Day 2

We had no idea how Aili was going to sleep through the night. We thought for certain that she’d wake up scared to death. This child went right to sleep when we put her down, and didn’t wake up until we woke her at 7am. Awesome.

I slept with her and Sam slept with Raleigh. Even though she’s been sleeping in a crib (yes, at almost five years old they still had her in a crib), she fell asleep next to me like she’s been doing it for years. Although she didn’t wake, she banged her head on the mattress repeatedly off and on for most of the night. I’ve read that orphanage children do specific behaviors to comfort themselves because they’ve never had anyone else to do it for them. I knew right away this is what that was. I rubbed her head and her back, talked softly to her, and gave her kisses all night. I will do this every night until she knows we’re not going anywhere.

She woke this morning just as chipper as she was last night. Talking away, even though we can’t understand her. Even though she’ll be five in January, we believe she’s about on a three year old level. Very common for orphanage children. But she’s repeating our words already and copying my signs! She’s going to catch up in no time!

We ventured to the hotel breakfast buffet this morning. We asked the staff if we could just have her taste some of our food to see if she’d eat anything. Ha! She is a great eater and willing to try anything. She loved the eggs! She tried quiche, smoked salmon, sautéed kale, pineapple, watermelon, sausage, and more! I think she ate more than me. I guess anyone would if you’ve only had rice and water most of your life.

After breakfast we went to meet Michael in the lobby. After we got Aili yesterday, we had to go through a 24 hour “Harmonious Period” before we could sign the final adoption papers. They do this to make sure everyone really wants to go through with it. Funny, in Colombia that period is about two weeks. In China just 24 hours. Not even really. We got her at 3pm yesterday and went back at 10am today to sign the papers. We went through an interview portion with a notary where lastly they ask us if we in fact want to continue with the adoption. Yes! Yes! Yes! My girl is amazing! So we signed, they signed, and she’s ours! And we’re her’s 🙂

On the way back to civil affairs Aili was very quiet. Who know what she was thinking. As we parked, tears were running down her face. Then all out crying. I asked Michael to please tell her we’re not leaving her, we love her, and please don’t worry! This seemed to do the trick. She became her happy go lucky self again.

We’ve read a lot about there being a honeymoon phase after adoption. The children are just wanting to please. I don’t know if that’s what’s going on here, but she is absolutely perfect.

When we got back to the hotel we got our swimsuits on and headed to the 29th floor to the indoor pool. Have I mentioned how fancy this place is? She has never even seen a pool before and rarely even played outside. Poor kid. She loved it!

After a nap, we went to dinner at the Japanese restaurant here at the hotel. So yummy! Again, this girl tried EVERYTHING! Sushi, edamame, miso soup, seaweed salad, fried rice, you name it.

We all have full bellies and are hittin’ the hay. Tomorrow we’re going out with Michael for some sightseeing. We originally didn’t know how much we were going to be able to do not knowing how she would be bonding. But she’s bonding beautifully and we plan to soak up as much of her country as possible. Until tomorrow…