China- Day 7 {Bonding with Brielle}

Since we finalized our adoption yesterday, we had a completely free day. We decided not to make any plans and just see how the day went. (Sometimes those are the best days, aren't they?!) We woke up early --3am to be exact-- because Alex is an anxious new dad. :) He thought Brielle woke up so I got up to check on her but she was just squirming around and was still sleeping. I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep so I worked on editing some pictures.

When Miss Brielle did wake up, we didn't even realize it...sometime around 5am, I got out of bed just to peek at her cute-ness and there she was all wide eyed. I was afraid she would forget who we were but she was calm and smiley. We decided to try giving her a bottle again since we tried twice yesterday without success. (It is culturally normal to give formula until a later age here. Plus, it helps with bonding.) I made the bottle this morning pretty hot because we were told this is common. Sure enough, she gulped the hot thing down...but it made her all sweaty! :) You can see how happy she was first thing in the morning.

I gave her a bath. She did much better this morning. Then we went down to the breakfast buffet. It was starting to rain so we decided to stay in the hotel for awhile to stay dry and bond with Brielle. She is a busy little thing and silly! She said "ball" today and tries to count 1, 2, 3 when Alex helps her jump off the bed. She is so quick to pick up new things. We skyped with the girls and they were excited to see Brielle but Brielle was oblivious to the computer and wanted to get down and play!

The girls and cousin Gabe.

She started acting sleepy around 9:30 (We were told her regular wake up time is 6 and nap time is 10.) so I started to rock her...singing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children... What a precious song to sing to my little Asian daughter! She dosed right off and slept for almost 2 hours.

The weather had cleared off and we were hungry so we headed out on a walk. We went down to a large square called "August 1st Square." We picked up a few more things at Wal-mart. Brielle was scared of riding in the cart! She is kind-of cautious about things like her big sister Braylee. Then we went to Papa John's. I know- it's not Chinese but it's not completely American either. Remember how I said they love corn...I wasn't surprised to see a Chicken and Corn Pizza. :) We ordered Spin Rolls- very good with chicken, bacon, and veggies inside and a pizza. Brielle is such a little doll and sat so calmly the entire time! I pray this personality sticks!

Then she charmed everyone in the park. She loved the bubbles some teenage girls were making. One of them gave Brielle her bubbles. Some little boys wanted to play with her but we think Brielle was afraid they were going to take her bubble wand. ;)

When we got back, she was getting sleepy but it was too late for a nap so we tried to keep her awake until a better bedtime. We put her in her swimsuit and went down to the pool. Chinese children are used to being fully covered in clothing. Brielle doesn't really like being naked and she wasn't a fan of the swimsuit either. She was a bit hesitant to put her feet in but then she splashed and splashed...wouldn't lean in and touch the water with her hands though.

We made her some noodles and another bottle for dinner and then played in the room until bedtime. We have our gifts ready for meeting the foster family tomorrow and are praying the opportunity brings peace and closure for everyone and doesn't cause a setback for Brielle.

#1 Highlight of the Day- I picked Brielle up from the bed after changing her diaper after breakfast and she gave me her first unsolicited kiss. Alex happened to see it or I might not have believed it! She gave me 2 more on her own later in the day, including one at bedtime. She had her head on my shoulder when I was singing to her. She pulled back to look at me and then gave me a kiss. Love, Love, Love this little girl.

#2 Highlight of the Day- The PapaJohn waitresses (It's a sit down place here in China.) were loving Brielle too. When either of them would put their hands out to pick up Brielle, she would come running back to me instead. :)


Had to take a picture of Brielle playing with the red ribbon tonight. There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet.  I don't really believe in Chinese proverbs but when I saw my little girl playing in the "red thread," I thought of this and how God connected our paths for her to be our daughter!