transition!

  14. Askews Says:

    What fun pictures! Lainey looks like she is doing great! I think the smog will get me too…. hang in there ~ I’ll be praying for God to supernaturally protect you from the smog(like a bubble around you) and keep you healthy. Thanks for keeping us all updated!

    Blessings,
    Pam

  15. EliseLiptack Says:

    Great post! Loved that you got to be a local B-Ball star!

    Lainey is beautiful and I am praying that the rest of your trip is full bonding and that you learn more about each other everyday!!!

  16. GramStegall Says:

    After reading my son’s (Tony) comments I hope all of you can see why I am “one proud Momma” !! You have to understand that Randy and Tony have ALWAYS been best friends. Competitive to the end, but still extremely close and loving. God blessed me with 2 of the best sons possible and when one of them is going through ANYTHING… the other is right there helping him, being excited for him, loving him and praying for him. Yeah, Tony would have loved to have been there playing basketball right beside Randy and then both of them would have “shown Off” for all the people.

    On the movie quote… Randy and Tony have this weird talent for remembering quotes from movies and can’t understand why everybody else can’t do the same.

    They are proud of each other and love each other…

    and I am proud of them and love them.

    Mom

  17. Donna Says:

    Dear mom and dad,
    Hey! It is me Marley, i am going to Email dad so keep looking!

  18. Donna Says:

    I LOVE U!!!
    I MISS U!!!
    I LOVE U!!!
    I MISS U!!!
    I.. U GET THE POINT.LOL!! C= =D ;D
    () ()
    (^.^) ABBEY

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