Today we returned to the civil affairs office for the adoption registration. That means it's official as far as China is concerned! Just as we met our group to board the bus this morning, we got our first real, true smile and giggle out of Maggie! It felt so good to see happiness. She's been a little off and on today, but we've seen her much more happy, playful, and alert. She's talking (although we understand none of it!) quite a bit today, and we see in her interaction with Mary Helen that she can be not just a fighter, but pretty much a pest. Several times today, she just plain pestered Mary Helen and thought it was hilarious. At one point, Mary Helen tried to play with her, and Maggie pushed her. Then as soon as Mary Helen turned her back, Maggie kept poking her and laughing. When Mary Helen left the room with me today, Kenny said Maggie kept walking to the door to look for her.
We also realized that Maggie is sick. She didn't have one wet diaper from the time we got her until after 1:00 this afternoon...over 24 hours. She was most likely very dehydrated yesterday. She also appears to have bronchitis or a sinus infection, so we started her antibiotics today. After lots of food (big eater!) and several bottles of juice, we finally got a couple of wet diapers, and she seemed to feel better already. It's still gonna be a day-by-day process, but today we saw so much more of Maggie's personality and ability.
Oh, and while the girls napped today, Ken, Susie, and I went with our group to the Lotus Center to shop for diapers, water, etc. The shopping was pretty interesting, but nothing could compare to our amazement to see how they actually use "split pants" for the babies...or sometimes no bottom covering at all. Wow!
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| One of her real smiles today |
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| Walking back to our room...we're officially sisters now! Let the fighting and pestering commence. |
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| The innocent "oops did I just pop a balloon in the registration office?" look |
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| Playing together nicely tonight...and yes, in their undies (classy, I know) |
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| Giggling...at how funny she finds herself in this case! |
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| Susie showing off her "look, no hands" maneuver on the shopping cart escalator |
Looks like Kenny got his daddy's girl! Glad she is feeling better and getting more comfortable. Enjoy taking in the real China before you get to GZ. Take lots of pics, and enjoy one day at a time...
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet smile! Glad today was a better day! The pestering is a sign that Maggie is taking the role of little sister very seriously. Haha! Love the matching dresses!
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Those smiles on Maggie's face brought tears to my ears! And yes, you will definitely see split pants "used" while you are in Zhengzhou...a true glimpse of China. The picture in "undies" seemed normal to me. That is the way mine kiddos prefer to be at home. So glad you all are seeing improvement. The girls are both just beautiful! Have fun!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like she is adjusting very well already! Can't wait to meet her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful smile! So glad to see it. We can't wait to meet her. Sounds like Mary Helen and Maggie might have a little bit of Trina and Belinda in their future!
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