The Ups and Downs of Being Two

As to be expected, Aubrey is having her fair share of ups and downs. Today was filled with lots of fun and giggles, contrasted with full blown tantrums that must have people in the neighboring hotel rooms to request to be relocated. We struck some success today with the tried and true method of letting her go until she gets tired of it, then she reboots and is all ready to be goofy and lovey.

Today looked a lot like this:

followed by this:

Becci and I both get to points where we're at the end of our ropes, so we switch off taking turns working with her. Then during the quiet times, we remind ourselves what we're asking of this precious little girl. Everything she's ever known has changed, her new family speaks about 10 words of Chinese, and she's 2 years old. All things considered, her progress is miraculous, and there is no denying, she is a special little girl. Her laugh is painfully adorable, her eyes are full of wonder and trust and her determination is well beyond admirable. No doubt, this girl is a fighter, just the way we like them in this family.

Today was a free day on our agenda, so we took it easy. A slower paced breakfast, complete with chewing and tasting for Becci and I, followed by some down time in the hotel room. Aubrey let loose over something or other, the above footage was from that session. Afterwards, she was in a super funny mood and we couldn't resist a photo of the aftermath She was so sweaty and messed up, she looked like she had sprinted here from across town.

The kids enjoyed some down time in the room:

Whatcha listening to big brother?

Quick! Get the Camera

Momma and Babba need that more than you!

We finally found the Survival Chinese book that we thought we lost in Beijing...only a week too late, but still a huge help. Aaron worked so hard on his homework, he had to take his shirt off..

I may look sweet, but I'm fiesty

In the afternoon, we went back to the local park with Allison, Ryan and Bo. Aubrey wasn't up for much, she was pretty tired and eventually fell asleep, but Aaron was in heaven, enjoying a few rides. China has...let's say a different measure of safety for just about everything, and children's rides are no exception, but he had a blast and got to blow off some excess energy.

"safety belts and smooth, rust free edges are for sissies!"

And we found our next family vehicle

"Yeah it looks cool, but can you get two kids and a Golden Retriever in it?

Afterwards, we went out to dinner with The Hawkins at the traditional Cantonese restaurant in the hotel....Duck's Tongues or Chicken Feet, anyone? Then back to the room for bathtime
Every beautiful girl has a nightly beauty ritual
Aubrey had Jello and an Oreo for a snack..she hasn't figured out how to eat jello with chopsticks...yet.

The Hawkins bought a copy of Bolt that the loaned to Aaron for the evening..Aubrey wasn't interested.
In Chinese, Bolt is "Lightning Flash Dog"

"Whatever, I want my music back on!"

So..another day closer to getting home, and another day closer to unraveling the mystery that is our new little girl...One thing's for sure, we love her to pieces.