We are, well have been home...

We are doing well, as well as can be expected. I think I left off as we headed to Hong Kong. Leaving China was a mix of emotions, there is so much loss that comes with adoption. Jim and I both felt this as we left walked through customs to board the train to Hong Kong. The Chinese officers must have thought I was a basket case, not to mention there was some sappy song that most likely the Chinese version of "my heart will go on" piped in.

 

Our awesome guide, John, he went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience in China. Although we had some issues with our agency, the in country experience was flawless.

 

Evelyn started to become more comfortable exploring while in transit. This made cab rides and the 2 hour train ride an experience.

 

Sleeping in Hong Kong. Sleep is happening for all members of the house, which is wonderful. However, as we expected Evelyn does most of her grieving at night. She is also terrified of her room and upstairs, but only in the evening. We take turns sleeping with her on her floor. It is a process to get her to sleep, walk her then wait until she is in a deep sleep..if you try to soon she wakes up you must begin the process again.This girl can scream and for a long period of time. Parker's grief was pretty similar, it is a positive sign she is showing grief. We will move to the crib wen she has a better understanding of the transition. She needs to understand that this is a safe place and that we can be trusted.

 

Parker is hurting and acting out. He has been pushing, hitting, being extra loud to wake Evelyn, and demanding attention. He is not happy with me and he has made that clear. Jim has been home an extra week, which has helped in terms of attention. We have been trying to get sunlight to combat jet lag and have been visiting quiet parks. Evelyn stays in the carrier, she is not happy about being put down in public. She will go to Jim and let him care for her. I even snuck out to the YMCA last night...not a good idea when you sleep on the floor after a hard workout.

 

She loves pulling tea out of the pantry and stacking the tins.

 

Do not be fooled, she does not like the highchair or booster seat. She fought the booster seat but eventually calmed down. She is going to be a foodie, like her brother. She has eaten all of our regular meals and refuses baby food. She is obsessed with PB2, but who isn't?

 

Evelyn has picked up two baby signs, just in the past week. She uses "more" at meal times.

 

She sits on our laps for the majority of meals, one step at a time for the booster. Keep in mind, you cannot spoil a newly adopted child. When the time is right she will adjust to the normal aspects of toddler life.

 

I will post the airport pictures in a separate entry, there are quite a few.