Touring Fuzhou

Isabel, our trusty guide, picked us up at 9:30 this morning and we headed to the zoo. I have mixed feelings about zoos in general, but the conditions here were really sad. I don't want to say too much, but let it suffice that we all left feeling pretty depressed. Sawyer noted that Hagan would not have been able to take it -- he's got such a tender heart where animals are concerned, and we're glad he wasn't there to witness the things we saw.

On the upside, we did see a really great seal show that we all really enjoyed. Oakley was in a fantastic mood and she was content to walk hand-in-hand most of the day. She was such a trooper, despite the 90 degree temperature and high humidity.

She wanted to carry her backpack today and she calls it Be Bo. It's now her new favorite obsession. She loves anything that it is her own and she packs it as full as she can with all of her toys, her sippy cup, her books, her photo album and her baby. She had it so full this afternoon that she could barely walk without falling over backward. She loves to get things in and out of it and she always knows exactly what's in it and what's missing.

After the zoo we toured a Buddhist Temple, built in 867. The grounds were breathtaking and we were in awe of the architecture. I think this was Sawyer's favorite tour thus far. We walked through the oldest temple in the world; it was huge, housing 5,000 monks at one time. It was so peaceful and serene. Their were many people there worshipping Buddha and although I respect their beliefs, I walked through the grounds thanking God for his blessings: for the little girl walking beside me, for Michael and Sawyer for experiencing this journey with me; for my boys at home waiting patiently for us to return with their little sister, and for my family and friends who have been cheering us on every step of the way.

When playing in the hotel room, Oakley puts all of her things away on the little counter we've set aside for her belongings. She stacks her books, sits her bear up, stacks her movies, and has a special spot for her Cheerios container (which she loves), her radio and her coloring book and crayons. She's a neat freak - YEAHHHH!! I realize this may be short-lived, but while living in such tight quarters, it's been quite a treat.

She also loves to have a hair barrette in her hair, although at present, only the alligator clip kind will stay in. She missed her nap this afternoon and she was so tired this evening that she kind of shut down on us. She had her little ladybug nightgown on and insisted on wearing her shoes, her backpack and her barrette, and she walked around in a daze carrying her sippy cup. She was a sight!

Mike and Sawyer took a taxi to McDonald's (yes, we were ready for some western fare -- what a relief to know what we were eating) to pick-up dinner. I kept her awake until I could get her fed and she about fell asleep standing up. After dinner we turned the lights down and she fell asleep in my arms (not a good habit, I know) in just a matter of minutes. I feel like she deserves the chance to fall asleep in her Mama's arms and I love watching her drift off to sleep.

God has certainly answered our prayers and we are already beginning to see a different look in this beautiful baby girl's eyes. I wish she could know how much we love and cherish her. I am so very thankful that God opened her heart to us and that she is letting us shower her with kisses, hugs and attention. Sometimes I look at her and just can't believe that she is ours -- what a precious gift!

Hagan and Sullivan:

Don't let everyone know, but although your little sister is great, she does have some bad habits that we are working on. She will blow her nose whether or not you have a tissue ready -- yuck! She will also spit food out if she doesn't like it or if she sees something else that she'd rather have. And yesterday, while sitting on the potty, she leaned over and spit on the floor!! We have taught her to cover her mouth when she coughs (most of the time), and we'll work on the other things. Today I let go of her hand so Dad could take a picture of me and Sawyer in front of a huge temple and she got so angry that she threw her backpack on the ground! She does have a little temper, but I guess we all do at times. And I'm sure she's still trying to figure everything out. For the most part she is sweet, loving, and REALLY funny!! She loves to act like she's scared of her teddy bear of little stuffed dog and she'll back away saying something in Chinese, and then laugh and laugh. She's going to love having two more brothers to play with!

we love you!!

Mom and Dad