BETTER DAY!!!!!!

Okay, today soooooooo much better! I hate to say it, but Luke can show some really defiant behavior and behaviors that I really don't know how to handle.  Yesterday to have the other families around was a huge relief.  Even though they tried to help during one of his fits and he was unresponsive to them, and even our Chinese speaking guide and driver too, it helped to just have them there for my own sanity and support.  We went to dinner last night and he was so good.  He ate so much and loved the food, so you better believe that we will be going back there tonight and maybe even every night til we leave.  Today we went to a beautiful park with lots of walking.  We had our stroller, along with the other two families and their little girls and it worked out perfect.  Minus a few times when he did not want to go and insisted on putting his feet out to stop the stroller or when we took the iPad from him.  We've learned to coax him to do what he doesn't want to do with a sucker.  I really don't agree with bribery as form of parenting but I feel like I'm in survival mode right now and gotta do what we have to do.  Ellen and Ashley have been AWESOME helpers!!!! They have been so patient and willing to give in to him so many times and in so many ways.  I've assured them that when we get home it will be different.  I think they know me well enough to know that the behaviors that we have to tolerate here, mom will definitely not tolerate at home.  My sweet little Ashley has had to take some "toddler abuse" and I will say that Daddy will owe her a big day out once back home.  I know it's been hard for her to see all the attention go to him.  She has wanted to be a mommy to him and he has wanted no part of it....lot of yelling and hitting at her.
Yesterday we tried to lay down and rest, hoping that maybe a nap for him would help his mood and behavior.  Well, he proceeded to open and close the curtains, laughing, turning lights on and off, pulling everything out of the bags and we eventually gave up when he crammed a candy bar in Ellen's ear.  Then proceeded to stomp on the chocolate all in the cream colored carpet.  Ellen was a trooper.  They have been very strong through this all.....especially even with a crazy, crying, "I can't do this" repeating, mom!
Like I said, today has been so much better.  After the visit to the park, we came back to the hotel and went to McDonalds for lunch, then Starbucks,then the 13th floor outdoor playground set, and now back in the room with Ellen watching the English speaking channel (yeah!!!! Just found it today!) and she's now asleep, Ashley and Luke playing and actually him sitting on my lap on and off.  Life is good!
I GREATLY APPRECIATE ALL THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!!! Please pray for my little Ashley.  I think it's been a tough day for her...for whatever reason.  3 more days here and we'll be on a plane home!!!

Starbucks!  My girls have been so good I upgraded their frappacino from a tall size to grande!!!

Ellen:  "Mom, let's take a selfie."  My sweet girl!!!

This pic was taken by Ken, one of the other adoptive parents.  Luke did not want to make the walk up to the statue so we left him at the bottom of the stairs with Helen, our guide, so that we could see it. He joked that we should caption this picture...."A moment of peace"....lol!