Trip to Cat Ba Island

Yesterday started early - 4:30am. We had to pack for a car waiting to take
us to the ferry. Caily was up all night practicing her figure skating
routine's in bed. She was flipping and spinning and jumping like no one
else. She was also enthralled with my stomach and the noise it makes when
she slaps it - she found her bass drum for sure. She finally fell asleep
around 3:30 - so I carefully bundled her up and got to the car with a
snoring bundle. About 10 minutes into the 90 minute drive she realized
where she was and didn't like it too much - but luckily didn't barf until
the 85 minute mark. then we got out at a ferry peer - and anyone who's
travelled knows what that's like. Poor Ethan was pretty freaked by all the
hustle and bussle. We had to go through one rickety boat to get onto the
packed hydrofoil that stunk like the rotting food on deck. Another 90
minute trip and we arrived at Cat Ba island. Caily took it all in stride -
as long as the cereal was flowing, she was glowing..
Cat Ba is a huge island in the Halong Bay area. It's very beautiful. The
"resort" reminds me of the 2 star places in the Caribbean that only locals
know about. Its ok - not luxurious, but clean and safe. Best part is the
two huge waterslides that the boys have all to themselves. The pool is also
fantastic - warm and 4 feet deep. We spent a good 3-4 hours in it
yesterday. There is a huge sand beach in a bay that we haven't
investigated yet. Maybe today or tomorrow.
Caily absolutely loves the water. She is kicking, putting her face in and
even jumping off the side into my arms already. I'm already trying to
figure out where to put "her pool" at home. Anytime she's upset, she's
either hungry or wants to be in water. After dinner last night she walked
into the bathroom, started to strip and climb into the shower.
Unfortunately we don't have a bathtub in our room but I used a trick her
auntie Jane and uncle Bill showed me - 1.5 inchs of water in a shower stall
= wading pool for babies.. And get this, she wanted the shower on too. I've
never met a toddler who likes having her face wet. This morning, same
thing. It was shower time for me, so missing had to climb in with her toys.
She'll definitely be the cleanest baby in town J