IT IS FINALLY LEGAL

Today, Joshua and MaeLynn legally became our children. We went back to the Adoption Registry and had to interview and sign more papers. It was fairly quick and harmless. On the way home, the children fell asleep so we felt nap time was necessary. At first, Joshua put up a fuss but eventually settled down. MaeLynn ended up on the floor again, but this time fell asleep sitting up with her front bent over on a pillow (tonight she fell asleep in the same position). This behavior really makes me believe she stayed in her crib way too much. Her walking ability and dexterity in her hands is like that of a one year old. We've been told some orphanages keep them in cribs until they feel they can walk sufficiently, which is usually when they are in their twos. If this occurred at her orphanage, then her walking, potty training and eating ability as been greatly stunted.  After they finished their naps we gave them a bath. Unfortunately, Joshua had an accident and we suspect it was because he was too scared during nap time to go in the "dark" bathroom or tell us he had to go. It was very obvious that it was most likely their first true bath. Bathing is usually done by a quick wipe down, not immersed in water. At first they were slightly trepidatious, but soon thoroughly enjoyed the bath and bubbles. Joshua went crazy with the Sippy cups and poor MaeLynn put up with constant water being poured over her head.  We walked Shamian Island and stopped at a playground. Joshua has no fear and walked around like he owned the place. MaeLynn doesn't really walk unless you hold her hand. She will stand in the same place forever until she is prompted. They both loved going down the slides. Joshua loves the outdoors and when he suspects we are planning to leave, he gathers everyone's shoes. MaeLynn is most content being held and I did get a cute picture of her lying on daddy's chest right after her bath with daddy snoring away.  Tonight we ate at a French restaurant. Yes, I know, eating at a French restaurant in China. Other than the service, the food wasn't too bad. The weather is gorgeous and so is Shamian Island. We walked around some more and stopped to purchase items for the kids and munchies. The area is a HUGE HUB for wedding photos so everywhere you look there are couples getting their pictures taken. We've been told that it is the norm that after a few years of marriage, when they can finally afford it, they go all out and get their wedding photos done. It is not uncommon for them to be in 3-10 different outfits that they rent. That explains why all their clothes are always the finest, Vera Wang level looking digs. One thing we really like is how everyone is in to exercise.This includes the elderly as they are often outside playing battmitton, exercising or just visiting.  Once we came home to get ready for bed MaeLynn started having a fit, but this time she actually had a temper tantrum. We actually saw the strength in her legs as she wailed them all about. We bought her a blanket and a bottle as we assumed she still used a bottle due to her mouthing movements, and we were told she always slept with a special blanket. She didn't take to the bottle at all and she was too upset to care about the blanket. However, I suspect a lot of it was total exhaustion and the other the fear of sleeping in a place she is still not familiar. We know time will heal wounds, but it hurts to watch her so stressed. The more we observe her the more we are convinced that she has some global delays. When Phil put food on her tray at the restaurant, instead of trying to pick it up and eat it with her hands, she bent over to eat it like a dog. Phil kept forcing her to use her hands, but her dexterity is so poor. Her legs are so stiff when she walks it is as if she never walked before. When I was walking with her and we came to a small step, instead of bending and slowly stepping down, she leaned completely forward that had I not been holding her, she would have fallen on her face. She also will clutch the food that is handed to her in her hand and hold it for hours if we forget. She had a rice cake cookie at the park today and Joshua finally got tired of seeing her hold it that he went over and kept taking her hand and forcing the cookie in her mouth until she would take a bite. He would give her a few seconds and then do it again. Thought it was funny to watch, we had to nip that one. Time will tell with this precious little girl. The lot she was handed early in her life wasn't the best and hopefully with time, a family environment, proper hearing aides and some therapy, she will thrive.  Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share our experience. If you would rather not get these long emails, just let me know and I will take you off my distribution list. God bless!