Sunday (China time)
After being with us for almost a week Ty finally decided he loved the bath. What a relief. We thought it could take up to a month before he gave in in this area with how he had reacted so far. We're so proud of him, yet again, for his courage to take another step of trusting us. Do you see LH's face. He was splashing so much almost every picture of her is like this...water all up in her face.
Oh brothers! ;)
Monday (China time)
This is a picture on our way to the visa picture and medical appointment. I don't think any new-adoptive parent was looking forward to this day. We were all happy to complete another step but not the wait or the poking and prodding of our already scared kids.
What a big week it had already been for these little guys.
It started with the visa picture for all of the kids. The photographer tried to move Ty's book because it was too close to his face. He LOST IT!
That was right before we went into the medical appointment. Darn!
Because of our little guy's age he had four stations to complete for his medical exam.
You could do them in any order for the first three and then the TB blood test (for all children over 2 years old) was last.
Here he is at the weight, height and temperature station. He did ok for a few minutes, maybe 2, then the screams started. The nurse was so sweet with him. She stroked his face and talked to him. It didn't help too much so I just said to lay him down quickly for his height and then he's be finished. They did his height laying down because of his short leg.
He's about 31 lbs.
Getting consoled by daddy. This was actually really cool because since we received Ty he has always slumped his back and leaned his head back when he was upset. For the first time, on the medical day, he leaned his head onto daddy's chest while crying. A sure sign that he is getting more comfortable and wants comfort from us in hard moments!
Next up was the ENT. I don't think he cried at all during this one. I remember this doctor from last year. He sure didn't want the tongue depressor going in his mouth though.
Our third step was the general screening. Ty was super nervous with this because he had to lay on the table and be undressed. The doc let me dress him when he was finished. At this time our little girl was about done with everyone around her crying even though she didn't get poked or prodded at all and was crying for me. So daddy took Ty and I picked her up. Exhausting for all involved for sure!
We saved the two suckers that another mom gave us for after he TB blood test. For this part the kids are taken from us into another room with the door closed. Hard but good. Then we can comfort them when they come out. When I told daddy-O about this after I heard I almost started to cry. Yet another separation from someone who they have just built trust with. These poor little people.
So much to process in such a short time! A few kids were in this particular room for up to 20 minutes because they couldn't get a vein. I think some of the kids were really dehydrated. Luckily our little guy was in and our in about 4 minutes. Praise the Lord!
He does seem to have come to us pretty healthy.
Monday evening (China time)
Since Monday he has started to touch our arms softly or rest his hand on us in a sweet way.
Little steps of closeness. With me at least he tends to lay his hand down on my arm and then look up as if to ask with his eyes,"Is this ok?"
Last year we opted out of the river cruise so we thought we would give it a go this year. The kids were both doing well, the weather was way better than last year and it was something to do. It was really fun. Most of our group went as well and our guides. So much money, like millions of dollars, was put into lighting the buildings and bridges along the river. It was a fun experience and fun to go to the top of the boat for about 20 minutes and feel the breeze. The kids both loved it.
When we were on the top deck a Chinese man asked to take my picture with our little girl. I said sure with a smile and shaking of my head. about 5 minutes later he wanted to show me his phone. I thought he was going to ask to email me the picture or something. I looked at the phone and he had typed out in Mandarin, then translated something like "Thank you for your selfless love. Many blessings and peace to you." Wow! How sweet for him to take the time to do that.
One thing that we have learned from our travels her these two times and from our guides is that the Chinese people really are glad that the children are being adopted and thankful. They are so happy that they will have loving families and a future. In their curiosity there is love.
With each day our little guy gets down from our lap more and explores a little farther. He was walking around the boat a bit next to us.
Towards the end of our time on the boat there was a small magic show on the second floor.
A fun way to end the long day.
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