Laundry

On our washing machine there are different setting for different settings. I'm not able to read all the characters but there are pictures by each character so I can basically figure them all out. For example there is a picture of a t-shirt in water, that is the soak setting, another picture of a t-shirt that looks like it's running, that's the quick wash mode. LanLan was looking at them today and told me "Mama I want to wash a baby!"

Spring is Here!

Since about the end of February LanLan has asked just about everyday to wear short sleeves and her light coat. I would always tell her no, it's too cold out. She then would ask when she could wear it. I would reply "In Spring."

We were out walking around and I pointed out that the tulips were beginning to bloom along with some trees. LanLan turned to me and said "Mama, Spring is here today!"

Expressions

Since my daughter was a few weeks old I was fascinated with all of her facial expressions. I thought that this was normal for people/babies. When our son was born I realized how special my daughter's expressions are. Don't get me wrong my son is super adorable but he just doesn't have as many different facial expressions as LanLan. I made a collage and it is hanging in LanLan's room with some of these different faces. It is actually the inspiration for the name of this blog, the many faces of my orchid.

What did YOU do today?

Everyday when I pick LanLan up from school I always ask her what she did that day. I try and get her to tell me what goes on in school since I can't really communicate with the teachers and they don't really offer any information. The first thing she usually tells me is how many times she went to the bathroom. I finally convinced her that that isn't very interesting and that I would like to hear about something fun that she did. So now when I ask "What did you do today most often than not she replies with "I Don't Know" or "Anything" (meaning "Nothing")

Today when I picked LanLan up from school the first thing she said to me before I could even say anything was "What did you do this night, Mama?"

(LanLan has no concept of time words like today, this morning, tonight etc. She says "this night" most often for some reason)

Dressing All Fancy

As we were reading LanLan's "Big Picture Bible" tonight she pointed to a soldier and said "Mama look! This shoulder is wearing a skirt!"

Dyslexic

"Daddy! Mama got me a new brushteeth* and washmouth*!"

*toothbrush & mouthwash

Muddy Buddies

Living in China we often can't get some things that are so easy to pick up in a local grocery store anywhere in America. It makes making some favorite recipes almost impossible to make. My very kind sister brought over two large suitcases filled with fun food just for us when she came to visit this summer. In it where two key ingredients for Muddy Buddies - Chex cereal and chocolate chips. Today we made this yummy snack.

A Bigger Place

Yesterday BinBin was very cranky and was crying. LanLan asked me why he was crying. I explained that he didn't take a very long nap because she had been playing and making noise. "Whenever he hears you he wants to play WITH you. We need to try and be quiet so BinBin can sleep."
LanLan: "Um . . . . I think . . . . . that . . . you should buy a New house! A big one!"

Morning Routine

LanLan: "Do I have school today?"

Dad: "Yes."

LanLan: "Did you ask Mommy?"

Another Two Bite The Water

Two more of my daughter's fish died. LanLan came to me and said "Mom, come look! My fish is sleeping in the leaves, it's not dead." She was a little more upset about these two than the first one. I kept saying that the fish were dead and she kept insisting that they weren't dead, just sleeping. Her dad says that the fish are sick (they have white spot disease) and so they all will probably die. How very sad.

Mourning a Death

After using the net to remove a dead fish from her tank, Anna said, “Let’s get some more!” I think she’s taking the loss well…

Good Morning

I went into LanLan's room this morning and pulled open the curtains to wake her. LanLan rolled over and said with a little annoyance in her voice "Mama! I'm trying to sleep!"

Hot or Cold?

LanLan: "What color is this?"
Daddy: "Hot Pink"
LanLan: "Why is it hot? Can I touch it?"

Obedience Is The Best Way

While I was pregnant with BinBin LanLan wanted the baby to come out so she could play with him. I told her that he needed to wait until we went to Beijing. Then once in Beijing he needed to wait till her Aunt arrived. She then told me: "The baby needs to OBEY Mommy!"

Use who?

"Mama, use-A-me* we go to the store and buy food."

*usually

Smell'n Like Flowers

Easter morning I gave the kids a bath so they would be all clean for church. I was getting BinBin ready to wash his hair and LanLan, who always wants to help do "mother" things asked: "Mama, can I water his head?"