Translation: I have not forgot(ten) you! My apologies for such long intervals between blog entries lately. I have been busy with Chinese lessons, parent-teacher conferences, doctor appointments, and working. Before expanding, here's a great picture for you!
As you know, China has the one-child policy - implemented in the late 70's. So triplets is quite the coup! Usually it is us at whom the Chinese point, take pictures, touch the children's faces (yes, weird), and comment on how fortunate we are. On this day, we asked for the picture! This begged the question: What does the government do when someone has twins or more? I asked my Chinese teacher (laoshi) and she said "meiguanshi" (no problem). Hmmm, I thought. Why then do Chinese no use fertility methods to increase the odds of producing multiple births, thus 'outsmarting' the one-child policy? My teacher, a highly-educated, bilingual woman had no idea such a thing existed. "Is this popular in your country?" she asked. I gave her the primer on infertility issues, older moms, invitro fertilization, etc. I suppose the government here would not look kindly on a physician who practiced such methods. FYI: the mom of these beautiful girls would not agree that she hit the jackpot. The jackpot would have been if they were boys - still considered the better offspring and the reason the majority of adopted Chinese children are girls. Couple more tidbits: One can have more than one child in China; however, to do so costs a significant amount of money in penalties. Consder it a surcharge. Also, there is an exception. If both husband and wife are only children, they are able to have a second child with no penalty. This is because the government recognizes that in the case of an only child to two only children, the burden of caring for 4 grandparents falls on one child - an expensive and onerous burden to bear.
Sarah left this morning for her trip to Xi'an (see "The Demise of the Helicopter Parent"). After attending a parent information meeting where the itinerary was presented, it is clear that there is so much scheduled that the kids will not have time to get into trouble. I am very excited for her to have this opportunity. She took her digital camera, so we hope to have her as guest blogger, sharing her adventures with you.
We just had our first Halloween in Shanghai. Yes, it is celebrated here. Yes, it is a big deal. It was great passing out candy to so many Asian kids who are clearly shocked by the fact that they show up at doors and people give them candy! They carried these teensy little bags or buckets for their candy - enough for about 10 houses. It was nostalgic to look through the kids' stash and see many small pieces of candy rather than the excessive bags of candy and whole candy bars of the Birmngham neighborhoods. Costumes were also sketchy. Sarah dressed as goth. She looked like Mrs. Munster and she received many stares and compliments. Next to the literally dozens and dozens of witches she looked truly unique.
As November 1st hit, and so did the cold weather. Here in Shanghai it is like someone flips a switch. No gradual changing of the seasons. One day it is sunny and warm. The next day you're freezing! I am told this is typical. Off to pull out our sweaters!!!
Dear Barb,
This is the first I have accessed your blog and I find it fascinating. I love history and social studies and YOU are affording me some great info!! I'm so glad you are there and making the most of it. Lots of love to you!
Ellie
Posted by: Ellie | 11/02/2009 at 05:35 PM