Shopping, Swimming, and more

Today we started our day with the traditional red couch photo. Since Avery is not a baby we didn't dress her up in a traditional dress. But I did make the girls sit on the couch for a photo. After that we went shopping in Guangzhou with Ann of Red Thread China. She was a great guide and helped us bargain for good prices at the jade market. We all got jade bangle bracelets. This was the one item I didn't get last year and regretted not buying so I made sure it happened this time around. Ann was great. She took the bracelets out into the bright sunlight and looked them over very carefully to make sure I got a good one. Some ladies get the bracelets put on their wrist and then they never take them off again. So when they asked what size I wanted I told them that I didn't want it to be big but I also didn't want to have to wear it until I died. When Ann translated that to the shop owner, Avery laughed so hard! I know she must think her mama is crazy! I had heard that it hurts to put these bracelets on so I was ready to do my Lamaze breathing that I used in childbirth. As it turns out, it really didn't hurt at all. But I don't think it is a bracelet that I will take off every night either. I didn't think to get Emily to take a picture of it so we'll do that tomorrow. After leaving the jade market, we went to a store to get Avery books, CD's, and dvd's in Chinese. I wanted to make sure she would have these things for when we get home and she really needs to hear mandarin. We also got her some crocs and another pair of sandals. She only had tennis shoes so it was something she needed...and the crocs were only $4 so how could you not? On our way back to the hotel we walked through the pet market. It is 2 streets that are filled with different kinds of animals you can buy....puppies, kittens, bunnies, fish, hamsters, turtles, ducks, birds, and chipmunks...yes, they were selling chipmunks as pets. Emily LOVED this street. She is already trying to figure out who we can take over there tomorrow so she can go back to see them one more time.

This afternoon we went to the pool again. I got in and swam with them today. Avery is going to learn to swim in no time. Today she walked all over the pool, not just around the edge where she could touch. She held on to my arms and lifted her feet behind her to practice kicking. She put her face under several times and once, she even lost her footing and slipped under water. But she didn't panic; she simply stood back up and wiped her face off. I keep telling her she is going to swim in no time...just wish she knew what I was saying! : ) We met a family at the pool today who is here adopting 2 boys who are deaf, one is 5 and one is 13. The girls had a great time in the pool with them. They are hoping we will see them again tomorrow. Sorry we have no pictures from the pool. Cameras are not allowed there but it is a very nice pool with a waterfall. Maybe I'll try to sneak one picture tomorrow so we'll have a record of it. Today was a good day. We all had fun; Avery was able to talk to Ann a lot and that was so nice. Everyone who talks to her says the same thing. She is a very nice girl who will do well in the US. We think so too. Tomorrow we have to hang around here until we hear from our guide. He will be going to the consulate to submit our paperwork. Once that is done we can go out. Who knows, maybe we will be able to find some family who wants to see the pet market. If so, we will walk back over there. If not, we'll go swimming again. It is beginning to be a little like the movie Groundhog Day. We get up, eat a lot of food at breakfast, and walk around the island, eat dinner at Lucy's, and come back to shower. As much as I enjoy Guangzhou, you can only do that so many days before it gets old. So we will be happy to see Friday come. Thanks for all your prayers. We know many of you are praying for us and we appreciate it.

In the White Swan lobby, looking at the fish


Girls posing with the fat lady outside Lucy's(this is the first time I have ever seen Avery wear her hair down!)

Emily in the pet market

More puppies in the pet market

Red couch photo