Getting to Know Her

Super sad eyes (red from crying; our first evening together). Willow tries to console her with Yellow Teddy.

The orphanage staff has informed us that she has NEVER had a bottle; instead, they have always fed her formula and rice-cereal with a spoon. She’s a chunk, so she hasn’t had too much problem eating. I’ve tried to look at her palate, which I can see is clefted, but I can’t get a sense of how it compares to other cleft palates (I don’t know if it is narrow or wide). Those of you who have adopted will recognize the limpness in her arms and general stature (shut down, and in shock).

Doing Better

The poor thing cried for hours … she’d be okay for a little while, then begin all over again. They are both sleeping now. Tupie did eat some for us—can you believe she’s never had a bottle (only a spoon). OMGoodness. We got her some congee with broth, greens, and meat—she seemed to like it a lot (until now, she’s only eaten formula and cereal—mixed together).

She’s got good eye contact, and follows us as we move around the room. She also holds on, when you carry her. She is also holding on to the teddy I made her. Willow is doing great (some reversion, of course). BUT, she wants to hold her and take care of her.

Most of the pictures posted earlier are from Hong Kong, then Guilin. The mountain bumps are Guilin, and appear on China’s $20 RMB bill. Stunning 5-hour ride down the LiJiang River (which was an experience in itself). I also included one of where we are now (the two cribs awaiting their cherubic demure vixens).

Here are some “before and after” pictures from today, including our first glimpse at the doorway. By the way, the staff were really nice and THANKFUL—very gracious and genuine I felt.

She really is adorable. Once I gave her a bath, and put her in cozy pajamas, it made the world of difference. Will take her to the doctor if her fever/bronchial junk aren’t getting better. She’s quite lovely and “aware”.

Meryl & family (11 pm … gotta get to bed!)

Meet Tupelo Wren Ming Huan

Sightseeing Pics Guilin

Here are some pics Meryl sent me to post up.  Unfortunately no pics of the new little one yet. Apparently she is sick with a cold/fever and they are dealing with that right now, but hope to have some new pics soon!

Mooncakes and Martinis

I'll get to the Mooncakes and Martinis in a minute. But let me start by telling you this is the first day we aren't all incapacitated by jetlag. We have managed to haul ourselves out of the hotel each day, of course, for minimal sightseeing and poking around the back alleys. We have topped off each evening by swimming in the rooftop (30th floor) pool which overlooks all of Hong Kong.

I (Meryl) had averaged between 2.5 to 3.5 hours of sleep for the first 3 nights (no one else had much more, either). But, today we did travel to see the worlds largest (seated outdoor) Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha, completed in 1993). Travel to TTB included a 5 km aerial cable car ride (and we chose a glass-bottom version to further torture Aunt Dory, who has aerophobia!) In addition to the main attraction, there were also some water buffalo grazing grass in between the tourist shops and holy sites. A young girl about 10 years old went a little too close and the buffalo gently moved her out of the way by picking her up with its horns and dropping her on the ground (the parents didn't notice until I brought it to their attention). She wasn't hurt, but it was like watching a rodeo. There were also some fascinating dogs milling about: half old-world village mutt x jindo.

We stopped at the Starbucks (not far from TTB) whereupon they were selling mooncakes (stuffed with espresso and machhiato paste). It was my first mooncake AND it was delicious (somehow these sounded more appealing than the bean-paste variety).

Poor Aunt Dory--left exhausted by her fear of heights, a subway ride through Hong Kong during the rush hour commute, and throngs of people staring at her freckled creamy skin and glistening auburn hair--spent the train ride home talking about a much-desired Martini at the Karaoke lounge in our hotel (she never got it, and has promptly fallen asleep as I write this blog).

Hoping I'll have the energy and motivation to download (and post) our pictures tomorrow.

Good night. We love you all and one.