Day 9--Medical Check, Paperwork and Some New English Words

The basic events of this day are not terribly exciting. We began with individual pictures of all eight children being adopted in this group. It was GREAT to be with the families that we have not seen since Monday in the Beijing airport. Andrew had very much been looking forward to this. After pictures it was next door for the medical checks--pretty straight forward. After some shopping, where we purchased goggles for each of the boys, some sandals for Jadon since the shoes he came in were too small, and some food (including oreos--an American staple) we were back to the hotel. Lunch and then swimming. Jadon likes the jacuzzi more than the big pool because the water level is more to his size. He became a bit too confident in the big pool and wandered away from the ladder prior to Alan being in the pool. There was no real danger, but just a little bit of a scare (probably a healthy one). Alan spent the next hour and half doing paperwork required by the U.S. government to get Jadon's visa and citizenship. During that time Ruth, Andrew and Jadon played "Trouble" and did a few other things. Then Jadon took his daily bath (on his own request--a time to use the goggles again). Dinner was with several of the other families at the Japanese Restaurant in the hotel--very good.

There is some indication that Jadon is beginning to try new English words. Today's words were "later" (for which we have had a hand signal for several days) and "hungry" (a word that is used frequently in our family even if it is not entirely accurate). It was great to hear them and know that they have meaning.

We are all starting to become a bit worn by the long process. I wish there was more planned for the group so that we didn't have to always be creative in an environment with which we are unfamiliar and uncertain about what creative tools are available. We are all needing some person space that is just not available when four of you are sharing a hotel room. Andrew is tired of being whapped while sleeping by his brother so he has decided to sleep in an easy chair with extensions tonight. He has done a great job and we are so happy that he is here with us. Pray that he will see some rewards for his efforts towards his brother. It is obvious to the parents that Jadon likes and enjoys Andrew, but he is not feeling it much.