No New Pics Today

Sorry, I know the pics of Ian are what you want.

We went to China Airlines again today, this time to purchase Ian's ticket (we were told ahead of time it is much cheaper to purchase his here and not a big deal since it is a lap ticket and not an actual seat) and to request a bassinet for the long flight from Taipei to L.A. (that means we have more spacious exit row seating and that means LEG ROOM for Sean as well as the great bassinet for Ian. That is something they won't let you confirm until right before your trip so it is confirmed! We are so happy because the China Airlines woman said thay are discontinuing the bassinets. She even asked what size diapers he wears and if he needs a baby meal! Seanwas pretty cramped on the way here, so that will really help. I am pretty nervous about that flight. It is about 13 hours I think. That is along time if he decides he needs to have a major crying meltdown (his are rare and usually short). I worry about him becoming very sick, etc. He vomited tonight (not sure yet why) while I was standing up holding him, and it covered me, him and our bed comforter. While Daddy got the bath ready, he attempted his first fingerpainting expereince with it (sorry TMI). He seems to be feeling better now....but I REALLY am worried about the long flight and the whole trip home. Some of those airports are so hectic....

When we arrived at China Airlines, it was the lunch hour and they were closed. We walked around a bit, and decided to have lunch at a cafe. Some Vietnamese people next to us asked us "Vietnam baby?" We said yes and talked to them a bit. When they saw me make him a bottle (we carry Playtex bottles with about 4 oz. of bottled water, a small thermos of hot bottled water and a formula dispenser with pre-measured compartments). They were all intrigued with the Playtex bottles. I ws not surprised because they are not available here. In fact babies are breastfed in Vietnam and it sounds like all babies (except the orphans of course) are. Some Vietnames people do not even know about formula or that you can buy it here. So the man asked us to write down the name of the Playtex bottles for him and one of the women took a picture of one with her cell phone camera.

We were going to go to a museum today, but didn't make it before it closed. Tomorrow is our last day to do that, so maybe there will be pics tomorrow. Ian is really starting to talk a lot! He is such a flirt with Vietnamese women. Once in awhile I will watch him listen intently to conversations in Vietnamese. Yes, he has a history with that language and I wonder what he understands.

We are really hoping Ian's vomiting was a one time thing (especailly so close to the big trip home). We've had tiny mild upset stomach things, but have not gotten sick (well, Sean has a cold but not too bad). We have really tried a lot of different foods, but try to heed the advice of our health dept. travel clinic -no unpasteurized milk, no uncooked foods (like lettuce & tomato on sanwiches which we eat at trusted restaurants), no unpeeled fruit (well o.k. we eat that too at trusted restaurants), no shellfish...o.k. maybe we aren't following the rules exactly- we've eaten a lot of prawns.

Well, must go - I want to make sure that Ian is still sleeping o.k (I am in the lobby while Sean is up with Ian). He has not been napping a lot during the day, then sleeping a LONG time at night, but tonight with not feeling well...he is a little unsettled.

We leave Friday, July 27th at 5:20 PM and arrive in Milwaukee Sat. morning at 4:45 AM (gain 12 hours). Can't wait to get home, drink regular coffee (Vietnamese coffee is very thick like espresso, but with a very distinct taste - I am not fond of it), use our washer & dryer, water from the tap, see everyone, not get stared at so much (o.k. I guess we will still get stared at). Bye!