Thanks so much for visiting us during our journey, Steve, Allison, Sean, Megan, Ryan and Katelyn!
June 27, 2008
An invisible red thread connects those who are destined
to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.
-An Ancient Chinese Belief
Today we had no appointments or tours, so it was a relaxing day at the hotel. Katie slept well, but seems to have a persistent cough that wakes her up. The bed in the room is comprised of two queen beds put together with a huge soft, fluffy, white comforter. Katie gets lost in it at nap time.
Katie looked again at Emalie's new family photo album (she was a friend at the orphanage who was adopted a few months ago). She also loves seeing an email from Emalie showing Emalie looking at our blog site. Both of us families plan to keep the girls in touch between Michigan and Pennsylvania. Emalie mentioned how active their daughter is compared to Katelyn, and that might be why they bonded so well as opposites (Ryan is more like Emalie, so we are really hoping they bond well also). Katie is quiet, but devious and a flirt (reminds us of the phrase still waters run deep), she is always thinking about what she can do next, but only takes action when we least expect it (she has been caught a few times attempting to flush items down the toilet...its fun to flush!!!).
We spent time playing in the hotel, drawing pictures, listening to music and watching cartoons. Katie placed stickers all over herself, and insisted on us taking a picture of her. She has been more physically active, making more eye contact, talking, smiling, and quietly laughing. Unfortunately we have yet to be able to get a smile in a photo or video. We went swimming in the afternoon (when the guide asked her yesterday, she said she enjoyed swimming), but she let out the loudest scream we've ever heard when in dads arms in the water!! The hotel pool staff just smiled, but perhaps they were thinking we were cruel American parents...so we let her throw a beach ball from poolside into the pool...which made her happy again.
All in all a very good day, with lots of progress in her attachment to us (dad is still not fully trusted..especially after the swimming attempt). Sean has been a big help with her (and now needing to search for his stuff that she finds pleasure in hiding under pillows). We are very home sick for Megan and Ryan. We leave for Guangzhou early in the morning for the last four days of the journey. We hope all is well back in the U.S.A. for all of you.
Sean Says:
Today Katelyn starting picking on me and taking my things and hiding it (usually we didn't realize she did it until we found things by surprise). She has been alot more giggly, and talking in her cute little voice. I'm anxious to hear more from my friends and family soon, and seeing Ryan and Megan (and my guinea pig Chester).
Katie asleep in big white bed
Katie looking at orphanage friends, new family photo album
