Safety Pins and Green Beans

Here is a recap of today...

Nyah slept through the night and we woke her up around 7:30 so she could use Skype to see her siblings. They all wanted to know what she wouldn't talk. She seemed a bit overwhelmed to say the least but then again there were three yelling kids on the computer screen calling her by a name she doesn't yet recognize (though when I say "toes" now she knows where to grab). After breakfast we were getting ready to walk to Walmart for some shoes for her and formula and when I went to use the bathroom, she cried for the first time. I used the Ergo carrier and she seemed to like it, though she was not very patient while her confused mommy tried to figure out how it worked... and I even practiced at home with Brynn.

While in Walmart, I decided after looking at the clothes selection that we needed safety pins for her pants because she cannot wear the same pair every day. We were there without a guide so Caleb and I had fun searching and everyone else had fun staring at us... we never found any but bought some diaperpins so hopefully those will work. During the search Nyah became playful with Caleb and we heard the first giggles. Caleb also enjoyed looking at all the different foods available and we purchased a few things hoping they were what we thought they were and so far, so good. I even made noodles for Nyah and the directions were in Chinese... but then again, Brynn always tells me I make the best noodles (that would be Oodles of Noodles) ever.

The girls hung out in the room while the boys swam this afternoon. It is very clear now that Nyah likes to be amused by Doug and Grandpa from a distance, Caleb up close (she likes to pull his hair playfully), and wants me to hold her... all the time. She cried everytime I put her down after dinner. Part of her "preferences" were started by us; since Doug is leaving to come home early, we were worried about what would happen if she bonded with him over me, so I have been purposefully doing most of the caretaking. Nyah also cried the two times we have put her shoes on her... I am not sure she has every worn any before. She can walk without holding onto anything or anyone but she does not do it much. I know it won't be long before she takes off so I am enjoying the baby part right now.

This is Sheila, the daughter of our travelmate Kara. While Nyah only makes a small sound occasionally, like whenever she sees a baby, Sheila likes to "talk" and has a flirty smile. She turned 1 last week.

Nyah's eating continues to be impressive. Today she polished off a plate full of rice, kidney beans (loved those the most), corn, broccoli, and watermelon. There were green beans on the plate too but she didn't even put one in her mouth before she picked each and everyone up and deposited them on my plate. The waitress kept coming over and holding her hand out to Nyah and Nyah would put a kernel of corn on it and then take it back but the one time she put a piece of broccoli on it, well, she didn't try to get that back.

One interesting thing Nyah does is sometimes when you look at her if she is playing, she will shut her eyes as if that is making her disappear or she wants to tune you out. But it is not just us because tonight at dinner a man a few tables over would wave at her and she would do it. But seconds later, she would be looking over at him again before pulling her shy act again. Sometimes in the room if she is sitting down, she not only closes her eyes, but she falls forward and puts her face between her legs.

This evening we went to a short light show where fountains of water "dance" and change colors. It was nice. Caleb really enjoyed it and said it was worth the crazy taxi ride to get there. I don't think my dad felt the same... he was in the front seat and if there hadn't been metal bars dividing the front and the back of the car, I think he would have sat on Doug's or even Caleb's lap. There just are no rules or structure when it comes to driving here... and so many cars, people, mopeds, and bicycles sharing a small space. It is really undescribable.

Tomorrow we are going porcelain shopping (that is the art that this province is known for); I bought Brynn a tea set when I was here last time to give her when she is older and I hope to do the same for Nyah. Then tomorrow night we are going to a park and eating outside the hotel. This will be the first night that "American" food is not going to be an option for Doug or Caleb. I think we need to keep that our little secret. But don't feel bad for them because if nothing else, they can purchase Haagen Daz ice-cream in the lobby and not starve! :)

Good night all!
Kate