At 8:30 we were off to the Tianjin Institute of Children's Welfare. As we were signing the adoption papers at 9:00, Kristi came in with her teacher. She was not shy at all and came right up to us. She wanted to show us the panda we had sent her as well as the pictures we had sent. Then she sang a song for us - she has a wonderful sense of pitch - she loves music! We were surprised at how tiny she was - her arms and legs are so thin, we are a little concerned about that. Paul thinks she is just over 3 feet tall and weighs about 30 lbs. However, our fears were put to rest about her being developmentally delayed. She is very sharp and has quirky sense of humor! She was very happy and curious about everything going on. Her teacher was crying and very sorry to see her leave.
We stopped by Walmart on the way back to the hotel to buy a couple of smaller outfits. She is probably more like a 5T than a 6 - but hopefully she will put on weight quickly. She seemed used to being in stores as she was tossing frilly pink dresses, one after another, into the cart. Mom and dad will need to teach 'no' early on but we were happy to report she did not throw a tantrum as we put the dresses back (even though she was clearly displeased with us). Paul got his work out chasing her around the store! At the hotel, she was very happy to play toys with us. So far, she seems to have a very sweet disposition. Lindsey - she loves the hair bows - wants to wear all three and won't take them off! We went out to Pizza Hut for lunch. She was very patient waiting for food. Deanna - she really enjoys the etch-a-sketch you got her - kept her entertained until the pizza came! The waiter was very shocked when I tried to order in English. He quickly got someone who could understand English. Boys - you may have competition coming to the dinner table - she downed two pieces of pizza - not bad for a half pint!
All was well until shortly after we came back to the hotel after lunch. Then reality set in and she began to sob. She put on her sandals, put her little backpack on and I am certain she was asking to be brought back to the orphanage. She cried for about an hour. Although this was a positive sign and shows she had bonded to her teachers, it was heartbreaking to watch. After an hour, we called Lee to come and translate for us. He said she was sad and wanted to see her teachers. He went out for us to find some videos for her that would comfort her - Pleasant Goat and Big Bad Wolf. While he was gone, we got out the crayons and paper. We found out she loves to color and will do it for a long time. She sang us some more songs and watched her video.
Now it is after supper and she is getting sad again. Pray for her as she goes through this time of grieving and separation. Tomorrow will be a long day. We have several appointments during the day at civil offices.
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