Monday,
May 4, 2009
IT'S OFFICIAL - HE'S OURS!
Hi everyone! Today has been a
terrific day – a day of firsts – smiles and outright laughter,
sharing, bath, playing catch (this kid has an arm and can
throw!), and the very best of all…..calling Baba (Dada) and
Mama.
We finalized the adoption with the Chinese Government, so as far
as everyone in this country is concerned, he’s now a MacLaren!
Last night he slept very well. He went to bed at 8, right on
schedule, and while he was scared, again he wouldn’t cry. We sat
with him, played some music, and then he fell fast asleep. He
woke up a little after midnight because he had to go to the
bathroom, but other than that, he did great. He wouldn’t tell us
he had to go to the bathroom, we just heard him rustling under
the covers. We hoped this meant he was fully potty trained – but
we learned during breakfast this morning that’s not the case J –
but that’s ok, he actually does incredibly well letting us know
when he needs to “use the facilities” (this is a family website,
afterall), and now that he’s getting more comfortable, we’re
hoping he’ll start telling us more frequently.
During breakfast, this little 30 lb munchkin ate 1 whole plus
another ˝ of 2 adult sized omelets, plus Japanese noodles, plus
a big piece of banana bread, a half a dumpling, and a bowl of
fruit. He ate more than Gregg. After breakfast was the best part
of the beginning of our day - he started playing with lots more
toys, a little laughing and some speaking. He got a little
scared when we had to go to the Civil Affairs Office, not
understanding what was going on, but by lunch, he was laughing
out loud, LOVES being tickled by his sister, and has started
speaking above a whisper.
After the Civil Affairs Office, we went to a clothing market –
you want to talk about learning the art of negotiation. Our
guide told us that no matter what they ask, just immediately
demand half, and then just say “Deal.” And it worked. We got a
ton of clothes for Ethan, an authentic Chinese outfit for both
him and one for Emma. And I think we spent an average of $6 per
item.
From there we went to the Ginza Mall for a noodle restaurant.
After lunch, we walked a little in the mall (with Yunhui holding
Emma’s hand the whole time), and then we walked back to the
hotel. On the way back, Gregg put Yunhui on his shoulders – and
it was a revelation for the little guy. He was SO Happy! And
then we saw a fountain – well, you can see his smile from the
photo – that about says it all.
He’s calling me Mama, and he watches his Baba and calls for him
continually. Like his foster mother, we are calling him HuiHui (hhway-hhway).
He likes to play with the stacking cups, as well as drawing, and
of course those beloved cars; he loves teasing (pretending to
give you something, then snatching it back and giggling), and he
has the absolute sweetest voice. He observes everything, is
incredibly curious and he has started asking what things are
called. He likes to mimic, and oh yes, he loves music. We turned
on Happy Feet again trying to get him to nap – no napping, but
we did get a lot of clapping hands and singing while he rolled
back and forth under his blanket (words cannot describe how cute
that was).
Emma continues to be wonderful with him, playing, being a huge
help to both of us. Tomorrow we start some sightseeing – we head
to the Forbidden City and Tian’an Men Square .
Again, thank you for all your messages and posts. They are
wonderful to read, and they mean more than we can say. We miss
you all, and we’re sending lots of love, The MacLarens – now a
family of 4 (woohoo!)
Emma’s Corner
Hi everyone. Ethan is a lot more fun today. He had his
first laugh; he lets me tickle him and laughs long and
loud, and he played catch with me. Right now I’m teasing
him (playfully) while he plays with his cars and stacking
cups. I’m having fun being a big sister, but I don’t
always get the attention I used to. Tomorrow I’m going to
see some sights in Beijing . I’ll write more then. Bye for
now. Your friend, Emma |
|
A little giggle time
Laughing and teasing
Clothing market
Walking in the mall
I like walking on Baba’s shoulders
This is fun! |
