We're Going To The Zoo!

March 4th 2009

This morning Sarah had her first bath, she wasn't quite sure what to think about it, she was most happy when it was finished. We dressed her and then went upstairs for breakfast. Once again we then met in the lobby, this time on our way to the zoo. Sarah was so tired as it had been a rough night, she seemed to have a tummy ache and then someone kept coming and ringing our doorbell nonstop at 1:00am and again at 3:30 am, Todd went and yelled something in Chinese to them and we didn't have any more problems. Seems they had the wrong room as they were looking for a party. Sarah fell asleep on the bus and remained asleep during the two hours we were at the zoo. We made sure to dress her warmly in her Chinese suit as I had gotten in trouble by a Chinese woman in Walmart as her pant leg was up a little showing the skin between her pants and socks, the woman came and pulled her pant leg down and said something in Chinese and looked a little irritated at me. One of the other mothers was also receiving quite the lecture as she didn't have enough layers on her baby, the woman pointed to her new daughter and then to the Chinese womans son who had about 50 layers on and looked somewhat like the boy in Christmas story who fell and couldn't get up because of all the clothes he had on. We all just smiled and nodded our heads.

The zoo was really nice, it was a wild animal park and all the animals were in their natural habitats and it was really great. If it had just been warmer we would have enjoyed it even more. The pollution is really awful and the weather has been quite cold. We will be glad to get to a place where it is a bit warmer.

All the children seem to be doing well, the little 3 1/2 year old girl has struggled the most. They were just able to get her out of her orphanage clothes this morning and she still cries at times for her "mama" meaning her nanny. It is heart breaking. She is so tiny, she weighs as much as Sarah does and Sarah is 18 months old. It is great though to see the strides she is making each day and heartwarming to see her smile. So amazing that after only a few days each of these children are settling in and adjusting to new families. So great to see them smile. I thought it was very interesting when we went back to the civil affairs office yesterday, I was a little worried as I knew that one of the nannies from Sarah's orphanage would be there and I wondered if that would be a setback for Sarah, but she didn't even try to go to her, she only wanted me and it was almost like she was shunning the Chinese people in the room. She seemed a bit concerned that she might have to go back. I know that Sarah was really well taken care of and loved by her nanny, she had taken care of her since the day she was found and Sarah came to us, very healthy and clean and well kept. It really was hard to see the nanny just sobbing as she left the room. I can see why she would, Sarah is absolutely amazing, she is so smart and strong. She practically runs places and she is the sweetest little thing in the world. She is so good! I am completely smitten with her. She falls into my arms and just grins, and we got the first belly laughs from her and it was so much fun. I love this little girl with all my heart and I just can't wait until you all can meet her, I know you will all instantly love her too. She is so beautiful, when she is wearing the little red Chinese outfit she looks like a little empress. We had another fun afternoon of playing and giggling and now she is napping and looks so peaceful. She is coming out of her shell more and more each day and is proving what a busy little girl she can be. One more thing, when the nanny was asked if Sarah had ever seen any animals or pets, the response was plush toys. Oh boy, her and Jack are each in for a surprise!