The Family Circus

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Okay, am starting to see what people mean when they say that when you have one child, the parents can still control. When you have two, it is really more like twelve. We took the boys downstairs to breakfast this morning, which began in a general atmosphere of peace and calm. How quickly it degenerated. Bao insisted on taking his milk in a coffee cup which means that the chair he was sitting in (because he refused the highchair) got most of the milk. Jin decided today to toddle around the breakfast area and show all of the diners the egg in his mouth. Bao ran between a waiter's legs while he was attempting to balance a number of trays. The entire area dissolved into chaos within, what seemed like, mere seconds. And am so embarrassed to describe the sorry state of the room. Between the blood on the sheets from Bao's bleeding eye injury, the milk that Jin has spewed all over the room, and the piece of wallpaper that Bao found interesting to tear off the wall, am terrified to see our room bill. Good grief, this hotel room has seen more destruction than a room partied in by the Rolling Stones pre-rehab. Am very uncertain about how the unruly children not controlled by the parents are being perceived by Chinese people around us. I have heard that boys are given a wide berth re: poor behavior and are basically allowed to do whatever they want. But is this mere conjecture, an urban American myth, such as the razors in the candy bars or that you can see the Great Wall from space (which Allen insists is not true but I say it is as I saw it in writing on my blog).

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Photos

Bao Swinging From the Counter
And Not Watching His Eye

Jin in Full Glory
Of All Out Tantrum

Feels Like
Four of Them

Comments

[Emily]

OHMY!
You have your hands full!! I hope you are still enjoying our trip!!! It will go by fast. Once you are in Guangzhou, it will be better. If you are staying at the White Swan, they have an awesome play room... big, carpeted and meant for destruction! Have you seen the playroom at your current hotel, if not ask about it. It isn't big, but the boys would love it!

[Sherry]

the great wall from space
For the record, it can be seen from space.

[Amber]

Cute Boys!
I love your blog! Jin is a handsome little man and I'm excited to meet him. Tell Bao Ms. Amber misses him and I'll show the class pictures of Jin tomorrow at circle time. Have Fun!

[Diane]

fun times
I'm getting the biggest kick out of your writing Cindy.. it has been really fun following you on this incredible journey! Hope your hotel bill isn't too big (: So glad that Bao isdoing much better. Jin is looking mighty dapper in plaid. Time for a Jin and tonic!

[Lori]

Ah ha!
Ah ha, I thought I saw a mischievous look in both of their eyes! You guys are in for it for sure! The memories are already starting to flood in. I had to laugh reading this, trying to visualize the whole scene with the two of them running throughout the restaurant terrorizing everyone. Too funny.

[tomoko]

glad to hear
that Bao is doing OK now.... maybe doing too good with his little brother's help. Sounds like they are having a great party wherever they go! I just pray for no more injuries. Please give them a big hug from me!

[Rich]

It gets better
Just wait, it gets better, for them! Wait until they actually start working, more like plotting against your and societies rules of behavior. But all that's normal. You are also going to start seeing why Michele and I hardly ever took the kids out to eat, unless it was a McDonalds playground! Just remember you are making memories! They may not be good ones until a few years go by and the pain and embarassment subside. You just have to roll with it, anybody with kids will understand and smile, and for those who don't, who cares. Have fun!

[Maria]

Wild boys
Bao and Jin---two like Finn--Start with smile--cry awhile--Then onto sleep--wake with leap---Eat, drink, run--So much fun--Explore, explore--Laugh some more--Both go there--then everywhere--Bao and Jin--each other's friend.

[Grace]

Good luck
Can't wait to meet Jin! What a sweet family you are. Good luck with the double trouble! Grace