Day 2: Ups and Downs

The grins subsided greatly today....for a while.

We just got back from a day back at civil affairs and then to the medical clinic for the province. At civil affairs they ask all of these questions about why you are adopting, why China, will you ever abuse or abandon the child, what your jobs are, how much you make...and then they ask the child a few questions. I think it had something to do with Chop Suey or Bruce Lee movies or something, but anyway, it was all good there. She called us Mama and Papa and Mattie, we paid another large fee and we were officially adopted and now a family of six (at least in China, she is ours...next week when we get her passport at the American Consulate, she becomes ours officially in America. 

After that we left and went to Shamian Island to the medical clinic. She was examined from head to toe. She has a mouth full of gaping hole cavities in her jaw teeth, but they are baby teeth. After that we found that she needed shots according to the US policies of the CDC. They checked her records and she needed her TB test (shot) and five other shots on top of that!!! I have to say though, she came through that ordeal like a champ. She did not flinch for the first shot and she held her arm just how the nurse told her to throughout the shots. But after the first one she started sobbing and then for the last one when they cleaned her leg and knew it would go into her thigh she begged for mercy in Cantonese to the nurse. It sounded something like "I kicka yo butt", but I am not sure. Anyway she never struggled, and afterwards she just climbed up into my arms and held on while we waited the 15 minute check period and fell asleep.

Lisa took care of her all the way through and held her hand and calmed her like she does so well. I just tried to keep her laughing, which with her is not hard. She giggles and smiles and imitates everything. She is so neat. She folds her clothes and keeps her shoes tied and places them at the foot of her bed. She also is very patient. We just got back and went straight to Starbucks. She got a big cup full of fruit. She waited with it in her hand all the way until we all got served and got up into the room. No complaints, very obedient. Right now Mattie, Lisa and she are playing hide and seek in our room. Sounds like a chinese laundry in here, screaming in several languages...sheets flying everywhere. 

Well we are going to settle in for the night. I will try to attach a video soon, so you can see her funny, bright personality. I really think the orphanages teach them not to smile for photos. We have noticed it with all of the kids. They smile when the picture is over! Check the pics though. You will notice in the pics below, she has not let her new little purse off of her arm ever since she got it. It was her first possession. She came to us with a plastic bag with a bottle of water, instant camera and bear that we sent the orphanage for her birthday party back in July. She is now happy with her pink purse and plastic Barbie "cellphone".

Blessing to you all and thanks again for your prayers! We look forward to our return on the 30th!