Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Day Six ...Hong Kong Feet!!

Six days in high heat and high humidity + someone (me) who does not like to wear socks with his sneakers and also likes to wear sandals = one thing...smelly feet...very smelly feet...downright rancid smelling feet. Being the problem solver that I am, I approached our guide, Elvin, and asked him to steer me towards some foot powder or some of the good doctor (Dr. Scholl) to help me with a little problem I had. The language barrier was too much for him, so I motioned to my feet and grabbed my nose. Before reading on, remember, Elvin combines an Australian accent with his native Chinese accent, so he sounds like a cross between Crocodile Dundee and Mr. Miagee (the Karate Kid guy). Elvin said the following: (please read out loud using said accent)hawwwwwwwww, Eric san, you hava the Hong...A...Kong feeta. smella like a ba ba. Hehehehehehehe. So, the moral of the story is that smelly feet in Guongzhou are referred to as Hong Kong feet. And I got some serious Hong Kong Feet going on!!! (Does that mean Robin's bad breath the other day can be classified as Hong Kong breath?? hmmmmmm) Anyway, when I asked Elvin if he knew of any ancient Chinese remedies to cure my stanky dawgs, he again gave me that blank stare. So any suggestions from the blog audience would be appreciated, especially by AJ and Robin!! Now on to bath night! Each night AJ has been getting better in the bath tub, and tonight she was pure joy. Very playful, very jovial, so damn adorable!!!! The heart again melted as I watched Robin wash her hair! Now, I am guessing the first few bath nights did not go so well because I kept trying to get this black spot off of the top of her tail bone. I scrubbed like a maniac, and the thing would not come off. I was too freaked out to alarm Robin with my findings, and until I ascertained the call of the alarm, I knew that Robin would not discover it on her own (the girl is blind...seriously, she cannot see) Well, it turns out the black spot is called the "Mongolian Spot" and is common for Asian children. It goes away as the child gets older. Apparently Elvin told us this when we first got AJ, but I guess I was too busy eating her cupcake (I actually ate 3/4 of the thing..not half as previously mentioned :) ) and existing in my own little cupcake zone. I told Robin this story today and she forced me to blog it, much to my dismay. We also learned that we have been calling AJ by the wrong nickname. We thought the orphanage director called her Kitty Kitty. Again, something got lost in the translation, because her nickname in the orphanage was Mao Mao, which means smart and beautiful. Soooo, as soon as we let out the first Mao Mao, she looked right at us, and has continued to do so. Now picture Robin and I the last three days, in the hotel, restaurants, basically everywhere we went saying Kitty, Kitty...her Kitty Kitty, and the girl does not even look at us. You thing the people here may think we are just a tad bit strange??? Speaking of the meaning of Mao Mao (beautiful), we went shopping for some traditional Chinese silk dresses for her today. Insert Heart melting..again. Seriously, the girl completely has me feeling things I have never felt. Unbelievable. As for little Mao Mao's hair, even though she does not have much, Robin has found a way to get a barret(sp?) in it every day (thank you Carrie Hamilton). As each day goes by, Addison continues to be more and more smitten with Robin and has also been warming up to me. I gave her her first Cheerio today and she loved it...so she ate about fifty more!) She has been smiling, giggling, and doing lots of pointing. She is also quite smart (the other half of Mao Mao) and she proves it by putting a set of hollow blocks, each one a little smaller than the other, together with ease. My school psych training tells me is gifted...hello academic scholarship!!!! Tomorrow we plan on incorporating some new fruits in her diet...I think the bananas have been clogging her up!!! Ok, I must go pay some attention to Mao Mao...and wash my stanky ass honk kong feet! Until tomorrow, when we attempt to tackle the swimming pool!!!!!















23 comments:

  1. Eric, your blogs just crack me up:-) Maybe try wearing socks now and then? Actually you should wear them all the time- especially with your sandals. Robin LOVES this look, she may tell you she doesn't but she's kidding, she loves it, honest! Addison looks so cute. Was all the guessing and measuring about her size right? I was curious about that. Jaz is doing well. Don't worry she had her heart pill yesterday (here as I'm writing this yesterday was the 10th). Speaking of pills she questioned my stinginess with the peanut butter with her medicine everyday. I told her that mom tattled on her and told me that she has high cholesterol and isn't allowed the huge globs I previously doled out twice a day. She swears that there was a mix-up at the lab and will have the doctor fax the corrected results to me. I told her we'd re-visit the issue when I got the confirmation:-) But she is doing great! We both love and miss you:-) Can't wait to meet Addison!

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  2. From MOM--try using baking soda and if you have a freezer put the baking soda in the sneekers put in a plastic g-bag and put in the freezer (make sure there,s no food in the freezer! It sounds like Addison has mommy and dadday wrapped around her finger already--just wait until she gets a hold of grandma--I'm in big trouble! The pictures are just beautiful -I just can't wait to hold her in my arms. Hearing you on the phone today and sounding so happy with Addison is just everything we can ever ask for--until tomarro-we love you

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  3. The humor is getting better everyday and the stories of how you are growing as a family is soooooo heartwarming. The pictures are fabulous and I fall in love with Mao Mao more and more as each day passes. She is truly beautiful! I love the pictures with Eric and AJ against his chest--so loving. She is truly beautiful and smart!
    Love, kisses and hugs
    Mom and Marty xoxoxoxo

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  4. As long as Eric keeps sharing those cupcakes and making Addison giggle she will be a Daddy's girl in no time. The picture of Eric and AJ gazing out the window is such a a peaceful and touching shot. As we speak, Holden is wrapping up one of her tutus to send to Addison. Since she wears one everyday and none of your pics show Addison in a tutu, she demanded we send one immediately! Have fun at the pool!

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  5. from Linda Smeller (haha): I guess Hong Kong feet are more easily remedied than King Kong Feet! Try peppermint...seriously...anchient chinese secret. If you can't find peppermint, rub some Wrigley's on your feet.
    Love to read about your adventures! Addison looks so at ease already, and you two seem very natural as mom and dad.
    Gotta run and do some internet searching...I heard that there is a funny blog written by some Chinese guy about these odorous people he saw in a restaurant calling their daughter, saying "here kitty, kitty!" Foreigners.

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  6. People in my office are starting to worry about me. I'm either tearing up or laughing out loud - imagining the two of you saying "here kitty, kitty" is hysterical! I love the pictures and hearing about all of your experiences. Getting to see you coming together as a family is truly heartwarming! You have hit the jackpot with a good eater and sleeper - maybe Addison can give Libby some lessons when she comes home? I would appreciate it! Enjoy and I hope you find a cure for your feet!

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  7. LOL about the Mongolian spot....this will be the first of many freak-out moments over the most innocent of ailments. Welcome to parenthood!!!
    As for the stinky feet...Sailor and Talan's solution for you is to "take a bath hippie!" ha! It's Talan's favorite one-liner from the movie "Up". 4 year olds sometimes have the best solutions. ha!

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  8. I love the picture of Eric and Addison at the window :)
    Wear socks Eric :)
    As for also being adopted I am at a loss of words at the love I am seeing by all the pics, and beautiful blogs, so here's a good quote about how I feel looking your family.
    "It is a colorfull litany that winds toward me from the horizon like a road across a rocky desert...And the road ends in my arms at my own oasis-our daughter."
    Jenny George

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  9. Eric, you should be a writer! Your blog is so interesting and funny and loving and exceptional and ..... The pics are great and it seems she's already adjusted to her new parents. What luck! She must have been waiting for you two all this time singing "Somewhere Out There"
    Betsy

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  10. Eric, you are an amazing writer. Reading your posts is the highlight of my day. The photos are absolutely wonderful. It looks like you have been together forever and are just on vacation in a foreign country. You are truly a natural at this. The pictures of you holding AJ are heartwarming and beautiful. Robin I always knew you were made for this and your smile in every picture tells me everything I need to know. I am thrilled for all of you. She is truly a doll and I am more anxious than ever to meet her. I hope the rest of your trip is as wonderful as what I've seen so far. Keep the stories coming, they are great. Lots of love, Cindy and Mark and the boys. xoxo

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  11. PS--Eric I just googled "Hong Kong Feet" and it's athletes feet, so you need some kind of powder.

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  12. Hi Roberts Family! This is just such a great blog. Glad the stinky feet are on your side of the planet! Eric, if you want to get rid of the stink fast, just go get some spray deodorant. Works faster than soaking those dawgs. Mao Mao (and Mommy) will love you all the more for trying this. Get the powder fresh sent to help hide the stink:) Can't wait to see you guys when you get home! Love, Kim

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  13. Eric you are such a hoot! I love reading your blog - but not as much as I love seeing the new pictures of beautiful Addison. The ones of her with her Mommy and Daddy just warm my heart and makes me misty. It is just so perfect. I was glad to hear Addison's nickname is Mao Mao and not Kitty Kitty. I not so sure how it would go over with Jaz if he would be hearing Kitty Kitty, I am so happy to hear how well everything is going. And I have to tell you Robin that you never looked more beautiful - motherhood makes your simile even more glowing. Not to let you out of my compliments Eric -- you are a quite cute too. Seriously you have such a soft loving smile as a Daddy. Enjoy and keep those blogs coming. Love from Aunt Susie and Uncle Barry.

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  14. We have been so thrilled keeping up with your blogs & pictures and seeing your beautiful family bonding. Eric you are fabulous at expressing just what is going on in China...we feel as though we are there with you,Robin & Addison. She is a precious doll, adorable & everything you hoped for and we love, love her. Can't wait to see you all & meet Mao Mao in person. All our love, Aunt Gloria & Uncle Jerry.

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  15. I was finally able to get on here and really read everything and look at the pictures! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! She is absolutely gorgeous and you can just see the love in your family!!!! I am so happy for you and will now be following this blog daily! (I agree with everyone else, Eric, you definitely have a new career ahead of you!)
    Sending you all tons of love!!!!

    XOXO,
    Christy

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  16. Continuing to enjoy our daily dose of your stories. Terrie says to use baking soda, definitely stay away from scented powders as it only makes it worse. The pictures are precious and adorable... keep them coming please!

    The Geisel's

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  17. Uncle Greg is so happy Addison is good with building blocks -- he needs a new assistant!

    We fall more in love with your little doll baby every day.

    Love, Aunt Linda and Uncle Greg

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  18. Eric,
    Your mom had given me your blog address a few days ago and I have been following it ever since!

    I think that it is so wonderful of you to take the time/effort to send out your daily reports to all of us who have been supporting you and Robin from day one!

    PLEASE do consider seriously compiling all of your blogs and incorportating them into a book.......both you & Robin and your sweet baby girl will truly enjoy them in years to come!

    Lorna Rabe

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  19. We are so happy for you guys and enjoy reading the updates and checking out the pictures! Eric, try rubbing some Joop on those Hong Kong Feet, you never know what could happen next;) Makenna is excited to hear that someone else has the Mongolian Spot on their tailbone as well.

    Can't wait to see you guys! Enjoy the rest of your stay in China.

    ~Jeremy & Ali

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  20. We have loved the blog and are sooooo happy for all three of you! Mao Mao couldn't be a luckier girl:-) I am proud to be included in your story! Keep up the great blogging work and Robin keep up the great loving of that little one!

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  21. I finally got the chance to check in on you again, and I cried! She is BEAUTIFUL!!! You all look so Happy! Life is indeed good for the Roberts family! Much ♥ ~Amy (Glover) Gruber

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  22. You have deserved each and every one of these precious moments! Enjoy them all!....and so many more to come! She was definitely worth every day of the wait! Thinking of you three often

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  23. Eric, Robin and Addison! I love logging on daily to read your updates and see the pictures!!! Addison is soooo precious - I love the one of Robin giving her a bath! Eric - start wearing socks!! Can't wait to meet Addison!! Love - Terri

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