Today

Claire is asleep and I walked over to drop off our laundry at Home of Love. I spent the day alone with her and she has some tantrums but overall it was better than previously. I think she needs some quiet time. She has been through so much. I found out today she was in two foster homes here. I cannot imagine how she feels. She definitley knows I am Mom though. She can say "mama", "here" and "roll it" in English. I have taught her the sign for "eat" and "more". She is very bright. However, it will take some time for her to feel safe.

Carly has really stepped up to the plate and helps me often. She picks up toys and brings things I need. She also can be a little jealous but overall she is doing great. The two girls have a rivalry going but Claire is showing it more often.

Kathay has been a great help. Claire listens to her as she can be quite stern with the school mom look! Last night we met some families from the hotel by coincidence in a very nice Italian restuarant. We sat together and had a good time once Claire stopped yelling. Kathay took her out of the room for awhile so she could calm down and I could relax.

Yesterday was Claire's medical exam. She weighs 28.7 lbs and is 35.4 inches tall. She is quite the eater once she stops crying.

More photos

This was taken yesterday when we taught Claire to blow bubbles in the park. Claire is having a hard time expressing herself due to her history of cleft palate. She has many temper tantrums due to frustration. She also laughs alot and eats like a trucker. Breakfast in the hotel has been interesting to say the least. She throws a tamtrum every time we enter the restaurant. Once she stops she then eats alot. Today our guide took us to the zoo. Carly had a ball but Claire was frightened of the animals.

We have her and she is doing great. Carly helped yesterday when we met her by running to get treats from my bag. She did not like M&M's but loved the puffs. She is funny, happy and also stubborn. She and Carly are had lots of fun runnng around the Civil Affairs today. We returned there to finalize Claire's adoption today. She slept through the night and is eating well. She is an Active child. I am going to lose some weight chasing her! Carly stopped her from running out the hotel lobby door last night. She grabbed her arm and Claire was pointing and explaining to me as she did not like that. She is quick.

These photo's were taken yesterday when we got her.

Monday

Today we meet Claire at 2:30. It is 10:30 in the morning and I have been awake since 3:00. Carly woke at 5:00 today and her first words were "Is it Monday." We had a nice whispered chat in bed while Kathay was still sleeping. Carly told me she will help Claire if she is scared. She will talk with her and play with her. We have met some families here and made new friends. I may not be able to post photos as I forgot my camera cable at home. I purchased a card reader but it does not fit the hotel computer cable. I hope I can find another place to try it. I am going to go see Stella at her store. I met her when I adopted Carly in 2005. Her shop has internet access.

Our travel

Tomorrow our flight leaves in the morning. We fly to Detroit then to Tokyo and Guangzhou.

We arrive on Saturday evening and meet Claire on Monday.

Things have been a bit crazy lately! I am one who loves everything even keel and life has take some interesting twists.

Carly broke her clavicle this weekend playing at McDonald's playground with a six year old girl. The girl gave her a piggy back ride and she flipped her over her shoulders by mistake. We spent a few hours at the children's hospital ER on Sunday. She is a real trooper and doing fine. The doctor gave her travel approval. She is still eager to go and very happy to be home this week with Uncle Mike instead of going to daycare. I don't know what I would do without him. China here we come! We cannot wait to meet Claire.

My friend Kathay will travel with us

Kathay is a great friend who is coming to help with the girls. We are both starting to pack light of course. The great thing is we don't have to adhere to the 44 lb weight limit for checked bags as we fly from Tokyo to Guangzhou. I will post our itineray soon. Kathay has been a huge help since I came home with Carly. Carly adores her and calls her "wacky Kathay" at times.

Carly is so excited.

Carly is so excited she started packing her princess suitcase last night.


She knows we leave three Fridays from now and keeps telling me about it.

Referral Photo's

Claire

It is with great joy that we head for China soon for Claire. Claire is in Guangdong and is a beautiful little girl. Carly is so excited to have a sister! She tells me all the time she will help her. Yesterday, she told me she wanted to leave for China now. We have TA and hope to leave on May 23rd!