Third day

Kate and one of her many hair do's

June 8

Brennan woke up at 3:30 AM which means I was also awake at 3:30 AM.  He was SUPER quiet, but I am such a light sleeper in the mornings!  In the evenings a marching band could come through and I could sleep through it, but I am the exact opposite in the mornings.  Kate was the only one not sleepy today- she slept until a reasonable 6:30 AM.  When she woke up I was taking a shower and when I came out, Brennan had poured her a glass of juice and a bowl of Goldfish Crackers.  He’s such a good brother!

After breakfast we were on a mission to find Brennan some minnows to fish with… it seems all of our adventures are centered around a fishing theme!  If you know Brennan well, this is NOT a surprise.  My oldest child dreams, lives, and obsesses over fish and fishing!  The front desk suggested that we try the pet market.  We crossed over the canal and walked through the very interesting herb market and into the pet market.  This area consisted of about three blocks of pets and pet supplies for sale.  We saw dogs, cats, rabbits, bunnies, turtles, fish, chickens, geese, and many other birds for sale.  We found the minnows Brennan wanted and bought twelve of them as well as a container to keep them in.  We walked further into the markets looking for the fish market.  I must say that being with Brennan has sure made us much more adventurous than I would have been otherwise!  It was a truly fun walk!  We never did find the fish market but we got our exercise!  By the time we got back to the hotel, we had been gone for two and a half hours!  The entire time sweet Kate sat in her stroller humming and smiling.  When she would feel a little overwhelmed she’d shut the top of her stroller (the weather protector) and disappear with just her legs showing.  Whenever we’d peek at her she would just give us a huge smile! 

With our mission accomplished we cooled off for a bit in the hotel and then went fishing at the canal for the third day in a row.  Brennan got tangled and lost his hook again but did his own negotiations and bought another hook and sinker from a local fisherman.  He had a few nibbles but didn’t catch any fish yet.  Kate and I were entertained by playing with her Doodle Pro.  I’d draw a stick person and she’d put all the features on it.  She loved to put BIG hair on the people and just giggle.  She’d also add fingers, shoes, eyes, and a mouth.  We did the same thing with a house and a tree.  She also walked around a bit which made me a little nervous because the ground is so uneven and there isn’t much blocking the creek from the sidewalk.  She is determined though and with her unsteady gait would go “stomping” around, usually looking for Brennan.  When she would see him she would squeal and laugh.  She walks better than I thought she would be able to and has only fallen a few times.  I love her determination!

After about two hours of fishing Kate and I were both feeling hot, sweaty, hungry, and a little bored.  Brennan was not happy to leave and had one of his first grumpy moments.  I know he is just frustrated and sad that he hasn’t caught any fish and then combined with the lack of sleep, he couldn’t handle his emotions very well.  I empathize with him but will be happy to take a day off of fishing, which was his consequence.  Poor guy!  He pulled it together and ended up having a nice day anyway.

We ate lunch in the room and rested for awhile.  Every time we come back to the hotel, Kate gets a huge smile and squeals.  I think she believes that this is our house!  She has explored our “house” and has figured out where I keep our shoes and will now put all of our shoes away for us.  She has also found her drawer of clothes which has her hair clips and barrettes.  She knows the word “wow” and used it often when looking through everything.  I think we did her hair about sixteen times today.  She would walk over with whatever she wanted me to put in her hair and then I’d have to lift her to the chair so she could look in the mirror.  She always tilts her head to the side in a “oh my goodness look how beautiful” moment.  She is precious!  Her main hair style today consisted of four barrettes- two on each side. 

Peter picked us up at 3:00 PM to go apply for Kate’s Visa/ Passport.  It was a quick appointment and then we headed back to the hotel.  Peter had to run to the bank before it closed and then met us in our room to go over more paperwork that would be needed for the consulate appointment.  The kids played so nicely while we went over everything.  I am so happy to have Peter’s help- there is so much to know and do! 

After he left, we went to Subway for dinner and then walked around by the river.  It is so beautiful at night! There are so many lights in the trees, lanterns lit, and lights on and around the river.  There is a great park next to our hotel and then a walkway along the river that goes on for quite awhile.  Kate was happy in her stroller and Brennan found a guy with a net that we followed for awhile to see if he’d catch any fish.  He didn’t catch anything, but I have a feeling our next adventure might consist of looking for a net.  LOL.

We were all tired when we returned to our hotel at 8:00 PM.  We fell asleep quickly and so far everyone is still asleep!  I’ll head back to bed soon and hope that they sleep until at least 6:00 AM!

The biggest news today was that Kate said “mommy” several times!  She brought tears to my eyes the first time she said it!  She also attempted to say Brennan although right now it sounds like “Bennan”.  She is such a smart little girl! 

We all need more sleep and Kate has a little cough, but we’re all enjoying our China Adventure.  I have my fingers crossed that Brennan will catch a fish before we leave, but I am very happy to have a day off of fishing tomorrow! 

We’ve decided to take a tour to Baomo Gardens tomorrow.  Peter has a few more families that have finished paperwork in their child’s province and are arriving in Guangzhou tomorrow, so he has to work.  He has arranged for a lady named Poe Poe to go with us.  We’ll meet her at 8:00 AM in our room.  The adventure continues… 

Herb market

Very helpful brother (who does most of the pushing of the stroller)