Where to begin...

It's been an amazing couple of days. We're so blessed. Jaida is sleeping right now so it gives me a few minutes to write down a few thoughts. I think of things throughout the day that I want to blog about and then when it's time to blog, I'm not sure where to start.

First, thank you SO much for all the wonderful comments. It's so nice to hear from our family, friends and cyberfriends that are following along. I choose to blog and share our story for a few reasons: 1.When we were preparing to adopt Kennedy, I learned so, so much from reading other blogs. There's no way to learn more about this trip/process than to read the blogs of those that have been there. So I hope that someone will read this blog and find it helpful as to knowing what to expect. 2. I would love if someone was inspired to adopt because they read/saw something on our blog. The China program has slowed significantly right now, however the China Waiting Child program (for children with minor medical needs) is a much speedier program and there are MANY, MANY children waiting for families. Jaida is from this program. If anyone wants information on this program, please let me know. I'd be happy to help. 3. It's a wonderful way to keep a journal of each day along the journey. Even the most exciting memories do fade with time. I know how much we love reading Kennedy's blog over and over and now sharing it with her. We look forward to doing the same thing with Jaida. 4. And finally, it's a wonderful way to keep in touch with everyone at home :)

Jaida is slowly coming out of her shell. I would confidently say we will have TWO spitfires on our hands. I thought from her referral info that she may be more shy and timid. Apparently this is just with new situations. We were told that she "talks a lot" and is "very active". Sound familiar, anyone? I think she'll hold her own with her Kennedy. She is very petite. I have weighed her (no scales in this hotel) but I'd say she's about a size 4-5 shoe size and 18-24 months in clothes. I'm not really sure on the clothes yet, but I'm guessing. For those in our travel group who know Claire, she's just a bit shorter than her, I believe. I would say that 20lbs is about accurate for her weight (I think you were right on the money with your advice, Dianne!!)

This morning we went back to the government offices to sign more papers. Jaida had a blast in the playroom. She was running, yelling throwing balls (!!), she even fell and put her tooth through her lip. I don't think she really knows what to do when she's hurt. I didn't even know she was hurt until I saw blood on her lip. I grabbed her and cuddled her so that she would know that when she's hurt she can come to us for comfort. These are things that most children learn "automatically" from their parents. For institutionalized children, these things often need to be taught. Later, we went shopping and she loved it. She took in all the sites and sounds. We bought a stroller...a must have for touring in China, we feel. We stocked up on water, snacks, PEPSI and a few other items.

She is an amazing eater. She has eaten everything we've given her (again, not surprising for an institutionalized child) and she is very capable of feeding herself with great proficiency.

Last night she went to bed around 10:30. She started coming out of her shell in the evening so we kept her up later than we normally would to get to know her. She slept until 3. I got her up to go to the bathroom, she peed and went back to sleep until 7. We had to wake her in order to have enough time to eat breakfast and meet our guide, Becky for 8:30. Tomorrow we are free until the afternoon so we'll let her sleep in :)

We were told she is potty trained and indeed it appears to be true! She hasn't been asking to go yet, but I've been taking her periodically and this method seems to be working. No accidents and today she even pooped on the potty! (too much info, I know, but we celebrate everything!!) Hopefully when Kennedy sees her doing this, she'll follow along...

Jaida's language is Cantonese (whereas Kennedy was spoken to in Mandarin). It is amazing to here this little girl speaking to us in another language. If only we knew what she was saying. When Becky is near, she will translate for us, but most of the time, I just smile and nod (maybe not such a good idea???) She is beginning to use gestures more, pulling my hand and pointing. One interesting thing we found out: Her name is spelled Fu Qi ...sounds like Foo Chee. This is the Mandarin pronounciation. Our friend and travelmate, Kathleen, had given me all the info on her name when we first got our referral. She told us the pronounciation in Mandarin and in Cantonese (knowing that in the region she is from, many speak Cantonese). So that makes her name, Fu Qi, sound like Fook Kay. It is very common for the Chinese to double the second name and use it as a nickname. We thought she was probably called Qi Qi (chee-chee), but when we found out they spoke Cantonese to her, we asked what they called her. The obvious choice was Kay-Kay. Yes, the orphanage staff confirmed, they called her Kay-Kay. For those of you who know us well, you'll know Kennedy's nickname is "K". So now we have a "K" and a "K-K". That may just get a tad confusing, don't ya think??? It was all too funny.

China is so interesting to me...it's seems like it's a race to get everywhere...EVERYWHERE. It doesn't matter where you're going, bathroom, disembarking from the plane, grocery store line. Everyone is in a hurry. No one stops and lets you go ahead. It's every person for themselves. It doesn't matter if you are old or young, woman or man, big or small, disabled, foreigner; no one seems to care. Everyone wants to get where there going and they will jump right in front of you if you're not standing your ground. The traffic, same idea. The biggest vehicle usually wins. Forget it if you are a pedestrian. You have NO rights. Just so different from at home...

I've heard people talk about the hard beds in China. I didn't experience that on our first trip. The beds weren't soft, but it didn't bother me. Well, the bed I'm in this week is like sleeping on a bed of bricks. I woke up this a.m with what feels like bruised shoulder blades. My neck is killing me. I'll survive but I just wanted all my blogger friends to know I've experienced the rock hard beds. Looking forward to the State Guest Hotel on Friday.

Our guide, Becky, asked us today if we were interested in going to see the orphanage. She said she would make the arrangements if we wanted to go. Marvin and I have talked about this and I must say, initially, I thought we'd definitely go, but once we got here and met Jaida, we decided not to go back. There's no guarantee the orphanage staff would let us in to the building (Becky would have called to see about that) and we wondered how Jaida would feel about going back and seeing her caregivers and friends again. It's a 2 hour drive from where we are and we just decided it's best we don't go right now. She's just starting to come out of her shell and we don't want to confuse her. I'd love to have pictures,etc, to show her but perhaps we'll bring the girls back when they're older and can understand more about their past.