Rough Day

Chloe's bronchitis worsened today. The medicine that the Chinese doctor prescribed is so nasty that she is becoming less attached to us because we have to hold her down to administer it. We decided to skip this morning's dose and try again after today's outing.

We had a very full day of touring. Had I realized how long it would have been, we would have skipped out and remained at the hotel. First we went to a large and very beautiful park with lots of fancy paved stones, large monument gateways, sculptured shrubs and trees and very warm sunny weather (hot). After time in the park, we traveled to a Buddahist Temple and then had a monk bless Chloe. This is the part where I thought we were going home. Instead, we traveled to a nine-story ancient pagoda on top of a mountain. There was beautiful scenery, a lake and a nice place where I could sit and let Chloe sleep while the others walked around. Some even climbed to the top of the Pagoda.

Then the group all went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant. Chloe has not been herself all morning and I dreaded this part; however, she did just fine and even ate some congee (rice porridge) and fried rice after taking a bottle. After lunch we finally returned to the hotel, where Chloe had finally had it and she cried for a long time. I think it was mostly her illness, but she refuses to let Pete comfort her and won't let me put her down for a second. She still cries in my arms, but she wails under any other circumstance. Around 8 PM I was able to give her the last bottle and get her to sleep. I hope that she doesn't wake up more than once tonight. We have now resorted to adding in some American medicines and have quit using the Hickory Smoke-flavored cough syrup....much less fighting and terror. Chloe has also developed a rash around her ears and neck. We think it is heat rash and are treating it with Hydro-cortisone cream to reduce the itch.

I hope tomorrow is a better day. Unfortunately, we plan on skipping the trip to a minority museum. It sounds like a wonderful tour with a chance to pick up some one-of-a-kind souveniers, but Chloe and Mama just may not be up to it.