Sunday 17th September

Walked through the fish market
Abi ate McDonalds French fries for the first time and loved them
Lunch (buffet) at Metropole Hotel with Gwoo Ma Gwoo Jeung – Abi was due for a sleep but played the star rather hyperactively on the banquette seats to the amusement of the oldies. Got a severe food intolerance rash around her mouth and jaw and right hand, quite itchy. Tried to cool it by dabbing with damp serviette, Chris took her for a full on wash. Could have been the coconut agar that Kung Kung gave to abi among the jelly. Makes me remember that Abi’s food needs to be supervised and carefully selected, and that her reluctance to eat may be a self protection measure?

Poor Abi fell asleep as soon as we walked out the door of the hotel. Regardless of the bumpiness or the heat she stayed asleep during the MTR ride including changing at Admiralty. Woke for a bit just as we got to the top of the Fortress Hill stair but dozed off again until the apartment when I tried to take off her sandals. Distressed cryuing was soothed by a long drink of Ribena, then she settled in for more napping which was a great relief considering the night ahead. Chris shopped for a thinner presentable shirt for tonight’s dinner engagement.

Woke Abi 5 mins before we had to go downstairs for the car ride to our dinner date with Uncle Kwong and Auntie Cecilia. They drove us to the Jockey Club in their lovely Lexus with Abi grooving away to Auntie Cecilia’s signature Abba driving music. Again it was fascinating to watch Abi’s transfixed look at the passing lights and traffic and buildings. Then she walked through the wood panelled stone clad lift to the marbled foyer to the eating area overlooking the indoor swimming pool. Boy she was excited to see the people swimming. We brought some cheese and crackers as emergency dinner but by the time we had our selected our food from the various stalls Abi had lost interest in eating. Took Abi in my arms to see the food stalls and she was very interested in the wok chefs. Tried to take her back to the table but she protested strongly. Uncle Kwong had finished the first half of his meal (shared dish with Auntie Cecilia) and volunteered to take Abi for a walk – surprisingly she agreed instead of insisting on mum. They were gone a long time, then upon returning Abi immediately took mum’s hand and tried to lead her unsuccessfully away (spaghetti carbonara was too yummy). Tried Dad next – yes he was willing and had finished eating his beef brisket noodles.

Turns out Uncle Kwong showed Abi the kiddy playroom and she was fixated on returning. Chris took her there but he had to have a Jockey Club member sign her in – uncle Kwong again. Now Abi had a great old time swimming in the ball room. Surrounded by padded surfaces the kiddy room is a fantastic place that every eating establishment should consider installing. Let the parents supervise their child’s safety and have an overall staff supervisor, but let the kids burn off excess energy! It was great seeing Abi so animated and happy and being able to have physical play after so many days of quiet or controlled play. Can understand why Carol took her 2 kids there everyday that they were in HK – free for members and kids love it.

Abi fell asleep soon after drinking lots of milk. Hopefully she won’t awaken during the night for more food – she hardly ate anything. I’m pooped.