Thanks so much for visiting us during our journey, Steve, Patty, Caleb, Danae (daughter-in-law), Logan, Drew and Annika!
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him.
So I have also dedicated her to the Lord; as long as she liveth she is dedicated to the Lord. I Samuel 1:27 - 28
Today was another day of learning more of what Annika can actually do and how much she has been keeping in just because of her being fearful and insecure. We have learned that she can crawl and scoot on her bottom. She does not do it far, but she does do it. We do not believe that she can walk yet, but we are trying just to get her legs strengthened by trying every so often.
Annika started playing, really playing with her toys on the bed today. It was so fun to watch and video tape her doing it. Because so far she has been stuck to our laps and if we try to put her down to play she has a very scared look and reaches her arms up for us to hold her. And of course we do and get a sweet little hug around the neck. Absolutely priceless as far as we are concerned.
She has finally given up the chapstick and is now on to a green yogurt container ring. We stock up on yogurt to take to our room from the breakfast buffet, cause she absolutely loves it, so rings are very easy to come by in our room.
We are very happy with the daughter that China has chosen for us. The other day at one of our interviews the officials came right out and asked us if we were happy with the baby that we have and would we ever abandon or mistreat her. Yes, I had tears in my eyes as I told them that she will forever be loved in our home and we will take care of her needs forever.
We went to the infamous Zoo to see the China Panda Bears....it was a very nice zoo. But I found out again and was unprepared again for the squatty potty. So as I borrowed toilet paper, again, I was off to find the handicapped western stall (which are far and few between), nope they didn't have one either. Walking into the stall, first off, my door would not latch. Second it was only neck high. So here were a bunch of women in these troughs squatting and .....won't go there. When I was done putting my toilet paper in the garbage can (no you do not flush it down the potty), my guide handed me a handled pan and told me to put water in to flush my toilet....ok?!
I am getting really good leg strength, not sure of what use that will do me in the states, but I guess I can brag about it while in China.
We are again so blessed to wake up to this little China doll every morning. We are truly in awe over her beauty and are so excited to see what the future holds for her in the U.S. As we were walking back from dinner with our group tonight, I was looking at the hustle, bustle of the China streets and the sadness that comes from this overpopulated Country.
Gotta go get someone in the tub. Hope you enjoy the pics of the day.
