June 5, 2008 (late afternoon)

After a nice nap, we’re heading down to the play room for a little family time. Ellie had her mid afternoon snack, a bottle of formula. She is a chow-hound! She squeals when she sees the bottle being prepared; we can’t seem to make it fast enough. Lunch and dinner, she’s a moving target and we shovel the carrots, peas, tomatoes, and fish baby food in as fast as we can.

She's become somewhat of a spectacle when we’re out in public. People will walk up to the three of us, look at Ellie and then grab her little thighs, say something and walk away. We asked our guide about this. Mary told us that it’s really a sign of affection; in China, a mark of a healthy baby is chubby thighs and a chubby face.

Quote of the Day: Caroline walked down to Elsie’s room to ask if laundry had been picked up for the day. She had Ellie with her. Seeing Ellie, Elsie, said to her, “You have a big belly like Daddy. But don’t worry, just for now.”