Exciting news!

We just found out at lunch yesterday that Jacky, our contact here in Hangzhou, is going to be a father! His wife, Xianjin, has been feeling kind of ill for a few days and went to the doctor yesterday. Apparently, she's with child! It was really funny when Jacky told us at lunch. Can you just imagine this very private Chinese guy telling six very emotional American ladies (in the middle of a crowded restaurant) that he is going to be a father?! Oh man, was that quite the scene. And that was before he had even told his family!
We are planning on having an American-style baby shower for Xianjin before we leave. I think she will really like the attention and the tradition of it (even though they don't throw baby showers here in China). I especially think it will be nice since the doctor said she should stay at home for the next 3 months (it's the first trimester, so I think that's a little strange, but hey, it could be a cultural thing).
This weekend should be pretty exciting. We are going to tour an umbrella factory (they say it's the largest in China, which could quite possibly make it the largest in the world) and then take a day trip to a town famous for its rice wine on Saturday. On Sunday, we will go hiking in some of the mountains around this area and then go to the silk market here in Hangzhou. I am hoping to find myself a cute silk robe as a souvenir. I really haven't bought anything for myself yet, so that could be the first big purchase!
Anyway, have a wonderful weekend!