Today was our down day. We went to the passport office yesterday vs today as in the agenda (not sure why!) We woke up at six, played for a bit, and then headed to breakfast. KaiLi was an angel during the first part of the morning. We couldn't believe how much she ate for breakfast! We finally just cut her off and headed back upstairs. Shortly after, there was a knock at the door. The Albright kiddos (7 & 6) wanted to play. We basically let the kids run up and down the hallway (it is shaped like a triangle) while the adults talked and cuddled with our adoptive kids. (Well, except mine since she was lying in the hallway having a tantrum the majority of the time.). It was lots of fun! Don't cringe. They only put families on our floor. It is us 3 adoptive families and then 2 Chinese families (I am assuming), as well. One of the Chinese Moms brought her son out to play, but he wasn't having any of it. She brought out fruit to share with us. (Not sure what it was. Tasted a bit like raisins but had a totally different texture and was about the size of a golf ball.) At one point, she bent down and was cooing at KaiLi. Her son got so mad that he slammed the door. Then she had the panicked look - clearly the key was inside. So she had to coax him to open the door! Maybe tomorrow?
At 11:30, our guide took us for an authentic Chinese lunch. It was just a quick walk down the road but across the really busy intersection again... And it was chop sticks only. At first I could use the chopsticks, but quickly lost my form. I was relegated to using one chopstick to shovel food onto a soup spoon. But, hey, I made it work! KaiLi loved everything and ate tons, again, while MeiLin just wanted to eat the rice. That is unusual for her but we were just going with it.
Crossing the road for lunch (this pic doesn't do it justice!)
Back at the hotel, we put KaiLi down for a nap and rested. She cried for about 5 minutes but then fell fast asleep. I tried to get some sleep. But MeiLin is so squirmy, that it didn't really happen. We got KaiLi up after two hours when there was once again a knock at the door. The Albright girls! Such a God send for MeiLin. Otherwise, she would be bored to tears! The 3rd adoptive family (not with Gladney) joined us for our 'hall party', as well. I didn't catch their last name but they are Dana and Mike from outside of St. Loius. They have 3 little girls and are adopting a little boy, Magnus. They are followed around like paparazzi. #1 - They are Caucasion. #2 - They are adopting a little Chinese boy. #3 - They have 4 kids now. #4 - They have twin girls. #5 - The Mom and two of the daughters have blond hair (I knew from our last adoption that Chinese people are fascinated with blond hair). And #6 - The other daughter has red hair, which is apparently even more fascinating! They get mobbed and asked for pictures everywhere they go...oh my! All of the kiddos played and got along so well. There are 6 non-newly adopted girls (including MeiLin) ranging from 4 1/2 up to 9, so they are having a ball! The group disbanded around 5:45.
A quick snack after nap time!
We ordered some room service, got ready for bed, and put KaiLi down. I was thinking about sugar-coating this next section, but decided to put it out there. Some will judge, but it is what it is. KaiLi has been going down so easy since we got her. Like this afternoon. She whined for about 3-5 minutes, but then fell fast asleep. Well, tonight was a whole different story. I went to put her down and she started crying a bit. I honestly thought nothing of it. I was like, "Well, she will whine for a few minutes and then fall asleep." Well, wrong! She keep crying and crying. Each minute, I kept thinking she would get tired and fall asleep. And then I got to the point of, "Well, do I go in there?" With MeiLin, I would have gone in. But with this strong-willed one, I know that if I go in there now, she will know that she can keeping screaming and crying to get her way. Ugh - where is the instruction manual! Though I would normally never do this, I feel the power struggle in this little one SO strong, so I decided to let her cry it out. (Yep, Mommy fail.). About 20 minutes later, I heard the dreaded "thud". How does a 19 pound baby who wears 12 month clothing possibly climb out of a full-size crib? The thought literally never even crossed my mind! I ran in there and scooped her up. Not kidding, the exact moment I held her - she stopped crying. Oh boy, here we go! Every time I tried to lay her down, she would scream bloody murder. So I would rock her to sleep, try to lay her down, and she would wake up and cry. Rinse and repeat about 5 times. My arms were like rubber (I need to work out the baby rocking muscles whatever those are!) Finally I sent Brandon in. At first she cried for MaMa, but finally accepted him. Somehow after only 5 minutes, he put her down (while awake) and she didn't cry. He sat in there until she feel asleep and was able to leave. So pretty sure nap and bed time will be a power struggle going forward. So I need all of the advice I can get on this! Luckily, MeiLin was unphased and slept though the drama. Whew!
We weighed KaiLi during the afternoon and she clocked in at a solid 19 pounds, two pounds more than MeiLin. I was surprised because I don't remember MeiLin being that tiny! On a separate note, KaiLi learned today that she has her very own water bottle and MeiLin has her own water bottle. Well, KaiLi is very proud of hers. I am not kidding when I say that she holds that thing (even when heavy) and totes it around everywhere. Part of the fit when going to bed was that she wanted to bring her water bottle with her. We finally poured out all but a small amount and just let her keep it. (It has a slow water leak and we didn't want to soak the bed.) She has also commandeered a balloon from the Albright's. If she saw anyone else with it...full meltdown.
We appreciate all of the prayers and encouragement from our family and friends. We can't wait for everyone to meet KaiLi and see MeiLin as the big Sissy!
Angie, you are amazing! KaiLi is so fortunate to have you, Brandon and MeiLin as her new family. I can't imagine how difficult it is for you to balance the bonding vs the boundary setting. That has to be so very tough. It sounds like you are handling it really well. Safe travels home, I'm sure it will be comforting once you're back in your own home with your expanded family. And thanks so much for sharing your story with us!
ReplyDeleteWell, at least she is calling you Mama, that isn't bad progress for three days.. - Kirby
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