And today is . . . July 8, 2010

Dear Joshua,

Tonight's letter will be short, since we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. We're off to Guangzhou, to the U.S. Consulate, where we will take your citizenship oath and secure your visa for entry into the USA. The flight to Guangzhou is two hours – we hope – though seasonal storms can wreak havoc on schedules. It will be your first time in an airplane, and judging by how much you love the bus, we think you'll have a grand time. Your mama and brother are a bit under the weather, so we're praying for good health as we travel.

Today, we got a taste of the Bund, Shanghai's riverwalk along old European buildings. On a fair weather day, we could have walked for hours enjoying the architecture and the Shanghai skyline. But the sun was so intense, even the Americans pulled out our umbrellas in true China style. From there, we went to Old Shanghai, so full of sights, sounds, and smells, we could have stayed an entire day. There were shops and vendors, women selling dolls and men selling bamboo saxophones. Before we thought better of it, one vendor had Andrew blowing into a bamboo sax while he played the notes to Happy Birthday. “You're a true magician,” he told Andrew. A crowd gathered to watch and shot photos like the paparazzi. Several people asked to pull our movie star Jacob aside for some posed shots. And others asked the common question about you, “That is China baby?” When we nod yes, they ooh and ahh and if they know English, they shower you with compliments.

By the time lunch rolled around, we were losing stamina and looking for a place to sit. Shiyan took us to a nice indoor restaurant with amazing dumplings.

We made it back early this afternoon, in time for you to settle down for a much-needed nap. We could tell our pace was taking its toll today. Now, you are awake and refreshed, playing with some bouncy light-up balls with Jacob and Anna – and giggling all the way. You make the sweetest sounds!

Friends who are following this journey have asked some questions about you that you might ask someday. (Many of you know that we are unable to access the blog from China, but big thanks to my sister Christy for posting updates for us and passing along your comments!)

1.Are you happy all the time, or do we see any evidence of grieving?
You are a very happy little boy, generous with smiles and laughter, eager to offer a wave to passers-by. But, we have seen tears – from whimpers to all-out meltdowns. So far, before every nap or bedtime, there are some tears. Not too many, but you are sad to go down to sleep. We suspect part of it is your regret to see the day's fun ending, but we also wonder where your mind travels in those quiet moments. Was there a favorite caregiver who tucked you in? Do you miss the children who lay down in the cribs beside yours? We wonder if you will have the memory to answer these questions someday.

You also cry when you've had enough. You're ready to eat, and there's no meal in sight. You're ready to leave, but where is that bus? We can tell you have some survival skills in you – even at barely three years old, you will make sure you have the food, drink, space you need.

2.Can you hear anything at all?
We don't think so. Not without your hearing aids, anyway. If you can hear, I suspect it is in the lower ranges. But most of our experimenting would indicate that you cannot hear. It makes you a wonderfully sound sleeper, and I think it's why you sometimes cope with Shanghai's noise and crowds better than the rest of us! It's also done nothing to impede your ability to communicate. You are so expressive and quick to pick up signs, we feel like we are getting to know you well.

3. How do you and Jacob get along?
Aw. You and Jacob get along so well. Like I said before, we see more sibling solidarity than rivalry. Now, if one of you loses his new bouncy light-up ball, I'm certain we'll see competition and tears. It helps that both of you have Anna and Andrew to play ref and help entertain and teach. And, we have our secret weapon along . . . GRANDMA! When we sense you need some time or space (or when your daddy and I do!), we just send Jacob, Anna, or Andrew – or all three – next door to play with Grandma.

All right, little buddy. I guess it's time to get packing. Shall we send our hugs and kisses to everyone in the USA? It may be a few days before this gets updated again.

All our love,
Mama, Daddy, Andrew, Anna, and Jacob