Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Better today, finding our rhythm...

We had a great day today!!! Avery did sleep through the night and only woke up 2 times and was soothed right back to sleep. We are off the formula all together, her tummy feels better today, you can tell. We are on water, juice, and solid foods. She loves fruit , especially watermelon. She is a much happier baby today. We have caught on to a lot of her tricks today as well. The crying today is to see how we will react. She stops after 3 short cries looks at us as if to say, "Well what are you going to do about it?" So, i decided to just hold her and not talk. She stops almost instantly. Ends up doing it a few times but it seems to work good and she stills knows I'm right there.

Some of the new tricks she learned today are blowing kisses, lip smackin', she can click her tongue like daddy, and she now pretty much wants to feed herself. We also found out that she likes to twirl with mommy and that seems to soothe her. She likes to mimic whatever we do and is pretty quick to pick up on it. When we were having snacks today, she would feed some to Gary- a first. :) Gary still can't hold her, but she has been staring at him a lot rather intensely, seeming to realize that maybe he isn't all that bad. Avery has a new nickname of 'stick tight', as she doesn't like to be far from mommy. At all. She acts more and more like she is trusting mommy and feels secure in her arms.

We knew there would be days that were going to be hard and very challenging. We did come into this with that expectation. Probably the only aspect of this that is more challenging than we anticipated was the isolation that we are in while in province. It's one thing to figure out what Avery needs, it's a whole different ballgame when you realize you can't get what she needs, and there are very few people (if you can find them) that can speak enough English to help you. Most everything gets lost in translation. But, we are managing and adapting to each other day by day. We know there will be more challenging days ahead, but the good days like today far overshadow them. 

Smile, our guide, met us at dinner tonight and gave us a copy of the note that was in Avery's pocket when she was found, handwritten by her parents, which is a very rare occurrence. Most children are left without a trace. Smile translated it for us. It says:

My daughter was born on May 28th (May fifth of the Chinese Lunar Calendar) 21:00 PM at night. We have no ability to grow her up. We hope some good person can pick her up and grow her up or send her to the orphanage for nursing.

It was signed: Parents who has no ability. Thank You!

Well, God granted them their wish and she made her way to our arms. Truly a miracle. 

Tomorrow is a sightseeing day with Smile. Should be good to get out and about to soak in some more of the culture. Gary will be taking pictures of course. :) Here are a coupe from today.

Here's a picture of her good side:





















And here she is about 30 seconds later. Meet Spicy Hunan Girl:





















You can see more pictures at the link below. We will be adding more daily.

Thank you all for the words of encouragement and advice. It's nice to hear from so many people- it helps make us feel a little closer to home.

Much love,

Gary, Allison & Avery

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Alli, Gary, and Avery!!
I thought it was so funny when you said she is learning to click her tongue, just like Gary. Because I remember at dance him making all those noises with his mouth, and us trying to figure out and copy him. Last night I had a dream about you guys, I came over to your house when you got home, and everything was wonderful! I love you all so much!!! Can't wait till you get home and to see you. Love you!

Love Kara (:

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear today is going better for you guys! You are doing a great job! Love the pictures!
~Kristin

Anonymous said...

I smiled and laughed when I saw the first pictures of your beautiful new family on Monday. Today, when I read the note from Avery's birth parents, I started sobbing. Avery is so blessed to have found her way to you. Best wishes on the rest of your journey through China and the start of your journey together.

Unknown said...

Oh that note---what a priceless treasure to have that! And, it does explain why the orphanage workers gave her her precious name. How sad to know that they did not have the ability to care for her. But, what redemption that you do and now love her with all that you are. I love the pictures posted. Her eyes are a lot like Lydia's eyes.
Blessings to you--you are doing a great job. And, you will feel much more "at home" in Guangzhou. You will not be isolated at all and you'll see lots of adoptive families for encouragement and fellowship!
Kelly

Unknown said...

Oh I'm so glad that you guys had a better day than yesterday! After I posted I couldn't help but think of the first day after Ethan was born. At first everything seemed like it was going great, and then the next day I felt like I didn't know what the problem was and how to fix it and if I did know I was having a hard time making it work and I was exhausted and hungry. I know she's not a newborn, but you guys were definitely going through the newborn thing (and your baby is entering into the "terrible 2" stage too... yikes!). I'm sure you're doing great as parents, after all you have helped raise a bagillion kids already! Glad to hear that Avery is feeling better and more comfortable each day with you guys too.

Love all of the pictures you've taken! She looks so peanut size. you can tell that she's taking everything in by the way her eyes are so wide and curious in each shot. The outfits make her look that much more adorable too!!

Hope the sightseeing goes well (both in sites seen and Avery mood ;) )

Love,
Sarah

Michele said...

I am so absolutely thrilled for you guys! Love the pictures, you all look like a very happy family!!I can't wait to meet her. Love you guys,
Michele