Sorry for the delay everyone...we are trying to figure out how to be parents while in a foreign country...no pressure there.
So here is Day Five...
Today was a pretty relaxed day. We went to the notary office which is like a municipal judge in the states. We had a quick interview which started with the question, "do you like your baby?" and ended with "Do you promise not to abuse or abandon her?" Really? Like we are going to go through all of this and then change our minds?!?!?!?!? So...we answered yes to both questions...duh...and then we were on our way to the Chinese Walmart Supercenter. Just like home...screaming kids, annoying people that don't know how to drive carts, people yelling...although the dead ducks hanging in the meat section were new to us...
After that we just worked on being a family. And I think we are doing a decent job of it thus far.
Stand by for heart breaking time...
We have a little girl here that doesn't want to fall asleep because she is afraid we will not be here when she wakes up. She battles to keep her eyes open and is constantly looking from one of us to the other to make sure we are still there. Several times in the night last night she woke up, whimpered, saw me, looked at April and then fell back asleep. She really does not like to be put down once she falls asleep. I think she has some sort of balance switch in her that once her body goes horizontal it zaps her and wakes her up. In all seriousness...for the past ten months, every time her body goes horizontal she loses contact with humans until it is time for the next bottle or diaper change. I know the orphanage workers do their best, but there is no way these little girls get the attention they need. They get the basics, food, diaper, maybe a cold bath. It is sad to see Sophie constantly checking to make sure we are still here...how do you convince a 10 month old baby that doesn't speak your language that it is okay to sleep...we will be here when she wakes up.
On a much more positive note, she has definitely relaxed and is a playful giggly baby...just like she should be. I will find the best pictures we have of her giggling and post them. And I might try to include a video if it isn't too large of a file to get out of the country!
BJ
Both of my boys have that horizontal switch too, and they were held alot from birth, but I imagine poor Sophie's is much stronger. :-( I wore my boys in carriers for naps so they'd sleep. In nice weather, I'd take a walk while they napped. In bad weather, I'd cruise the internet or watch TV while bouncing on a ball. Does she drink from a bottle? I eventually worked up to nursing Liam to sleep then inching away as I snuck a pillow pressed up against him, so he'd be tricked into thinking it was me. I bet you can do the same trick with a bottle--lay her down, snuggle her close, feed her, keep snuggling until she falls asleep, then sneak away.....though that leaves her on a bed. For Liam, he just napped on beds.
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful!
Hi! Eight years later, I am here, typing dis message. Although I have absolutley NOTHIN' to say, I DO want you peeps-whoever is reading this!-to plz reply!!! :D
ReplyDelete