Hello!

Well, somebody has come out of her shell today. And is running the show! She still shuts down when in a big crowd, but in a quiet space, she is laughing and clapping and saying a few English words, and a few Chinese words, from what our guide has told us. Something along the lines of no, and others that don’t really translate well.  She crawls like a mad woman and is now into having us hold her under the arms so she can walk. She even had her first temper tantrum! Something got her mad and she threw herself down and flung her head back. She was on the carpet, so she is ok. Not sure about Mike and Livy!!!!  

She gets what she wants, when she wants it. Mike and Livy cannot stand to see her cry. It is really funny to watch how she plays them already. And Bart and I are so appreciative of the parenting advice they give us on a constant basis.

We had another great day. We went to the zoo, well, that’s what the sign said.  Guess what the very first exhibit was? A cage of raccoons! Our guide told us that they were a very popular animal here, we tried hard not to laugh, but it really was too funny. They had one of the biggest exhibits in the park.  We explained that we have them everywhere in the states. Not sure that she believed us. Livy was really excited about all of the toys for sale, and wanted to get some for Mia. She said that they were special because they were from China. To that Mike replied, ” isn’t everything?” It was pretty funny.

After the zoo, we went to lunch and Mia was out of sorts. She is pretty congested, and has been running a very low grade temp. When she sneezed, and a big green glob came out. Our guide said that she needs the “medical bottle of antibiotics.” So she trotted off and came back a few hours later with some amoxicillin. Seems the doctor’s don’t need/want to see the children unless they are really ill. Green boogies don’t rank as really ill.

While Bart and the ladies rested, Michael and I wondered the streets in search of tiny Mia clothes. We stumbled upon a great department store, and another travel group who were there with their guide. Thank God! Their guide took us under her wing, and helped us to buy some pants for Mia. She can wear the 12 months if the elastic is tight, but the jeans and other types of pants literally slide right off. We did get a chance to weigh her for the “medical bottle”, and she came in at just under 18 lbs.

After some great play time, we hailed a cab and found a McDonalds!!!!! Mike was in heaven. Yes he is still with us, and already saying how much he appreciates the US. You all have not seen him in many pictures, because he is really enjoying being our photographer. I wish that I could take a picture of the looks he gets when he is carrying Mia! And the long hair is not going over well with the men around here. Livy is doing much better here in Kunming. Nobody bothers her about her hair and she is really enjoying the site-seeing. She bought some type of flute/recorder and is working hard at figuring it out.

Well, we are off to visit the orphanage tomorrow. Not really sure that I want to go, but I know that I need to go.

Hope that all is well. We are doing great, but do miss home.

Take care and keeps those prayers coming!

Love,

Claire