ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING

This morning, M and I had to go to the British Consulate to obtain entry clearance for the babies. The guide said 'No babies', so N had to babysit Alice.

It was the first time I'd left Alice in the 8 since meeting her. I hadn't anticipated how hard it would be - my eyes leaked in the taxi to the Consulate.

C was staying with Lois, so he had some guidance if necessary. They finished breakfast, fed the girls some congee and went for a stroll in the heat. They ended up in Starbucks, where N had his usual (latte) and Alice had some apple juice. When they got back to the hotel, N prepared a bottle for Alice. She didn't have too much.

I returned from the Consulate - pretty desperate to see my baby. After I'd showered her with kisses, I checked up on how much she'd eaten, only to discover that N had prepared the formula with the bottle containing apple juice - no wonder she hadn't eaten that much!

I fed her a 'jar' (mixed fruit, smelt like over-rip bananas) and then put her down for her lunchtime snooze. Not to be beaten, N volunteered to babysit! So C and I went shopping - for the girls, to get some mementos of China. I bought lots of bits, including clothes, paintings and lots of panda things. I got quite used to haggling, but didn't manage to get the price down very much!!

My favourite photos from today - a gorgeous smile and her 'raspberry' face (which we're seeing a lot of at the moment!) Thanks for all the messages, keep them coming as they keep us going!

By the way - entry clearance approved, WE CAN COME HOME, see you in 2 days or so! K and Alice xxx