At 9:45 am we boarded the bus to a government office to meet the babies. When we arrived, we took an elevator to the 5th floor. As we got off, you could hear the babies crying and squeaky shoes in motion!! I think all the moms started to cry immediately. We were invited into the conference room. The orphanage staff took care of the babies as we filled out some paperwork and looked around trying to decide which one was Analei. The paperwork was a 24 hour form that approved us to take care of the babies until the final adoption government meeting tomorrow when she officially becomes ours in the eyes of the Chinese Government.
Each family was called. We were family number 3. Analei was dressed in a black and white striped outfit with her squeaky shoes. She cried immediately as we took her in our arms and cried most of the way back to the hotel and in our room. The baby’s day started at 5am (the orphanage is 3 hours away) so they are exhausted on top of being confused and a little scared. We tried everything from a bottle to food but nothing worked. Brian finally rocked her to sleep and she is peacefully napping in her crib now.
Analie is walking on her own. She has about 4 teeth on the bottom. We are not sure about the top. (Uncle Dave, the teeth look crooked already!!) She is not potty trained (though some said she might be) and appears to still be taking a bottle with formula and rice cereal 3 - 4 times a day. Because I want that baby time with her, I am thrilled that she will still take a bottle. She naps from 2 - 4 each day, sleeps at 9pm and wakes at 6:30 am. Looks like she will fit right into the Frank Family early to rise routine!! This information was included in a photo album prepared by the foster family for each baby. There are a number of photos from her birth month through earlier this year. There is also information on the Social Welfare Institute along with a number of photos from WuXue which is Analei's home town. We are so lucky to have this album to share with her when she is older.
The crying is normal and will likely resume when she wakes up. It could go on for a few days until she feels more comfortable with us. Meilyn has already caught Analei's attention as she will curiously watch everything Meilyn does through the crying. Meilyn was terrific through it all. She never cried or got upset considering the chaos that was going on around her. I am so proud of her. She is going to be a great big sister. She is already asking how soon Analei will wake up from her nap. When you want the video look for a moment when Meilyn reaches out to kiss Analei. Clearly Analei is not yet ready for this affection from her new Big Sister. Again, I am so proud of Meilyn. While it will change and go through many cycles, we are off to a good start.
We are off to some paperwork and document prep this afternoon and some rest as the Frank Family settles in as 4. After 3 years, we are so happy to have Analei finally with us. Thanks for your prayers and emails. Please keep them coming.
I have lots of photos and we will also have video. I am not sure how to access this but please look on the page for information.
All our love,
Jeanne, Brian, Big Sister Meilyn and Little Sister Analei
Very first moments
Analei with some of the orphanage staff before we meet her
