Mothership Landed, Abduction Complete

Debuting... Everlee Mei Xiaoshuang! 

Gotcha Day!  She walked into the room at the civil affairs building and we knelt on the floor to be on her level.  Her shoes were the kind that squeak when she walked, and these tiny, cute little squeaks were headed right for US!

Her curiosity was an advantage for us.  We played on that curiosity and kept engaging her in books and small toys we'd brought from home.  She took to us quickly.  She is much tinier than we had imagined... her most recent pictures made her look grown.  She's this quiet, easy-going, dainty dumpling.  Brent's coining the phrase "Daddy's Dumpling."

Penn had packed a pink, rubber sensory-type ball we picked up from the dollar bins at Target.  He wasn't even present but contributed greatly.  It was a big hit.  She only wanted that toy the first hour there and the whole car ride back to the hotel.  Way to pick a winner, Penn!

We stood and asked her caretaker our list of questions through our guide and translator, Michael.  How does she sleep... on her back, belly or side?  With a pillow of blanket? What is she afraid of?  What makes her happy?  How does she like to be soothed?  What name do you call her? Getting her nickname was very important to us.  We've been calling her Shuang-Shuang and adding Everlee at the end.  All the while, Everlee played at our side.  When her nanny left the building, she rightfully started to get teary-eyed, but Brent scooped her up and not a single tear ever made in down her smooth, tan cheeks.

Going in to the office

 Coming out!

She seems to be taking the changes in stride.  Once back at the hotel and in an intimate setting, she gave us smiles. Brent drove two of our boys' matchbox cars up and down her arms and legs, winning her over with his playfulness. Shocker.  And super fitting that the fun parent get the first laughs!

Only two times she has wavered from her stoicism.  Maybe she has a bad association with shoes and leaving.  Maybe she just doesn't like them.  Who knows?  But both times we brought shoes close to her feet (after taking hers off when we got back) she started to whimper.  Ok, no shoes then. Easy enough.

At 2 1/2, she isn't too steady on her feet.  The rule of thumb is 6 months delay in development for every year at an orphanage.  We estimate her gross motor ability to be at 12-18 months.  She appears a bit pigeon-toed and we will get that checked out at home.  Fine motor is lagging too... Watching E drink out of a sippy cup for the first time was like watching an awkward first kiss.  She is very smart though and you can see her taking everything in.  I taught her the sign for "more," and she was using it correctly with prompting, within minutes.  More snacks, more cars, more peek-a-boo.  An hour later, she busted out "more" and pointed to the stash of bananas.

Our training has taught us not to limit her food.  Her whole life has been regimented and rationed.  Let her eat as much as she wants.  Portion control can come months later once she has learned she can trust us.  So, what did she eat? Three whole bananas, a squeezable fruit pouch, a local jellied grape juice, and a piece of pizza.  Between the two boys and her, our pantry is now empty.  She is the tiniest thing, with a HUGE appetite.  We're just thankful she let us feed her.

Playful story from the grocery store:  I was whispering in her ears.  She'd lean back and smile and then turn her head to the other side for me to whisper in the other ear.

Bedtime was so sweet.  I took a bath with her and she LOVED it... shivered from the air conditioning, but loved it. Boys went to swim and I gave her a bottle.  Laid her down on her belly as the nanny said. She tucked her teeny tush under her, put her right thumb in her mouth, and fell asleep within 90 seconds.  It's now 8:40 am here and she's STILL sleeping.  At the orphanage, she is up by 7.

All of this to say, we are blessed.  God has answered prayers.

Before we left Florida, we had a final phone call with our agency.  They reminded us to be realistic.  Though we know these beautiful children are gaining, they do not.  We understood... she may hit us, kick us, bite, run away from us, scream, sit by the door and cry.  All are normal reactions to how her world got flipped upside down.  The agency worker actually said, "So many families think they are going to fall in that 1% that have perfectly smooth transitions."

Well guess flippin' what?!  So far, we are that lucky 1%!