Pearl Market and Summer Palace

Ok...

Today was the Summer Palace and Pearl Market.

The Pearl Market was interesting. We learned about fresh water pearls and how to know the real from a fake. We got a little demonstration and the girls opened an oyster to show us how many pearls were actually inside. We guessed only one. One pearl actually had about 15 inside. We also learned the colors...white, pink, lavender and black. Of course my favorite--the black--was most expensive...figures!

Then onto the Summer Palace. Beautiful place. The pictures just won't do it justice. Our guide was pretty informative, but unfortunately I couldn't really listen to him as Jace was having a meltdown. Yes, I said 'meltdown'. Today is the day he decided to show me his naughty side. I am thanking God there is a naughty side to see. I was beginning to get worried that he was only trying to please me by being a 'good boy' all the time. Although, I did see a bit of it yesterday when he tried to bite me in the restaurant-although gently-he still bit me. So this is what happens. If his feelings are hurt, or he is mad, he first throws whatever is in his hands or anything near him. He tries to grip anything in his path to send sailing throughout the room. So of course, I pick him up to walk away from the situation. As I walk away from our little 'scenario', he very discreetly scrapes his nails on my back. If that doesn't work, he then acts like he is putting his head on my shoulder to rest, but instead bites me. Not hard at all, but enough to let me know he is P.O'd...IF THAT doesn't work, he wiggles out of my arms and goes as limp as a noodle to the ground. Well....guess what? It doesn't work. I don't LET it work. I pick him up and hold him and kiss him until he stops fighting me. He must not be used to crying for very long--it doesn't last more than about 3 minutes. I want him to know that he can test me all he wants to-Momma's not ever leaving and he will never get away with hurting me.

It was actually funny when he was trying to bite me. The look in his eyes said "I am mad, but I am afraid to hurt you". Honestly, he likes the correction from me. He cozies in my lap afterward. I love it.

Hope you enjoy the pics!!!!

www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro

Until tomorrow!!
Shannon