Thursday

Today was the day our guide had set a side for touring the city of Chongqing, population 8 million in the city, and 32 million in the entire municipality. Some of the sites included a park, museum, river, traditional tea ceremony and a "hot pot" dinner that this area is known for. The way the "hot pot" works is, each person has their own little electric stove at the table, with a boiling pot of mild or spicy broth to cook your own food in . Some of the menu included, strips of beef, pork, vegetables, fruit, noodles, and eel. Yes, that is correct, eel. When the eel was brought to our table they had their heads chopped off already, but they were still moving like snakes all over the plates. When you put them in your hot pot, you would have to cover the pot with a plate because they would jump out. Well, my hubby thought he would be so brave and throw several pieces of the jumping meat into his pot, being the tough guy he is. Once his eel was cooked and he took one bite, he scooped the rest out of his pot and gave them to our tour guide, who's name is also Michael. Gotta give him credit for trying. Nathan and I just set there in horror (lol).
Brighton really had a great day, in fact I don't think she screamed for her "mama" one time. She only has melt down time at sleepy time, which she is just ticked off if I won't let her sleep with Nate. It would be fine to let him put her to sleep except we have that 16 hour flight ahead of us. If she won't sleep in my arms some, Nathan is going to be worn slam out on that plane ride. I have one week to convince her that sleeping in my arms is alright too. Everything else is now alright with her, via me, just not the sleep thing. She has a darling personality and enjoys putting on a new outfit everyday. Her skin is healing and the itching is just about gone. Thank God for medicine, just some simple cream can change a life!!!!
Our days and nights continue to be way off, at this point I really don't want to get on China time, so possibly when I return home I will be on our time. Last year, I spent weeks not being able to sleep after we returned. In this situation, one doesn't feel comfortable taking sleep aids because there is a new baby in the house that usually needs you a time or two in the night.
Friday, we are checking out of this wonderful hotel and flying to Guangzhou to complete the second week of the adoption, the American side of it. There, we will stay at the White Swan and see other adoptive families on a daily basis. At this hotel we are currently staying at, we have rarely even seen another child here, let alone another adoptive family. It seems be be a place for business people, and I am sure our late night screams have really made us popular around here. At least at the White Swan, screams are the normal. Many families, over many years, have brought their adjusting children to this hotel so no one suspects that you are torturing a child that is screaming. Thanks for your prayers and support. Looking forward to introducing our family and friends to Brighton in person. You will just love her!!
Blessings,
Tammy