June 23

Dear Jones-

Today was a busy day. We took you to the Chow Pom Market (by the way, I spell these Thai words phonetically, I have no idea how they should actually be spelled) to buy some fruit. It took us twice as long to get through the market as it should have because Thai women were literally jogging over to see you and squeeze your irresistible, white appendages. It was super hot and I was getting a bit tired of the look-at-the-white-baby-he–looks-like-a-doll routine, but I just smiled and repeated over and over that you are “poo-chai” (boy) and “gow dewun” (9 months old). Taking you in public is like facing the paparazzi in LA. At least I’m not the center of all the hand-squeezing attention. While we’re discussing Thai people and babies, why do Thai people loooove to clap loudly in your face? They think it’s hilarious.

After your second nap we picked up a tuk-tuk in the rain and took it to a big van (looked like a Volkswagen EuroVan) that drove us and 11 other people to Bang Bua Tong 40 minutes away. We spent time there with two of Scott’s old friends, Sister “Oh” and Sister “Ang”. Do I even have to describe their enthusiasm for you? Before we returned home you were given a bath in a pink, plastic bin in front of the house. This brought out several neighbors and their kids/babies who thoroughly enjoyed the show.

The ride home in the van was half terrible, half awesome. We got stuck sitting in the back row where the seats are elevated and dad couldn’t sit upright. It was also as bumpy as a handcart, which added to dad’s discomfort. We were laughing out loud at our misfortune. The best part of the ride, and in fact my entire day, was when you fell asleep quietly in my arms. Holding your snuggly body while I watched the sunset beyond the passing rice patties was wonderfully serene…and I basked in it.

My Thai is getting better and I was able to have a brief conversation with our tuk-tuk driver about his children. It felt pretty good. Dad is watching the US v Algeria World Cup game (in Thai) and I am not the least bit interested, so I’ll be going to sleep soon. Thank you for cuddling with me today after your van nap. I think I’ll take you out tomorrow to enjoy the city and snap some photos of you in locations that will prove you were actually here. I’m getting bored with the around-the-house shots and I think most of our blog readers (A.K.A. Grandmas and Grandpas) are as well.

Love,

Mom

---no photos, I didn't bring the still camera with us anywhere--