April 13th-our free day

Today it was nice not to have any required appointments, exams or obligations. We wanted to do some shopping, so we headed out right after breakfast. Chloe still refuses to sit in a stroller. She insists on being held in Mom's arms. Thank goodness for the Hip Hammock. It is our carrier that straps around the waist and shoulder to help support all of Chloe's 18.5 pounds. According to the medical exam, she weighs one pound less than she was supposed to have weighed on February 3rd. She really is a small girl. We bought one outfit that was 3-6 months and it fit her loosely. I think it must have been mislabled.

We wanted to purchase a few silk Chinese outfits for Chloe in several different sizes so that she could grow into them. All of the shops sell these outfits; however, each shop seems to have different size labeling. We also purchased the infamous "squeeky shoes" that everyone talks about. These shoes squeek whenever you take a step, so they encourage walking. However, some of the parents lose their sanity after a little too much "squeeking". Fortunately, the squeekers are easily removeable and the shoes work just fine. You can get leather shoes here for about $6 per pair.

Later in the afternoon, we met at the White Swan hotel for the famous Red Couch photo. Chloe is usually very difficult at this time of day and today was no exception. She went hysterical on the couch and wouldn't sit with the other babies. She continued her tirade on through dinner and into the evening. It was a rough night for the three of us, but Mom and Dad kept their cool and just tried to comfort her as much as possible.