I have been starting my day a little earlier than Alexis and Kevin since my body clock is used to getting up before 5:00 AM. This allows me to catch up on e-mails and just enjoy the sounds of Alexis waking up in the morning. Over the last week she has become more talkative (I call her my little chatter box) and is moving around more in her crib so she keeps herself entertained until she is fully awake. The best part of our day is watching her wake up and smile at us. It is priceless!
Kevin got his wish today for a major thunder storm which blew in during breakfast today. It was a full blown thunderstorm with gusting winds, lighting and thunder. While we enjoy a good storm now and then it does limit what you can do for the day when Alexis is awake. However, we took advantage of working with Alexis on her motor skills, walking and hand/eye coordination in what is referred to as the “Swan Room”. This is a room just for kids with more toys than one know what to do with. In fact Alexis got her first Barbie doll from Mattel and the White Swan as part of the adoption process. It’s amazing how quickly she’s picking up on things and is getting stronger every day.
In the afternoon, we arranged for transportation to a local shopping area, where we, “surprise”, bought more stuff. Dad got a new jacket, Alexis got new bibs, socks and a pair of shoes (working on keeping up with Mom!), and mom went home empty handed (don’t worry she has been well taken care of). While we were there, we enjoyed some fine dining at a local McDonald’s (Kevin is not really enjoying the fine cuisine in China), where Alexis was cruelly teased by us eating a burger and french fries. While one of the pics shows her taking a bite of the burger, I must confess the shot was staged. I don’t think we are in a hurry to introduce her to fast food quite yet.
It’s about 8:30 at night and instead of Alexis going down to sleep Kevin is playing with her and finding all of her tickle spots so the two of them are laughing out loud and she is talking a mile a minute. I’m sure they are keeping the other guest awake, but I have to say it’s better than the crying we hear from some of the rooms. Dad is hoping to tire her out, but Alexis is pretty strong willed and doesn’t want to miss out on a thing. She is quit the energizer bunny.
It won’t be long before Dad takes Alexis for a walk in the stroller to get her to sleep. We wish all of you a good day/evening and we are finally in the home stretch of returning home. Tomorrow our paper work is processed through the embassy and Wednesday Alexis will be sworn in as a US citizen. This means Thursday we head home!
All our best from China
Kevin, Rachelle & Alexis
Happy to see mommy in the AM
Look… I’m walking
Burger looks better than baby food
What could this be… is it the Easter bunny
Alexis is getting into the opening game spirit… GO TIGERS!
