Happy One Week Together!

It has been one week together. Take a look at the difference between her passport picture taken a few hours after we met (she looks so pitiful) and the other picture from today. Wow!

She did really well today; typical 2 year old behavior but after her nap, she was a bit needy, asking for MaMa. Before the dinner cruise she insisted I hold her like a baby; not sure if it was because she saw the actual babies being held that way or if she needed comfort. She loved going under the bridges on the boat - we hung out outside on the top where she could run around. She seemed to enjoy it. The view was great with all the buildings lit up.



Brynn did amazingly well at the medical appointment especially considering she was exhausted. It was interesting to see the doctor's reaction to her belly button. As he was examining it our guide told me that the doctor was saying in all the years he had been doing these exams he had never seen one like it and then the doctor asked me what was wrong with it!!! He called in another doctor so the two doctors poked and prodded and later I asked the guide to find out what their final diagnosis was. The guide translated the Chinese on the chart as something like a "sprout" and here is the shocker, it said I should take her to have a doctor look at it when I return to the U.S. for possible surgery. Well, that hadn't even crossed my mind! ;) She weighs 24.5 pounds.

Yesterday outside one of the stores I saw a boy with a UVA shirt on and I asked him if he was from Virginia or just a fan and it turns out the family lives in Charlottesville. They are here adopting a 10 month old and have three boys, all here, two in elementary school and one in middle school. It was neat to meet a neighbor.

I realized today in the playroom that we are very fortunate that things are going well. Another family with a 2 1/2 year old new daughter is having a lot more of a struggle and you could tell that the stress is getting to the mom and that the two children (10 and teenager) are so eager to have a playful time with the girl. I guess she has bonded with the dad the most and dad is now ill. We have been lucky to have stayed healthy and that our transition has been as smooth as it has been, though I would still recommend ear plugs and nail clippers to anyone needing a packing list!

I tried to show Brynn a toothbrush today but she wasn't buying the concept. Caleb, Price, and Evan - you will need to teach your sister how to brush her teeth! Tomorrow we have a "free" day so when I get tired of being followed around the stores while just looking, I may try the pool with Brynn.

Good night!