Definitely counting days at this point. We went this morning to pick up Claire’s passport, and luckily hers was ready! We didn’t think it would be ready because she didn’t get back to the orphanage until just before we went to get her. So Charlie (not really his name) couldn’t get started on her paperwork as quickly as the others. They told us it would be overnighted to Guangzhou and not to worry. Overnighted? In China? That had us worried. We will be ready to get home. We toured around Jinan this morning, and it actually is a really beautiful city. It is the town of the weeping willows - beautiful trees all around the city. For a split second it reminds me of the south in America. And then I hear the incessant car horns and see the crazy traffic. Claire took a nap on me this morning. Seems she is very similar to our boys in terms of schedule at this stage. Short nap in the morning and nap in the afternoon. Sleeps about 12 hours each night. It has a lake in the center of the city with giant lotus flowers in the lake. They are gorgeous - like gigantic peonies (my favorite flower). Literally like a foot wide - the flower itself. We walked around the lake and absolutely melted it is so hot here. As I said to the group - it only gets hotter from here! Our flight tomorrow to Guangzhou is about 2 and a half hours - due south. We also walked by a spring in the center of the city where people get water for their homes.
John told us there is a Protestant church in this city (one) and a Catholic church (one). They are allowed to meet, but their faith has to remain inside the walls of the church. John himself ascribes to Confuscious’ teachings.
It’s so clear to us that these kids know and recognize each other. While we can’t be sure, because of the ages of some of the kids we think they were likely in the same classrooms. We will have to keep them in touch as they grow. One of the most heartbreaking things about this trip - there were a couple little boys adopted in our group who are the same age as Tanner. I can’t imagine.
So it seems she is taking to Kyle! She seems more comfortable with him, but if I’m around she definitely wants me. She definitely still likes to bite him, though. Now she has started to look around for him - so sweet. She will soon know she hit the daddy jackpot. We are holding her pretty much all the time - helps with bonding. For both of us :). There is definitely still a part of me thinking “what have I done!?”. I felt that way for a few days after giving birth to each of our boys. So at least I’m consistent. I will say her sweet crooked smile is starting to get to me. She is awfully cute. And she is SUCH a snuggler. More so than any other kid here. The good thing we have going for us an bonding/ attachment is that she clearly has given and received love with her favorite nanny at the orphanage.
Random - it is easier on me missing the boys to be awake during their sleeping hours and asleep during their waking hours.
Lunch today - so Kyle and I did our informal poll and found that 4 out of 5 Chinese actually use the fork over chopsticks. They’ve seen the fork and they’re not going back. Haha. I wouldn’t either! Particularly since rice is on every menu.
We stopped into Starbucks today and bought travel mugs with the skyline of Jinan. I very clearly told Kyle these were NOT to be left on top of his car. I would estimate we have lost at least 10-20 coffee mugs that way.
Looking at Claire’s missing ear. It seems she has an ear canal. So I’m wondering if she can hear out of that ear. That would be great! Also wondering if our neighbor would be interested in making a house call the weekend we get home. We have her first medical appointment Monday after we get home with the international adoption pediatrician. They will do a fair amount of testing. And from there he will route us within CHKD to the right specialists.
Claire seems smart - right on track for her age developmentally. A few things lead us to believe that. She is definitely quite “flopsy” though. Very low muscle tone and just mushy.
She’s coughing now - definitely has a nasty crud. I’ve never had this much junk come out of the boys’ noses. Likely a sinus infection. Most all of the kids do.
For sleeping - I’m singing her the same song to put her to sleep every single time. Jesus Loves You. And I’m laying right next to her until she falls asleep. One of the other dads here said he is intentionally being the first thing his son sees when he falls asleep and when he wakes up. Likely these kids have never had that.
A memory from the day we picked up Claire. There was an incredibly strong marijuana smell in the lobby of the orphanage. Kyle mentioned it then. And then we were all caught up in the moment. We asked our guide today about it, and he confirmed it was marijuana. They use it medically here. And I guess to calm really anxious parents when they are adopting! I don’t think it did anything for me.
Tonight at dinner I saw yet another dish I will not be trying - fried duck head. Bill and all. Literally, it was a big chafing dish filled with severed duck heads that had been cooked. I guess nothing goes to waste here! This brings leftovers to a whole new level.
Some on Claire - she is very easily comforted if I hold and snuggle her. She loves hugs and kisses. She sucks two of her fingers to soothe herself. All these kids do. One little boy sucks his arm, one little girl sucks her thumb. We have had a few diaper changes without tears! And we have been practicing her crawling. I tried it a few times today - put her a few feet away from me, and she usually makes a beeline for me. She did it three times this afternoon - crawled right to me - without crying at all. (Have no idea if that is good or bad at this stage. I just know it’s different to not have the tears.) She seems to me responding well to the food we are giving her, and her tummy doesn’t seem as upset - much fewer diapers today. Tonight when I was getting her into her pajamas, I kept giving her zerberts on her tummy, and she was laughing out loud! So sweet! Then she pulled my face to hers and gave me a kiss. At least that’s what I think she was doing.
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